Divorce Lawyer Tompkins County, NY

You live in Ithaca, or maybe in Dryden or Trumansburg, and your marriage is ending. You know a divorce will reshape your finances, your time with your children, and your daily life—but the New York court process feels unfamiliar. You may be unsure what grounds apply, how property will be divided, or whether you will owe or receive spousal support. The Supreme Court in Tompkins County resolves these issues under New York’s Domestic Relations Law, and the choices made early in a case can affect the outcome for years. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals across the Finger Lakes region in contested and uncontested divorces, custody, support, and equitable distribution. For a confidential consultation about your matter, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

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The Divorce Landscape in Tompkins County

Divorce cases in Tompkins County are heard in the New York Supreme Court, located at 320 North Tioga Street in Ithaca. The court handles matrimonial matters—everything from the initial filing through trial, if necessary—while related issues like custody and child support may also be addressed in Family Court. Because Tompkins County is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, many cases involve academic professionals, international families, and complex asset profiles, making a careful approach to property classification and valuation essential.

New York recognizes both no‑fault and fault‑based grounds for divorce. A spouse may seek divorce based on an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period defined by statute, while fault grounds—such as cruelty, abandonment, or adultery—remain available. Whatever grounds are pleaded, the court applies equitable distribution principles under the Domestic Relations Law to divide marital property fairly, and it may award maintenance (spousal support) according to statutory guidelines. Our firm handles every phase of this process in Tompkins County, from the filing of the summons and complaint through pendente lite motions and, when needed, trial.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Tompkins County Divorce Cases

When you work with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., your case receives focused attention from Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, and his Of Counsel team. The approach is deliberate: we begin by understanding your goals—whether that means negotiating a separation agreement, protecting a business interest, or securing a parenting plan that works for your children. We then develop a strategy tailored to the specific expectations of the Tompkins County Supreme Court.

In an uncontested matter, we prepare a comprehensive separation agreement and guide you through the procedural steps required to obtain a judgment efficiently. In a contested case, we handle discovery demands, valuations (including businesses and retirement assets), and motion practice. We are familiar with the local judges’ preferences, the court’s electronic filing system, and the availability of alternative dispute resolution through mediation or collaborative law. If temporary orders are needed—for exclusive occupancy of the family home, spousal support, or custody pendente lite—we move quickly to protect your position.

Penalties and Consequences: What’s at Stake

A divorce judgment restructures nearly every aspect of your personal and financial life. The equitable distribution order determines who keeps the house, how bank accounts and retirement plans are divided, and whether one spouse must pay a distributive award. Maintenance may be ordered for a duration and in an amount that the court finds just. Child support is calculated under the state’s formula, and custody and visitation schedules are set according to the best interests of the child. Failure to comply with court orders can lead to enforcement proceedings, including wage garnishment or contempt. Because the stakes are high, having an attorney who understands Tompkins County procedures and New York statutory factors can help you navigate the process and avoid missteps that could later be difficult to undo.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does divorce work in Tompkins County?

A divorce in Tompkins County is filed in the Supreme Court and proceeds under New York’s Domestic Relations Law. The case begins when one spouse files a summons and complaint stating the grounds for divorce. The other spouse is served and has an opportunity to respond. If the matter is uncontested, the court reviews the separation agreement and may grant a judgment on papers. If contested, the court may schedule a preliminary conference, order discovery, and eventually hold a trial. Temporary relief hearings are available early in the case to address support, custody, and exclusive occupancy of the home. Throughout, the court applies equitable distribution to divide marital property and may award maintenance and child support.

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Tompkins County?

You are not required to hire a lawyer, but a divorce involves significant legal and financial decisions that can affect you for years. Procedural mistakes can delay the case or lead to an unfavorable result. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, negotiate a fair agreement, and present your case effectively if the matter goes to court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have handled divorce matters in New York for years and are familiar with the Tompkins County courts.

How is property divided in a Tompkins County divorce?

Marital property is divided under the principle of equitable distribution, which means the court aims for a fair—but not necessarily equal—division. The court classifies assets as marital or separate, values them, and then considers a list of statutory factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions as a homemaker, and the tax consequences of any division. Separate property, such as an inheritance or a gift to one spouse, is generally not subject to distribution. Our firm works with financial professionals when needed to trace assets and present a clear picture of the marital estate.

What about child custody and support in Tompkins County?

Custody and visitation are determined by the best interests of the child, and child support is calculated under a statutory formula. The court may award joint or sole custody, and it considers factors such as each parent’s relationship with the child, their ability to cooperate, and any history of domestic violence. Child support is based on both parents’ incomes and the number of children, with adjustments for extraordinary expenses like medical care or education. In Tompkins County, custody and support issues are often resolved as part of the divorce case, but they may also be heard in Family Court if needed.

How long will my divorce take?

The timeline varies depending on whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, the complexity of the assets, and the court’s calendar. An uncontested matter can move through the system more quickly than a contested one. In any case, unexpected issues—like disputes over valuation or custody—can extend the process. We work to resolve matters as efficiently as the circumstances allow while protecting your legal rights.

Can I get spousal support (alimony) in Tompkins County?

Spousal support, now called maintenance in New York, may be awarded to a spouse who lacks sufficient income to meet their reasonable needs. The court applies statutory guidelines to determine the amount and duration, taking into account factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living during the marriage, and the earning capacity of each party. Maintenance may be temporary, awarded while the case is pending, or post‑divorce. Our firm can help you evaluate whether maintenance is likely in your situation and present the necessary evidence to the court.

What if my spouse and I agree on everything?

An uncontested divorce is often faster and less expensive, but it still requires a written separation agreement that is fair and legally sufficient. The agreement must address all issues: property division, maintenance, custody, and support. Once signed and acknowledged, it is submitted to the court for incorporation into the divorce judgment. We draft and review these agreements to ensure they comply with New York law and protect your interests.

Where does the firm appear in Tompkins County?

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears at the Tompkins County Supreme Court and Family Court. Our New York location is 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, and we represent clients throughout the Finger Lakes region, including Ithaca, Dryden, Lansing, Trumansburg, Groton, Newfield, Caroline, and Enfield. For directions or to schedule an appointment, call (888) 437-7747.

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New York Divorce Resources

For a confidential consultation about your Tompkins County divorce matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

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