Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Tompkins County, New York
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Tompkins County, New York. A no-fault divorce requires an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months under N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Our New York location serves clients in Ithaca, Dryden, and surrounding Finger Lakes communities.
In Tompkins County, the Supreme Court handles divorce and equitable distribution, while Family Court handles custody and support matters.
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and Family Court Act (FCA). The primary statutes for divorce are N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170 (grounds for divorce) and DRL § 236 (equitable distribution and maintenance). Child support is calculated using a statutory percentage formula under the Child Support Standards Act. Custody decisions are based on the child’s best interests.
Last verified: March 2026 | Tompkins County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Tompkins County Family Court Process
Tompkins County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Tompkins County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense petitions. New York requires a 6-month period of irretrievable breakdown or a signed separation agreement for no-fault divorce.
- File the initial summons and complaint with the court clerk, paying the $335 index number fee.
- Serve the other party with the divorce papers according to New York service rules.
- Exchange a sworn statement of net worth detailing all assets, debts, and income.
- Attend the mandatory settlement conference to attempt resolution.
- Proceed to trial before a Supreme Court Justice if settlement is not reached.
Family Law Standards & Potential Outcomes
In Tompkins County, family law matters involve equitable distribution of marital property, maintenance calculated by statutory formula, and child support based on a percentage of combined parental income.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (irretrievable breakdown 6+ months) – DRL § 170(7) | Filing fee: $335 + other costs | Automatic restraining orders on assets |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution – DRL § 236 | Division of marital assets & debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory formula (temporary & post-divorce) – DRL § 236 | Based on income and duration of marriage | Can be modified upon substantial change |
| Child Support (1 child) | 17% of combined parental income up to $163k – CSSA | Ongoing monthly payment | Plus healthcare, education, childcare add-ons |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Potential evaluation costs: $5,000-$20,000+ | Parenting time schedule established |
Results may vary. The information above describes general legal standards, not specific case outcomes.
Firm Credentials & Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative engagement in family law. Our tagline is “Global advocacy. Local precision.”
Documented Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC. Our attorneys use their extensive litigation experience to pursue positive resolutions in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our New York location serves clients at Tompkins County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Ithaca and the Finger Lakes region. We serve clients in Ithaca, Dryden, Lansing, Trumansburg, Groton, Newfield, Caroline, and Enfield.
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.
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
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 relationship for at least six months, as defined in N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). Fault-based grounds like adultery or cruel treatment still exist but are less common.
How is child support calculated in Tompkins County?
Child support follows a statutory formula. For one child, it is 17% of the combined parental income up to $163,000. For two children, it is 25%; three is 29%; four is 31%; five or more is 35%. The court has discretion for income above the cap.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Tompkins County?
The Tompkins County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and maintenance (alimony). The Tompkins County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions.
How long does a divorce take in Tompkins County?
An uncontested divorce typically takes 3 to 6 months from filing to judgment. A contested divorce can take 12 to 24 months or longer, depending on case complexity, mandatory settlement conferences, and court scheduling.
What are automatic restraining orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing for divorce, automatic orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets. You cannot sell or transfer property, change insurance beneficiaries, or incur unreasonable debts. These orders protect the marital estate during proceedings.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.