High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer Kings County, NY
High net worth divorces in Kings County (Brooklyn) involve substantial marital estates, closely held businesses, investment portfolios, real estate holdings, professional practices, and complex compensation structures. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Concentrates its practice on family law matters, including high net worth divorce, and represents clients throughout Kings County. The Kings County Supreme Court, located at 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, is the court where matrimonial actions are filed. New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 provides that a no‑fault divorce may be granted when the marriage has broken down irretrievably for at least six months. High net worth cases often require forensic valuation, tracing of separate property, and detailed analysis of spousal maintenance under DRL § 236. Reach our location at (888) 437‑7747 to schedule a consultation.
What High Net Worth Divorce Means in Kings County
A high net worth divorce in Brooklyn is not a separate legal category but a term used to describe dissolutions where the marital estate includes assets that demand specialized financial analysis. The process remains governed by the same statutes that apply to all New York divorces, yet the practical demands—valuation of businesses, identification of offshore accounts, analysis of executive compensation packages, and protection of professional licenses—make the approach more intensive.
Under DRL § 236, New York follows equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court classifies all assets as marital or separate, values them, and then distributes the marital portion after considering statutory factors such as the length of the marriage, the age and health of each spouse, the income and property each brought to the marriage, and the contributions of each spouse as homemaker. High net worth estates frequently involve the need to trace the source of funds to prove that certain assets—such as a pre‑marital business or an inheritance—remain separate property not subject to division. Kings County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters; the location of the court at 360 Adams Street means counsel must be familiar with local practice and procedure. Our New York location, at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202, represents clients in Kings County matters; all meetings are by appointment.
Kings County Supreme Court hours: Mon‑Fri 9:00 AM‑5:00 PM. Counsel appearing on family law matters should plan filings accordingly.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle High Net Worth Divorce Cases
High net worth divorce demands a coordinated approach. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with forensic accountants, business valuators, real estate appraisers, and other professionals to build a clear picture of the marital estate. The first step is often a thorough exchange of financial disclosures, including tax returns, account statements, and business records. From there, the team identifies the issues that will control the outcome: the character of disputed assets, the sustainable income of each spouse for maintenance purposes, and the tax consequences of any proposed division.
Once the financial landscape is understood, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel develop a strategy tailored to the client’s objectives—whether the goal is to negotiate a settlement that preserves a family business, to litigate a contested valuation, or to secure a maintenance award that reflects the marital standard of living. Equitable distribution cases in Kings County can involve multiple court conferences and, when necessary, a trial before a Supreme Court justice. Throughout the process, the team remains mindful that New York’s automatic orders (DRL § 236) freeze marital assets upon filing, so early planning is crucial. The timeline varies by case complexity and the court’s calendar.
New York no‑fault divorce requires an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months (DRL § 170(7)).
Source: New York Domestic Relations Law. N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced family law since 1997. As a former prosecutor, he brings a litigation background that helps clients navigate contested high‑net‑worth matters. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience, with 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
The Of Counsel team includes attorneys who collaborate with Mr. Sris to address the financial, tax, and valuation issues that arise in high net worth divorces. By drawing on the collective experience of the team, the firm is able to handle matters that demand a sophisticated understanding of business structures, retirement assets, and complex compensation arrangements. Every client works with the team under the direction of Mr. Sris.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a high net worth divorce?
A high net worth divorce involves a marital estate where the assets—such as businesses, commercial real estate, investment accounts, and executive compensation—require professional valuation and sophisticated legal representation. In Kings County, these cases often involve dividing assets that are not easily liquidated, tracing separate property claims, and calculating spousal maintenance based on a standard of living established during a long‑term marriage. The legal process under the New York Domestic Relations Law remains the same regardless of estate size, but the financial complexity makes early advice important.
How is property divided in a high net worth divorce in New York?
New York follows equitable distribution under DRL § 236, which means marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily equally. The court first classifies all assets as marital or separate, then values them. High net worth cases frequently involve disputes over whether a business grew from marital contributions, whether an inheritance was commingled, or whether a professional degree is subject to distribution. The statutory factors the court considers include the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s contributions, and the income and property of each party. Complex cases often require forensic accounting to identify and value assets.
Can I protect my business in a divorce?
Whether a business is protected depends on whether it is classified as marital or separate property. If the business was started during the marriage with marital funds or labor, it is likely marital property subject to division. A pre‑marital business may remain separate, but any increase in value attributable to the efforts of either spouse during the marriage can be treated as marital. Proving the character of the asset often requires thorough documentation and expert testimony. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work with business valuators to identify what portion of a business is marital versus separate.
How does spousal maintenance work in high net worth cases?
Spousal maintenance in New York is determined by statutory formulas and by considering factors such as the length of the marriage, the standard of living, and each spouse’s ability to become self‑supporting. In high net worth cases, the court may deviate from the formula when the income exceeds the statutory cap or when applying the formula would be unjust. Temporary maintenance is often awarded while the case is pending, and post‑divorce maintenance can be awarded for a duration tied to the length of the marriage. Maintenance calculations in high net worth divorces frequently involve disputes over imputed income, bonuses, and non‑cash compensation.
Do I need a lawyer for a high net worth divorce?
While self‑representation is permitted, high net worth divorce presents financial and procedural complexities that make legal guidance important. Errors in classifying assets, failing to trace separate property, or miscalculating maintenance can have long‑term financial consequences. An attorney familiar with Kings County practice can help identify the issues that matter, negotiate a comprehensive settlement, and, if necessary, present your case in Supreme Court. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437‑7747.
Key statutes: New York Domestic Relations Law
DRL (full text) ·
Kings County Supreme Court ·
New York Courts
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.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New York location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. By appointment only. Call (888) 437‑7747.