Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Nassau County, New York
New York follows equitable distribution, dividing marital property fairly based on factors like marriage duration and contributions, not necessarily equally.
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is primarily codified in the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and Family Court Act (FCA). DRL § 170 establishes the grounds for divorce, including no-fault (irretrievable breakdown for six months or more), cruel and inhuman treatment, adultery, abandonment for one year or more, and imprisonment. DRL § 236 governs equitable distribution of marital property and awards of maintenance (alimony), providing detailed factors courts must consider. The statute also includes automatic orders that freeze marital assets upon filing. Child custody and visitation are determined under DRL § 240 based on the child’s best interests. Child support follows a statutory percentage formula under the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA).
Last verified: March 2026 | Nassau County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New York’s family law statutes, review the official legislation: New York Domestic Relations Law § 170 (official New York State Legislature). For court forms, procedures, and local rules in Nassau County, visit the Nassau County Supreme Court website.
Nassau County Family Court Process
Nassau County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters, while Nassau 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. Maintenance is calculated using a codified statutory formula for both temporary and post-divorce periods.
- File the initial papers: File a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint at the Nassau County Supreme Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $335 index number fee.
- Serve your spouse: Serve the divorce papers on your spouse according to New York rules. File proof of service with the court.
- Exchange financial disclosure: Complete and exchange a Statement of Net Worth and other required financial disclosures within 45 days.
- Attend mandatory conferences: Attend preliminary and compliance conferences. The court may refer the case to mediation or a neutral evaluation.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): File an RJI ($95 fee) to assign a judge if the case is contested and requires judicial oversight.
- Proceed to trial or settlement: Either reach a settlement agreement or proceed to trial before a Nassau County Supreme Court Justice.
Nassau County Divorce Penalties & Outcomes
In Nassau County, divorce involves equitable distribution of marital property, potential maintenance awards, and child support obligations following New York’s statutory formulas.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Filing | No-fault (DRL § 170) | Index fee: $335; RJI: $95 | Automatic orders freeze assets |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property | Factors include marriage duration, income, contributions |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary and post-divorce calculations based on income | Duration depends on marriage length |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act | 17% of combined income for 1 child, 25% for 2, up to $163K | Court may order above cap; covers health insurance, childcare |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child (DRL § 240) | No direct fine | Determines physical/legal custody, visitation schedule |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials in New York Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law matters in New York. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep, practical understanding of property division law that informs our approach to New York’s equitable distribution system. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our commitment to providing focused, effective representation in Nassau County courts.
Documented Case Results
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. Our attorneys apply this extensive litigation experience to family law cases in Nassau County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Nassau County Family Law Office
Our New York location serves clients at Nassau County courts, accessible via I-495 (LIE), Northern State Parkway, and Southern State Parkway. As a family law lawyer near Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola, we represent clients throughout Mineola, Garden City, Hempstead, Long Beach, Valley Stream, Hicksville, Levittown, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Great Neck, Massapequa, and Syosset.
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 Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 lists seven grounds, including no-fault (irretrievable breakdown for 6+ months), cruel and inhuman treatment, adultery, abandonment, and imprisonment.
How is marital property divided in a Nassau County divorce?
New York follows equitable distribution under DRL § 236. The court divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally, based on factors like marriage duration, income, and contributions.
How is child support calculated in New York?
Child support follows a statutory formula: 17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, up to $163,000 combined income. The court may order support above that cap.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Nassau County?
Nassau County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and maintenance. Nassau County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense petitions.
How long does a contested divorce take in Nassau County?
A contested divorce typically takes 12-24+ months in Nassau County. The timeline depends on case complexity, court scheduling, and whether forensic evaluations or extensive discovery are needed.
Related Legal Resources
New York Family Law Lawyer | New York County (Manhattan) Divorce Lawyer | Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Mr. Sris Profile
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.