Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Kings County (Brooklyn), New York
New York follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on factors like income, contributions, and future needs, not necessarily 50/50.
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is primarily governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). The key statute for divorce is DRL § 170, which establishes the grounds, including the no-fault provision of irretrievable breakdown. Equitable distribution of marital property and maintenance (alimony) are detailed in DRL § 236, which includes codified formulas for calculating support. Child custody and support matters are addressed under DRL § 240 and the Family Court Act.
Last verified: March 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With a background in accounting and information systems, he brings a detailed approach to complex financial aspects of divorce, such as business valuation and retirement asset division.
Official Legal Resources
- New York Domestic Relations Law § 170 (official New York State Legislature) – The official statute for divorce grounds.
- Kings County Supreme Court website (official NYCourts.gov domain) – For court forms, fees, and local rules.
Kings County Family Law Procedure
Family law cases in Brooklyn are split between two courts. The Kings County Supreme Court at 360 Adams Street handles all divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support actions. The Kings County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense petitions. This division means you may have cases proceeding in two different courts simultaneously.
- File the initial summons and complaint with the Kings County Clerk’s Office, paying the $335 index number fee. This triggers automatic restraining orders freezing marital assets.
- Serve the papers on your spouse within 120 days using a process server, sheriff, or mail with acknowledgment, then file proof of service.
- Exchange sworn statements of net worth and complete financial disclosure, including tax returns, pay stubs, and account statements.
- Attend all mandatory settlement conferences where a judge or referee attempts to facilitate an agreement on all issues.
- Consider alternative dispute resolution like mediation or collaborative law, which are increasingly used in Brooklyn to avoid protracted litigation.
- Prepare for trial if settlement fails, which involves subpoenaing witnesses, gathering evidence, and filing pre-trial motions for a judge to decide.
Potential Outcomes in a Brooklyn Divorce
In Kings County (Brooklyn), divorce involves equitable distribution of assets, potential maintenance payments, and child support based on statutory formulas, with outcomes heavily dependent on the specific facts of each case.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not equal, split of marital property | Varies widely; business valuation often required |
| Spousal Maintenance | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary and post-divorce support calculations | Based on income disparity and duration of marriage |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act (DRL § 240) | Percentage of combined parental income | 17% for one child, 25% for two (up to $163k income) |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal and physical custody arrangements | Can involve parenting time schedules and decision-making |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are potential results based on New York law; each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a distinct perspective to Kings County family law. Founded in 1997, the firm combines over 120 years of combined legal experience. While our primary family law attorney for New York is Mr. Sris, his background as a former prosecutor and his successful amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3) demonstrate a deep, practical understanding of how laws are applied and can be shaped, an insight valuable in any jurisdiction.
Our approach in Brooklyn is informed by firm-wide handling of 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the procedural nuances of the Kings County courts, from the filing desk at 360 Adams Street to the settlement conference rooms.
Documented Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with over 93% favorable outcomes. This extensive experience includes successful resolutions in complex family law matters involving high-net-worth asset division, contested custody disputes, and challenging spousal support cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case, as each matter depends on its unique facts and circumstances.
Representing Clients in Brooklyn
Our New York location serves clients at the Kings County (Brooklyn) courts. We are accessible via the BQE (I-278), Atlantic Avenue, and the extensive subway system (2/3/4/5/B/D/F/G/N/Q/R). As a family law lawyer near Kings County Supreme Court, we represent clients from neighborhoods including Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park.
Availability: 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 allows both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common is no-fault, requiring an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months (NY Domestic Relations Law § 170). Fault grounds include adultery, cruel treatment, abandonment, imprisonment, or living apart under a separation decree.
How is property divided in a New York divorce?
New York follows equitable distribution under DRL § 236. This means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage, and future needs. Separate property acquired before marriage or through inheritance usually remains with the original owner.
How is child support calculated in Kings County?
It depends on a statutory formula. For combined parental income up to $163,000, the court applies a percentage: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children. For income above that threshold, the court has discretion.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Brooklyn?
Kings County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Kings County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions. Some matters may be transferred between courts for efficiency.
How long does a contested divorce take in Brooklyn?
A contested divorce in Kings County typically takes 12 to 24 months or longer due to court volume. The timeline involves filing, discovery, mandatory settlement conferences, and potentially a trial. An uncontested divorce with an agreement can be completed in 3 to 6 months.
Related Legal Resources
- New York Family Law Lawyer Hub – Overview of family law across New York State.
- Manhattan Divorce & Family Lawyer – Information for New York County (Manhattan).
- Kings County (Brooklyn) Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about the managing attorney.
Last verified: February 2026. Information is current as of this date. Laws and procedures change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.