Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Ulster County, New York
In Ulster County, divorce filing fees start at $335 for the index number, with contested cases typically taking 12-24 months. Child support follows a statutory percentage formula based on combined parental income.
New York Family Law Statutes
Divorce in New York is primarily governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL). The state adopted no-fault divorce in 2010 under DRL § 170, allowing dissolution based on an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months. Equitable distribution of marital property is controlled by DRL § 236, which does not mandate a 50/50 split but requires a fair division based on multiple statutory factors. Child support calculations follow the Family Court Act, using a percentage-of-income model.
Last verified: March 2026 | Ulster County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Ulster County Family Court Procedures
Ulster County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters, while Ulster County Family Court addresses custody, support, and family offense petitions. New York’s automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing.
- File a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint at the Ulster County Supreme Court Clerk’s office, paying the $335 index number fee.
- Serve your spouse with the divorce papers and file proof of service with the court.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) form and pay the $95 fee to assign a judge to your case.
- Attend mandatory settlement conferences to discuss asset division, support, and custody.
- Complete financial discovery, including exchanging statements, tax returns, and asset appraisals.
- Finalize through settlement agreement or proceed to trial by filing a note of issue ($30 fee).
Family Law Standards and Financial Implications
In Ulster County, divorce involves equitable distribution of marital property, potential maintenance (alimony) based on statutory formulas, and child support calculated as a percentage of combined parental income.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault: irretrievable breakdown 6+ months (DRL § 170) | Filing fee: $335 + $95 RJI + $30 note of issue | Uncontested: 3-6 months; Contested: 12-24+ months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (DRL § 236) | Business valuation: $5,000-$20,000+ | Discovery: 3-9 months |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory formula (temporary & post-divorce) | Based on income disparity and duration | Temporary orders: 30-60 days for hearing |
| Child Support | Percentage of income (17% for 1 child, 25% for 2) | Applies to combined income up to $163,000 | Modifiable with substantial change |
| Custody Evaluation | Best interests of the child | Forensic evaluation: $5,000-$20,000+ | Evaluation: 2-6 months |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Our Family Law Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating deep legislative understanding applicable to complex property division cases in New York. Our approach combines this substantive knowledge with practical courtroom experience.
Documented Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys approach each family law matter with strategic preparation focused on achieving efficient resolutions while protecting our clients’ financial and parental interests.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation in Ulster County
Our New York location serves clients at Ulster County courts, accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, and the Taconic State Parkway. We are a family law lawyer near Kingston, New Paltz, and Woodstock.
We serve the Ulster County area and surrounding communities including Saugerties, Ellenville, Rosendale, Gardiner, Stone Ridge, and Marbletown.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in New York?
New York is a no-fault divorce state. The primary ground is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months (NY DRL § 170). Fault grounds like adultery or cruel treatment are also available but less common.
How is child support calculated in Ulster County?
Child support follows a statutory formula: 17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more. This applies to combined income up to $163,000 (NY Family Court Act).
What is the filing fee for a divorce in Ulster County Supreme Court?
The index number purchase fee is $335. Additional fees include $95 for a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) and $30 for a note of issue. Service of process and certified copies incur extra costs.
How long does a contested divorce take in Ulster County?
A contested divorce typically takes 12 to 24 months or longer. The timeline depends on court scheduling, discovery, mandatory settlement conferences, and whether complex issues like business valuation or custody evaluations are involved.
What are automatic restraining orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing, automatic orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets, prohibit changes to insurance beneficiaries, and restrict disposing of property. These orders protect both parties’ financial interests during the proceedings.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.