Divorce Lawyer Brooklyn, NY
If you are considering divorce in Brooklyn, New York, the process begins in Kings County, a jurisdiction with its own procedural rhythms inside one of the country’s busiest court systems. Contested or uncontested, a New York divorce involves statutory requirements — the six‑month irretrievable‑breakdown standard, equitable distribution of marital property, and maintenance guidelines that affect your financial future. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in divorce matters across all five boroughs, and Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, concentrates his practice on family law disputes from the Kings County Supreme Court to the Family Court down the street. Because the outcome of a divorce touches custody, support, and the division of everything you built, early consultation with experienced counsel matters. Reach the firm’s location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
What Divorce Means in Brooklyn, New York
Divorce in Brooklyn is governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law and filed in the Kings County Supreme Court, located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. The court is part of the 2nd Judicial District and handles all matrimonial actions, including the dissolution of marriage, equitable distribution, and spousal maintenance. Cases involving custody, visitation, and child support may also be heard in the Kings County Family Court, which shares the same address. The two courts often interact — a divorce filed in Supreme Court can generate parallel proceedings in Family Court when the parties cannot agree on custody or support. Understanding where each issue is decided matters for strategy.
New York is a no‑fault divorce state. The sole statutory ground for divorce is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months (DRL § 170). The court will also grant a divorce on a fault ground such as cruelty, adultery, or abandonment, but the vast majority of cases proceed on the no‑fault ground, which requires either a sworn statement that the marriage has been irretrievably broken for six months or a signed separation agreement. Once the divorce is filed, automatic orders under DRL § 236 prohibit either spouse from transferring assets, changing insurance beneficiaries, or otherwise dissipating marital property without the other’s written consent or a court order. Property division follows the equitable‑distribution model, meaning the court will classify and distribute marital assets in a manner it considers fair, not necessarily equal. Maintenance — often called alimony — is determined by a statutory formula that considers the length of the marriage and the parties’ incomes, with both temporary and post‑divorce maintenance periods codified in the statute. Child support, which often becomes the most contested issue, uses an income‑shares formula: 17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children, applied to combined income up to a statutory cap, with discretion for amounts above that cap.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Divorce Cases
Every divorce in Brooklyn begins with the filing of a summons and complaint or a summons with notice in Kings County Supreme Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team take an approach that focuses on early case assessment and candid advice about what a Brooklyn judge is likely to do with the specific facts. They prepare the required financial disclosure affidavits, statements of net worth, and any pendente lite motions — requests for temporary relief filed while the case is pending. These motions can address temporary custody, support, exclusive use of the marital residence, and the appointment of attorneys when necessary.
After disclosure and any motion practice, the court will schedule a preliminary conference, where a judge or court attorney will set a discovery schedule and may refer the parties to alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel routinely participate in settlement conferences and, when settlement is not possible, prepare for a trial before a Supreme Court justice. Because Brooklyn courts are among the busiest in the state, the timeline for a contested divorce can extend significantly; uncontested cases, where the parties have resolved all issues, can proceed to judgment more quickly. Throughout the process, the team works to protect clients’ property interests, parenting rights, and financial stability while keeping them informed of the realistic range of outcomes under New York law.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor who began practicing in 1997, he is admitted to the bars of New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey. His multi‑state admission allows him to serve clients whose marriages or assets cross state lines — a frequent reality in the New York metro area. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). He maintains a deliberate caseload so that he can remain deeply involved in the strategy of every family law matter the firm accepts.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. The team has documented 4,739+ case results across the firm’s practice areas since 1997, working toward favorable outcomes for clients in divorce, custody, support, and related proceedings.
For a no‑fault divorce in New York, the sole statutory ground is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months.
Source: N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170. New York Domestic Relations Law § 170
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
New York follows equitable distribution of marital property, as codified at DRL § 236, which includes automatic orders that freeze assets upon filing.
Source: N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236. New York Domestic Relations Law § 236
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Child support in New York is calculated as a percentage of combined parental income up to a statutory cap: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children.
Source: N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240. New York Domestic Relations Law § 240
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a divorce lawyer if my spouse and I agree on everything?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer when both parties agree, an attorney helps ensure that the separation agreement is properly drafted and that you understand the long‑term consequences of the terms. Uncontested divorces in New York still require careful handling of equitable distribution, maintenance waivers, and tax‑sensitive retirement division. An attorney can review the settlement to confirm it complies with the Domestic Relations Law and reduce the risk of a later court challenge. Even in an amicable situation, a lawyer can identify issues you may not have considered — such as changes in child support when a child reaches age 21 or the treatment of a business interest — and help you finalize the divorce without delay.
How is child support calculated in Brooklyn, New York?
New York law applies a statutory percentage to the combined parental income, up to a statutory cap: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children. The court may deviate from these guidelines for amounts above the cap, considering factors such as the child’s special needs, the standard of living during the marriage, and the financial resources of each parent. In Kings County, child support cases are heard in either the Supreme Court as part of a divorce action or in the Family Court as a standalone petition. The lawyer assisting you with a Brooklyn divorce will typically address child support as part of the overall settlement strategy, coordinating the two courts if necessary.
How long does a divorce take in Kings County (Brooklyn)?
The timeline depends on whether the case is contested and on the court’s calendar; an uncontested divorce can be completed in a few months, while a contested case may take over a year. Kings County Supreme Court is among the highest‑volume matrimonial parts in New York, so schedule congestion affects how quickly a judge can hold conferences and a trial. Cases that settle early — for example, through a signed separation agreement or a mediated settlement — move faster. A lawyer who is familiar with the Brooklyn judges’ preferences can often help expedite the process by presenting a fully prepared, clear record early in the preliminary conference stage.
What should I bring to my first consultation with a divorce lawyer?
Bring a list of all marital assets and debts, recent pay stubs, the last three years of tax returns, and any existing prenuptial or separation agreements. Bank statements, retirement account statements, mortgage documents, and property deeds are also helpful. If you are concerned about custody or visitation, provide any relevant school, medical, or child‑care records. The more complete the information you provide, the better your attorney can give you a realistic assessment of how a Brooklyn divorce matter is likely to proceed. The consultation is confidential, so it is important to be candid about finances, parenting issues, and any fears you may have about the process.
How do I find a divorce lawyer in Brooklyn whom I can trust?
Look for an attorney who regularly appears in Kings County Supreme Court, who is upfront about the likely timeline and cost of your case, and who can explain the New York statutory framework clearly. Verify the lawyer’s bar admission — New York attorneys are licensed by the New York State Unified Court System, and you can confirm an attorney’s standing through the online attorney directory. A firm that also handles related family law matters such as custody modifications and support enforcement can offer continuity if post‑judgment issues arise. For a consultation with Mr. Sris, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Also see our related practice pages: Manhattan Divorce & Family Lawyer · Queens Divorce & Family Lawyer · Staten Island Divorce & Family Lawyer · Nassau County Divorce & Family Lawyer
Informational sources: Kings County Supreme Court Official Page · New York Domestic Relations Law · New York City Family Court
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. maintains a location at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, and practices in Brooklyn by appointment. (888) 437-7747. Serving Brooklyn (Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed‑Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, Sunset Park).