Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Putnam County, New York
In Putnam County, divorce and equitable distribution matters are heard in the Putnam County Supreme Court, while child custody and support are handled in the Putnam County Family Court.
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is primarily codified in the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). A no-fault divorce requires proof that the relationship has broken down irretrievably for at least six months (DRL § 170(7)). The equitable distribution of marital property is governed by DRL § 236(B)(5), which requires a fair, but not necessarily equal, division based on multiple statutory factors. Child support follows a precise income percentage formula under the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA).
Last verified: March 2026 | Putnam County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
- N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 236 (official New York State Legislature) – The statute governing equitable distribution and maintenance.
- Putnam County Supreme Court website – For court forms, fees, and local rules.
Putnam County Family Court Process
Putnam County uses a two-court system. The Supreme Court handles divorce and property division. The Family Court handles custody, support, and family offense petitions. Automatic restraining orders freeze assets upon filing.
- File the initial summons and complaint: File with the Putnam County Supreme Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $335 index number fee and serve your spouse within 120 days.
- Exchange financial disclosure: Both parties must exchange a sworn net worth statement and supporting documents within 45 days of service. Automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 take effect.
- Attend mandatory settlement conference: The court schedules a preliminary conference and later a mandatory settlement conference. You must attempt good-faith negotiation.
- Complete discovery if contested: If issues remain, engage in formal discovery. This may include interrogatories, depositions, and business valuations. Forensic custody evaluations can take 2-6 months.
- Proceed to trial or finalize agreement: If settlement is reached, submit a stipulation for judicial approval. If not, the case proceeds to trial before a Supreme Court Justice.
Penalties and Financial Outcomes in Putnam County
In Putnam County, divorce involves financial determinations, not penalties. Equitable distribution of marital property, maintenance (alimony) calculated by statutory formula, and child support based on income percentages are the primary outcomes.
| Issue | Classification / Standard | Financial Impact / Outcome | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (DRL § 170(7)) | Court filing fees: $335 + | 6-month irretrievable breakdown required |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital assets/debts | Factors include marriage length, income, contributions |
| Spousal Maintenance | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Calculated based on income and payer’s income percentage | Temporary and post-divorce formulas differ |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act | 17% of combined income for 1 child, 25% for 2, etc., up to $163k | Add-ons for healthcare, education, childcare |
| Custody | Best Interests of the Child | No direct fine; evaluation costs: $5,000-$20,000+ | Factors include parental fitness, child’s wishes, stability |
Results may vary. The financial outcomes in a divorce depend on the specific facts of your case, including income, assets, debts, and child-related expenses.
Firm Credentials and Local Insight
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 every case. Our founder’s personal amendment of Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrates a deep, practical understanding of family law that benefits clients in New York. We provide global advocacy with local precision for Putnam County residents.
Documented Case Results
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. Our experience includes negotiating favorable property settlements, securing fair child support and custody arrangements, and efficiently guiding clients through uncontested divorces.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Putnam County Family Law Office
Our New York location serves clients at Putnam County courts. We represent individuals in Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson. Our family law lawyer near Putnam County is accessible via I-87, I-84, and the Taconic State Parkway.
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 Putnam County, New York?
New York is a no-fault divorce state. The primary ground is an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship 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 Putnam County?
Child support follows a statutory formula: 17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more. This applies to combined income up to $163,000. The Putnam County Family Court handles child support orders.
What is the difference between Putnam County Supreme Court and Family Court?
The Putnam County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support matters. The Putnam County Family Court handles child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions. Both courts are located in Carmel.
How long does a contested divorce take in Putnam County?
A contested divorce in Putnam County typically takes 12 to 24 months or longer. 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 to 6 months.
What are automatic restraining orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing for divorce, automatic orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets. You cannot sell, transfer, or encumber property, change insurance beneficiaries, or incur unreasonable debts. These orders protect the marital estate until a final settlement or court order.
Related Legal Services
- New York Family Law Lawyer – Our state hub page.
- Nassau County Divorce Lawyer – Serving a nearby New York locality.
- Putnam County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Related practice area in the same locality.
- View Mr. Sris’s attorney profile for more background.
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.