
High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer Richmond County, NY
You have built a life together in Staten Island—a home in Todt Hill, a thriving professional practice near St. George, a portfolio of investments accumulated over two decades. Now the marriage is ending, and the thought of untangling those assets in a Richmond County courtroom feels overwhelming. A high net worth divorce involves more than just signing papers; it requires careful analysis of business valuations, retirement accounts, real estate holdings, and executive compensation structures, all under New York’s equitable distribution rules. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we understand what is at stake. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team bring extensive experience to complex property division, spousal maintenance, and custody matters in Richmond County Supreme Court. To discuss how we can help protect your financial future, call (888) 437-7747 and request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
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ToggleHigh Net Worth Divorce in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York
Richmond County, coextensive with the borough of Staten Island, is part of New York City’s 13th Judicial District. Divorce and equitable distribution matters are heard in the Richmond County Supreme Court, located at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301. Custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense petitions are handled by Richmond County Family Court. These courts follow the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL), which governs every aspect of dissolving a marriage.
New York requires that a marriage be irretrievably broken for at least six months before a court can grant a no-fault divorce.
Source: New York Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). NY Senate DRL §170
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
For high net worth couples, the real complexity lies in equitable distribution under DRL §236. A judge does not simply split everything 50/50; the court must consider factors such as the duration of the marriage, the income and property of each spouse, the contributions each made to the other’s career or earning capacity, and the loss of inheritance or pension rights. Marital property includes everything acquired during the marriage—from the family business to stock options and deferred compensation—while separate property acquired before the marriage or by gift or inheritance generally remains with the original owner. Tracing and classifying assets accurately is critical. The court also enters automatic restraining orders upon filing a divorce action, freezing marital assets and prohibiting changes to insurance coverage. Spousal maintenance, calculated under a statutory formula, can have long-term financial implications. Our firm works with clients to present a clear financial picture, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation in the Supreme Court.
Richmond County courts are served by major transportation arteries like I-278, the Staten Island Expressway, and the West Shore Expressway, making them accessible from neighborhoods including New Dorp, Great Kills, Tottenville, and Port Richmond. While our New York location is at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202—call (838) 292-0003 for appointments—Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel represent clients in Richmond County and throughout New York State.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle High Net Worth Divorce Cases
A high net worth divorce demands a methodical approach. Our team begins by identifying all marital and separate assets, often working with forensic accountants, business valuation attorneys, and pension appraisers to uncover hidden or undervalued property. We pay particular attention to the valuation of closely held corporations, professional practices, restricted stock units, and deferred compensation plans—items that can be overlooked but represent significant wealth.
Once the financial picture is clear, we develop a strategy tailored to your priorities. If privacy and control are important, we explore collaborative law or mediation as alternatives to a public trial. When litigation is necessary, we prepare thoroughly for the mandatory settlement conference and, if a trial is unavoidable, present a compelling case to the court. Temporary relief—such as pendente lite spousal support or exclusive occupancy of the marital residence—can be requested early to stabilize your financial situation. Throughout the process, we explain each step clearly so you understand how the court’s decisions on property division, maintenance, and counsel fees may affect your future.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded the firm in 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings a distinctive perspective to high-stakes family law matters. He is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His hands-on approach ensures that every case benefits from his multi-state experience and in-depth knowledge of complex asset division.
Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys—non-employee lawyers engaged through contract, each with extensive experience in family law. 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.
Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar | Maryland Judiciary | DC Bar | NJ Courts | NY OCA
Last reviewed: June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York?
A divorce in Richmond County can take anywhere from three months for an uncontested case to over two years for a heavily contested high net worth matter. The timeline depends on whether the parties agree on all issues—property division, spousal support, and child custody—and on the court’s calendar. In complex cases involving business valuations, forensic custody evaluations, or disputes over hidden assets, additional months may be needed for discovery and pretrial motions. The Richmond County Supreme Court generally requires a mandatory settlement conference before scheduling a trial. While we work to resolve matters efficiently, each case moves according to its own facts and the court’s scheduling priorities.
How is child support calculated in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York?
Child support in New York is based on a statutory percentage of combined parental income: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and no less than 35% for five or more children, applied to income up to a statutory cap, with discretion to award support above that amount.
Source: New York Domestic Relations Law § 240(1-b). NY Senate DRL §240
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
These percentages are applied to the parents’ combined income after certain deductions, and the noncustodial parent pays a proportionate share. The court may also add amounts for health insurance, educational expenses, and child care. In high net worth cases, the judge can exceed the statutory cap to meet the child’s needs. Cases are heard in Richmond County Family Court or Supreme Court (if part of a divorce action). We help ensure that the financial disclosure is accurate so the support calculation fairly reflects both parents’ resources.
How much does a divorce cost in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York?
Filing a divorce in Richmond County Supreme Court requires an index number fee, a Request for Judicial Intervention fee, and a note of issue fee of $30; additional costs for service of process, certified copies, mediation, and expert evaluations vary widely.
Source: New York State Unified Court System fee schedule. NY Courts Divorce Fees
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, admitted in VA/MD/DC/NJ/NY.
The total expense is driven by the complexity of the case and the level of conflict between the parties. An uncontested divorce with a signed settlement agreement keeps costs down, while a contested high net worth divorce involving forensic accounting, business valuation, and multiple court appearances can be significantly more expensive. Attorney fees are typically charged by the hour or on a flat-fee basis for specific services. We discuss fee structures and potential costs during the initial consultation so you can make an informed decision.
Do I need a lawyer for a high net worth divorce in Richmond County?
While New York law does not require you to hire an attorney, retaining experienced counsel is strongly recommended when substantial assets are at stake. A high net worth divorce involves complex financial issues—business valuations, tax implications, pension division, and tracing of separate property—that are difficult to navigate without legal guidance. Mistakes in disclosure or valuation can have lasting financial consequences. An attorney can also negotiate a settlement that protects your interests and ensures the final judgment is enforceable. If you have minor children, custody and support arrangements further complicate the matter. Our firm offers consultations to evaluate your situation and explain your options.
What factors does the court consider when dividing property in a New York high net worth divorce?
Under New York’s equitable distribution law (DRL §236), the court divides marital property based on fairness, not a strict 50/50 split. The judge weighs factors such as the income and property of each spouse, the length of the marriage, the age and health of the parties, the contributions of each spouse as a homemaker, the need of the custodial parent to occupy the marital residence, the loss of inheritance and pension rights, and any waste or dissipation of assets. The classification of assets as marital or separate is often the most contested issue. We present detailed evidence to support a fair allocation that preserves the wealth you worked to build.
Related Locations
Family law representation in Manhattan |
Kings County (Brooklyn) family lawyer |
Queens County family law services |
Nassau County family law attorney |
Suffolk County divorce lawyer
Primary Sources for New York Family Law
New York Domestic Relations Law §170 (Grounds for Divorce) |
New York Domestic Relations Law §236 (Equitable Distribution and Maintenance) |
New York State Unified Court System Divorce Resources
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.