Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Orange County, New York
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced family law representation in Orange County, New York. Divorce in New York requires a six-month period of irretrievable breakdown under N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170. The firm has 35 documented case results in Orange County. Our team handles divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and support matters in Orange County Supreme Court and Family Court.
In Orange County, family law matters are heard in two courts: Supreme Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and Family Court for custody and support.
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and Family Court Act (FCA). The primary statute for divorce is DRL § 170, which establishes grounds including no-fault irretrievable breakdown. Equitable distribution of marital property is governed by DRL § 236. Child support follows a statutory percentage formula under the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA).
Last verified: March 2026 | Orange County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New York’s family laws, refer to the official state legislature website: N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170 (official New York State Legislature). For court-specific forms and procedures, visit the Orange County Supreme Court website.
Orange County Family Court Process
Family law cases in Orange County are split between two courts. The Supreme Court handles divorce and property division. The Family Court handles custody, visitation, and child support. This requires understanding two different sets of procedures and judges.
- File the initial papers: File a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint for divorce with the Orange County Supreme Court Clerk. Pay the $335 index number fee and serve your spouse.
- Exchange financial disclosure: Both parties must exchange a Statement of Net Worth and mandatory financial disclosure within 45 days of service. Automatic orders under DRL § 236 freeze assets upon filing.
- Attend mandatory settlement conference: The court will schedule a settlement conference to explore resolution. If settlement is not reached, the court will issue a scheduling order for discovery and trial.
- Complete discovery and motions: Conduct discovery, which may include depositions and document requests. File motions for temporary orders (pendente lite) for support or custody if needed.
- Proceed to trial or finalize settlement: If the case does not settle, proceed to trial before a Supreme Court Justice. If settled, submit a signed settlement agreement and proposed judgment for the judge’s approval.
Orange County Family Law Penalties and Standards
In Orange County, divorce carries specific financial and custodial outcomes based on equitable distribution and the child support formula.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (irretrievable breakdown 6+ months) or Fault-based | Filing fee: $335 + other fees | Automatic asset freeze upon filing |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not necessarily equal, split of marital property | Business valuation may be required |
| Spousal Support (Maintenance) | Statutory formula (temporary & post-divorce) | Calculated based on income and duration of marriage | Can be modified based on substantial change |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) | 17% of combined income for 1 child, 25% for 2, etc., up to $163k | Plus healthcare, education, childcare add-ons |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Court costs, evaluation fees ($5k-$20k+) | Parenting schedule, decision-making authority |
Results may vary. The outcomes above are legal standards, not guarantees of any specific case result.
Firm Credentials in Family Law
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. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep, practical understanding of property division law that informs our approach in New York.
Case Results in Orange County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 35 documented case results in Orange County across all practice areas, with a 100% favorable outcome rate for family law matters handled. These results include favorable settlements in contested divorces and successful custody modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services in Orange County
Our New York location serves clients at Orange County courts. We are a family law lawyer near Goshen and the surrounding Hudson Valley communities. We serve Goshen, Newburgh, Middletown, Monroe, Warwick, Chester, Cornwall, Highland Falls, Kiryas Joel, and Tuxedo.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in New York?
New York is a no-fault divorce state. The primary ground is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months. Fault-based grounds like adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, or imprisonment are also available under N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170.
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, and future needs. Separate property acquired before marriage or by gift/inheritance usually remains with the original owner.
How is child support calculated in Orange County?
Child support follows a statutory formula. For combined parental income up to $163,000, the basic obligation is 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 threshold.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Orange County?
The Orange County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support (maintenance). The Orange County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions. Some cases may be heard in both courts.
How long does a divorce take in Orange County?
An uncontested divorce with all agreements signed can take 3-6 months from filing. A contested divorce, where issues are disputed, typically takes 12-24 months or longer, depending on court schedules, discovery, and the need for evaluations or trials.
Related Legal Services
For more information on family law across New York, visit our New York Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are in a nearby area, consider our attorneys in New York County (Manhattan) or Kings County (Brooklyn). For other legal needs in Orange County, we also handle criminal defense and immigration matters. Learn more about Mr. Sris or our New York office location.
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.