Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is governed primarily by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and Family Court Act (FCA). DRL § 170 establishes grounds for divorce, including no-fault irretrievable breakdown requiring six months of relationship breakdown. DRL § 236 governs equitable distribution of marital property and maintenance (alimony) calculations using statutory formulas. The Family Court Act addresses child custody, support, paternity, and family offense matters.
Last verified: March 2026 | Richmond County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of New York family law statutes, visit the New York State Legislature website (official statute source). For Richmond County court information, procedures, and forms, access the Richmond County Supreme Court official website (.gov domain).
Richmond County Family Court Procedures
Richmond County (Staten Island) Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters at 18 Richmond Terrace. Richmond County Family Court addresses 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.
- File initial divorce documents at Richmond County Supreme Court clerk’s office with $335 index number fee.
- Serve your spouse with divorce papers following New York service requirements.
- Exchange mandatory financial disclosure forms (net worth statement) within 45 days.
- Attend mandatory settlement conferences to resolve property, support, and custody issues.
- File Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) with $95 fee if settlement fails.
- Proceed to trial for judge to decide any remaining contested matters.
New York Divorce Penalties and Consequences
In Richmond County (Staten Island), divorce involves equitable distribution of marital property, potential maintenance obligations, and child support calculated by statutory percentages.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair division of marital assets and debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory formula based on income and duration | Temporary and post-divorce support calculations | Modification possible with changed circumstances |
| Child Support | Percentage of combined income (17% for one child) | Up to $163,000 combined income | Health insurance and education expenses additional |
| Custody | Best interests of the child | Parenting time allocation | Relocation restrictions may apply |
Results may vary based on individual case 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 in New York. With a focus on strategic representation, we approach each case with attention to the specific details of New York family law statutes and Richmond County court procedures.
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 in family law and related matters. Our experience includes representation in equitable distribution cases, child custody disputes, and complex divorce proceedings.
Results may vary based on individual case facts and circumstances.
Local Representation in Staten Island
Our New York location serves clients at Richmond County (Staten Island) courts. We represent individuals throughout Staten Island communities including St. George, New Dorp, Tottenville, Great Kills, Stapleton, and Port Richmond. Contact us for family law representation near the Richmond County Courthouse in St. George.
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 based on irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months (NY Domestic Relations Law § 170). Fault grounds include adultery, cruel treatment, abandonment, imprisonment, and 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 earning capacity. Separate property acquired before marriage or through inheritance typically remains with the original owner.
How is child support calculated in New York?
New York uses a statutory percentage formula based on combined parental income up to $163,000. For one child: 17%, two children: 25%, three: 29%, four: 31%, five or more: 35%. The court has discretion for income above the cap. Both parents’ incomes are considered in the calculation.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Richmond County?
Richmond County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and maintenance (alimony) matters. Richmond County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions. Some cases may involve both courts.
How long does a divorce take in Richmond County?
An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-6 months from filing to judgment. Contested divorces often require 12-24 months or longer due to court volume and complexity. Mandatory settlement conferences and potential custody evaluations can extend the timeline.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about family law in New York, visit our New York Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you need representation in nearby areas, consider our New York County (Manhattan) divorce lawyer or Kings County (Brooklyn) divorce lawyer. For other legal needs in Staten Island, see our Richmond County criminal defense lawyer or Richmond County immigration lawyer pages.
Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience or visit our New York office information page.
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.