Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Orange County, New York
New York uses statutory formulas to calculate child support and maintenance (alimony), and automatic restraining orders freeze assets when a divorce is filed.
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 is granted based on the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months (DRL § 170). The equitable distribution of marital property is governed by DRL § 236, which requires a fair, but not necessarily equal, division based on multiple statutory factors. Child support is calculated using a percentage-of-income model under the Child Support Standards Act.
Last verified: March 2026 | Orange County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New York’s divorce laws, refer to the New York Domestic Relations Law (official New York State Senate website). For court forms and local procedures, visit the Orange County Supreme Court website (New York State Unified Court System).
Orange County Family Court Process
Family law matters in Orange County are split between two courts. The Supreme Court handles divorce and equitable distribution, while the Family Court handles custody, support, and family offense petitions. The process begins with filing in the correct venue.
- File Initial Papers: File a summons and complaint for divorce in Supreme Court or a petition in Family Court. Pay the required filing fees ($335 for Supreme Court index number).
- Serve the Other Party: Ensure proper service according to New York law. Automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 take effect upon filing.
- Exchange Financial Disclosures: Both parties must file a sworn statement of net worth and provide documentation for all assets, debts, and income.
- Attend Settlement Conferences: The court will schedule conferences to negotiate settlement on custody, support, and property division.
- Complete Discovery & Motions: If contested, formal discovery (interrogatories, depositions) occurs. Pre-trial motions may be filed to address interim issues.
- Trial or Final Settlement: The case either proceeds to trial before a judge or is finalized through a written settlement agreement and judgment.
Potential Outcomes in a New York Divorce
In Orange County, a divorce can result in the equitable distribution of marital property, court-ordered maintenance (alimony) based on a statutory formula, and child support calculated as a percentage of combined parental income.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Impact | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair division of marital assets & debts; not necessarily 50/50 | Factors include marriage duration, income, and contributions |
| Spousal Support (Maintenance) | Statutory Formula (Temporary & Post-Divorce) | Calculated based on income and length of marriage | Can be modified based on substantial change in circumstances |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act | 17% of combined income for 1 child, 25% for 2, up to $163k income | Includes add-ons for healthcare, education, childcare |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Can affect child support and living arrangements | Legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (residence) |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are potential legal results under New York law and depend on the specific facts of each case.
Firm Credentials in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 firm-wide case results, our attorneys bring deep knowledge to complex family law matters. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a commitment to shaping family law.
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 these matters. Our experience includes representing clients in the Orange County Supreme Court and Family Court on issues of divorce, custody, and support.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Family Law Representation in Orange County
Our New York location serves clients at Orange County courts. We represent individuals in Goshen, Newburgh, Middletown, Monroe, Warwick, Chester, Cornwall, Highland Falls, Kiryas Joel, Tuxedo, and surrounding Hudson Valley communities.
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 New York?
New York is a no-fault divorce state. The primary ground is the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. Fault-based grounds like adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, or imprisonment are also available under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170.
How is property divided in a New York divorce?
New York follows the principle of equitable distribution under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like each spouse’s income, the marriage’s duration, and contributions to the marriage.
How is child support calculated in Orange 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 Orange County Family Court enforces these guidelines.
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. The Orange County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions. Some cases may involve both courts.
What are automatic orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing for divorce, automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 take effect. These orders freeze marital assets, prohibit selling or transferring property, and prevent changes to insurance beneficiaries without court approval or mutual consent.
Related Legal Resources
For more information, visit our New York Family Law Lawyer hub page. We also serve clients in New York County (Manhattan) and Kings County (Brooklyn). For other legal needs in Orange County, see our pages on criminal defense and immigration law. Learn more about Mr. Sris or our New York office location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is updated from court records and statutes as of this date. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance on your specific situation.