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 equitable distribution matters in Carmel, Brewster, and surrounding communities. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results.
In Putnam County, family law cases are heard in Supreme Court for divorce and Family Court for custody and support. The process involves specific local procedures and statutory timelines.
New York Family Law Statutes
Divorce in New York is governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL). The primary no-fault ground, established under N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170(7), requires an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. Equitable distribution of marital property is dictated by DRL § 236, which also provides codified formulas for calculating temporary and post-divorce maintenance (alimony). Child support follows the Child Support Standards Act, applying percentage guidelines to combined parental income.
Last verified: March 2026 | Putnam County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial aspects of divorce. His direct experience includes personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3.
Official Legal Resources
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 6-month period of irretrievable breakdown or a signed separation agreement for no-fault divorce.
- File the initial summons and complaint: File a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint with the Putnam County Supreme Court Clerk. Pay the $335 index number fee. Serve your spouse with the papers according to New York procedural rules.
- Exchange financial disclosure: Both parties must exchange a sworn Statement of Net Worth detailing assets, debts, income, and expenses. Automatic orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing.
- Attend mandatory settlement conferences: The court will schedule preliminary and compliance conferences. Parties must attempt settlement in good faith. If custody is disputed, the court may order a forensic evaluation.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): If the case is not settled early, file an RJI ($95 fee) to assign a judge. The judge will manage discovery deadlines and set a trial date if necessary.
- Proceed to trial or finalize settlement: If settlement is reached, submit a signed settlement agreement and proposed judgment. If not, proceed to trial where the judge will decide issues of equitable distribution, maintenance, and custody.
Family Law Outcomes and Standards
In Putnam County, family law matters involve statutory standards for equitable distribution, maintenance calculated by formula, and child support based on income percentages.
| Issue | Governing Standard | Financial Impact | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (6+ month breakdown) – DRL § 170(7) | Filing fee: $335 + RJI $95 | Uncontested: 3-6 mos; Contested: 12-24+ mos |
| Equitable Distribution | DRL § 236 – fair division of marital property | Varies by asset value; forensic eval: $5K-$20K+ | Determined during divorce proceeding |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory formula (DRL § 236) | Based on income, duration of marriage | Temporary: 30-60 days; Post-divorce: determined at trial |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act | 17% (1 child) to 35% (5+ children) of combined income | Ordered pendente lite; modifiable with change |
| Custody | Best interests of the child | Evaluation costs: $5,000-$20,000+ | Evaluation: 2-6 months; hearing: varies |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts, evidence, and court discretion.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative engagement with family law.
Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our approach to serving Putnam County families with focused, knowledgeable representation.
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 spans complex divorce litigation, high-asset equitable distribution, contested custody disputes, and child support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Serving Putnam County, New York
Our New York location serves clients at Putnam County courts, accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, and the Taconic State Parkway. As a family law lawyer near Carmel and Brewster, we represent clients throughout the Hudson Valley.
We serve the communities of Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson.
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.
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
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 still exist but are less common.
How is child support calculated in New York?
Child support follows a statutory formula under the Child Support Standards Act. For combined parental income up to $163,000, it’s 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children. The court has discretion for income above that cap.
What is the difference between Putnam County Supreme Court and Family Court?
Putnam County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support (maintenance). Putnam County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions. Some matters may be transferred between courts.
How long does a contested divorce take in Putnam County?
A contested divorce typically takes 12 to 24 months or more in Putnam County. 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 orders in a New York divorce?
Under DRL § 236, automatic restraining orders take effect upon filing for divorce. They freeze marital assets, prohibit changing insurance beneficiaries, and restrict selling or transferring property without consent or court order. These orders protect the marital estate during proceedings.
Related Legal Services
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.