In Orange County, New York, no-fault divorce requires a 6-month irretrievable breakdown under New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 35 documented case results in Orange County. Our firm provides full representation for divorce, custody, and support matters. Consultation by appointment.
Last verified: April 2026 | Orange County Supreme Court | New York Domestic Relations Law § 170 (official NY Senate)
New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 defines the grounds for divorce in the state. For a no-fault divorce, you must show that the relationship has been irretrievably broken for at least six months. DRL § 236 governs equitable distribution of marital property and maintenance (alimony) calculations. The court applies a statutory formula for temporary and post-divorce maintenance based on the parties’ incomes. Child support follows a percentage formula under DRL § 240: 17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children, up to a combined income cap of $163,000 (with discretionary application above that cap). Custody determinations use the best interests of the child standard. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris.
For the official text of New York’s divorce laws, see New York Domestic Relations Law § 170 (official NY Senate). For court rules and procedures, visit the Orange County Supreme Court website (nycourts.gov).
In Orange County Supreme Court, the court requires a mandatory settlement conference before any trial in contested divorce cases. The court also issues automatic orders under DRL § 236 that freeze marital assets and prohibit changes to insurance coverage immediately upon filing. These orders apply from the moment the summons is served, so you must act quickly to protect your financial interests.
- File a summons and complaint with the Orange County Supreme Court clerk at 285 Main Street, Goshen, NY 10924. Pay the $335 index number fee and $95 Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) fee.
- Serve the other party with the summons and complaint within 120 days. Use a process server or certified mail with return receipt requested.
- File a notice of automatic orders (DRL § 236) with the court. These orders take effect immediately upon service and freeze all marital assets.
- Attend the mandatory settlement conference within 60 days of the RJI filing. The court will refer you to mediation if the parties cannot agree on key issues.
- If settlement is not reached, the court will schedule a trial. Forensic custody evaluations, if needed, take 2-6 months to complete. The entire contested process typically takes 12-24 months.
In Orange County, New York, divorce and family law matters involve financial and custodial determinations rather than criminal penalties. The court applies statutory formulas for support and equitable distribution.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Duration | Financial Impact | Court Involvement | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Fault Divorce | Irretrievable breakdown for 6+ months | 3-6 months (uncontested); 12-24+ months (contested) | Filing fees: $335 index + $95 RJI | Orange County Supreme Court | Automatic orders freeze assets upon filing |
| Child Support | Statutory percentage of combined income | Until child turns 21 or emancipates | 17% (1 child) to 35% (5+ children) up to $163,000 combined income | Orange County Family Court | Court may deviate from formula for special needs or high income |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory formula based on income | Varies by marriage length (typically 15-50% of marriage duration) | Calculated using codified formula for temporary and post-divorce maintenance | Orange County Supreme Court | Court has discretion above statutory guidelines |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Until child turns 18 or emancipates | Legal fees for custody evaluation ($5,000-$20,000+) | Orange County Family Court | Court considers parental fitness, stability, and child’s preference |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide across New York, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of family law. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 35 total documented case results across all practice areas in Orange County, New York, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C., with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our New York location serves clients at Orange County courts, accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, and I-287. We serve Goshen, Newburgh, Middletown, Monroe, Warwick, Chester, Cornwall, Highland Falls, Kiryas Joel, and Tuxedo.
Looking for a family law lawyer near Orange County? Our firm provides representation for divorce, custody, and support matters throughout the Hudson Valley.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003. Meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Orange County, New York?
It depends. Uncontested divorce: 3-6 months from filing to judgment. Contested divorce: 12-24+ months. The court requires a mandatory settlement conference before trial. Forensic custody evaluations take 2-6 months. Temporary motions are heard within 30-60 days.
How is child support calculated in Orange County, New York?
Yes. New York uses 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 children. The formula applies to combined income up to $163,000, with discretionary application above that cap.
How much does a divorce cost in Orange County, New York?
The Supreme Court divorce filing fee (index number purchase) is $335. The Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) costs $95. Service of process varies from $50 to $150. Mediation costs $100-$400 per hour. Forensic custody evaluations range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more.
What is the difference between Orange County Supreme Court and Orange County Family Court?
Orange County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Orange County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions. Both courts are located in Goshen, New York.
What are automatic orders in a New York divorce?
Yes. Under DRL § 236, automatic orders take effect immediately upon filing a divorce action. These orders freeze marital assets, prohibit changing insurance beneficiaries, and prevent either party from selling or transferring property without court approval. Violating these orders can result in sanctions.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Orange County cases follow the same route as the rest of the state, and our page on third party custody in Virginia explains each stage.