Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Putnam County, New York
Putnam County divorce requires handling New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 and § 236, with Supreme Court filing fees starting at $335. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, child custody, and support matters in Carmel, Brewster, and surrounding communities. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
In Putnam County, family law cases are heard in the Putnam County Supreme Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Putnam County Family Court for custody and support matters.
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). The primary statute for divorce is N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170, which establishes grounds including irretrievable breakdown for six months. Equitable distribution of marital property is controlled by DRL § 236, which requires a fair, though not necessarily equal, division based on multiple statutory factors. Child support follows a precise formula under the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA), and custody determinations use the “best interests of the child” standard. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, applies this legal framework to protect clients’ rights in Putnam County.
Last verified: March 2026 | Putnam County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
- N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170 (official New York State Legislature) – The statutory grounds for divorce in New York.
- Putnam County Supreme Court website – Official court information for filings, fees, and procedures.
Putnam County Family Court Process
Putnam County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters, while Putnam County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, and family offense petitions. New York requires a six-month period of irretrievable breakdown or a signed separation agreement for a no-fault divorce.
- File the initial summons and complaint: Begin by filing a summons with notice or a summons and complaint with the Putnam County Supreme Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $335 index number fee and ensure proper service on your spouse.
- Exchange financial disclosure and attend preliminary conference: Both parties must exchange sworn net worth statements. The court schedules a preliminary conference to set discovery deadlines and explore settlement.
- Complete discovery and attend compliance conference: Conduct formal discovery. A compliance conference verifies all financial disclosure is complete. For contested custody, the court may order a forensic evaluation.
- Attend mandatory settlement conference: The court requires a settlement conference before trial. A judge or court attorney supports negotiations on asset division, support, and custody.
- Proceed to trial if no settlement is reached: If settlement fails, the case proceeds to trial before a Supreme Court Justice. Both parties present evidence, and the judge issues a final decision.
Family Law Outcomes and Standards
In Putnam County, family law matters involve statutory standards for property division, support, and custody, with Supreme Court filing fees starting at $335 and timelines ranging from 3-6 months for uncontested cases to 12-24+ months for contested divorces.
| Issue | Governing Law | Standard / Formula | Court |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | N.Y. DRL § 170 | Irretrievable breakdown (6+ months) – No-fault | Supreme Court |
| Property Division | N.Y. DRL § 236 | Equitable distribution (fair, not necessarily equal) | Supreme Court |
| Spousal Support (Maintenance) | N.Y. DRL § 236 | Statutory formula based on income and duration | Supreme Court |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act | 17% of combined income (1 child), 25% (2 children) up to $163,000 | Family or Supreme Court |
| Child Custody | N.Y. DRL § 240 | Best interests of the child | Family Court |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative engagement. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the details of New York’s DRL and FCA to achieve strong outcomes for clients in Putnam County.
Documented Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our experience includes successful resolutions in complex divorce, custody disputes, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation
Our New York location serves clients at Putnam County courts, accessible via I-87, I-84, and the Taconic State Parkway. As a family law lawyer near Carmel and Brewster, we represent clients throughout Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in Putnam County, New York?
New York is a no-fault divorce state. The primary ground is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months, as defined in N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). Fault-based grounds like adultery or cruel treatment are also available but less common.
How is child support calculated in New York?
Child support follows a statutory formula. For one child, it’s 17% of the combined parental income up to $163,000. For two children, it’s 25%; three is 29%. The court has discretion for income above the cap. The non-custodial parent typically pays.
What is equitable distribution in a New York divorce?
Equitable distribution under N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 236 means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like each spouse’s income, contributions, and the marriage’s length. Separate property acquired before marriage usually remains with the original owner.
How long does a contested divorce take in Putnam County?
A contested divorce typically takes 12 to 24 months or more in Putnam County Supreme Court. The timeline depends on case complexity, court scheduling, and whether forensic evaluations for custody or assets are needed. An uncontested divorce can be completed in 3-6 months.
What are automatic orders in a New York divorce?
Automatic orders under DRL § 236 take effect when a divorce is filed. They freeze marital assets, prohibit changing insurance beneficiaries, and restrict major financial transactions without court approval or mutual consent. These orders protect both parties’ interests during the proceedings.
Related Legal Services
- New York Family Law Lawyer – Our state-level hub page for family law.
- Manhattan Divorce Lawyer – Family law representation in New York County.
- Putnam County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about the managing attorney.
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.