Family Law Attorney New York City
Your children and your future deserve more than a rushed decision.
If you are going through a divorce or a custody dispute in New York City, the legal system you are entering is unlike any other in the country. Divorce goes through the Supreme Court, Matrimonial Part. Custody and support matters go through Family Court.
Which court handles your case, and how it operates, shapes everything from timelines to strategy. A family law attorney in New York City who knows both systems is not a luxury. It is essential.
At Boyer Law Firm, our New York City family law attorneys handle the full range of family law matters across all five boroughs. From the first conversation, you get a direct assessment of your legal position, honest guidance on what to expect, and attorneys who stay accountable to your outcome at every stage.
Your New York City Case Deserves Focused Attention
No two family law cases in New York City look alike. A high-asset divorce in Manhattan involving a financial sector career and a co-op on the Upper East Side raises different legal questions than a custody dispute in Brooklyn or a maintenance negotiation in Queens.
Our New York City family law attorneys take the time to understand the specific financial, parenting, and personal circumstances of your case before advising you on anything. What applies to someone else may not apply to you, and in New York’s court system, those differences matter.
We serve clients across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and surrounding New York metropolitan communities.
How a Family Law Attorney in New York City Can Help
Divorce and Dissolution of MarriageNew York divorce is filed in Supreme Court under equitable distribution law. Whether contested or uncontested, we make sure you know your rights before signing. | Child Custody and Parenting PlansNYC custody is decided in Family Court on the child’s best interests. We help build an arrangement that fits your child’s school, routine, and relationships. | Child Support MattersNew York support is calculated under the Child Support Standards Act using combined parental income. Our New York City family law attorneys make sure the figures reflect your actual financial situation. |
Spousal MaintenanceNew York uses statutory guidelines to calculate maintenance based on income and marriage length. Our family law attorney in New York City help you understand what applies to your situation. | Prenuptial and Postnuptial AgreementsNew York marital agreements require full financial disclosure and independent counsel for both parties. We draft and review agreements that meet those standards. | Post-Divorce Modifications and EnforcementCustody, support, and maintenance orders can be modified in New York when circumstances change substantially. We help you assess whether your situation qualifies. |
When Your New York City Family Case Involves International Matters
New York City’s position as a global financial center, combined with its diverse international population, means family law cases here regularly involve more than one country. When they do, the legal questions shift entirely: which country’s courts have jurisdiction, how foreign assets are treated, and whether international child custody agreements apply are not issues a domestic family attorney is equipped to answer.
Boyer Law Firm’s managing attorney, Francis M. Boyer, holds a certified specialist designation in international law. That credential is rare among New York City family attorneys. When your case has a cross-border dimension, Boyer Law Firm has the expertise to address it from the inside, not by sending you elsewhere.
How Divorce is Handled in New York City
Divorce in New York City is filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Matrimonial Part, in the county where you or your spouse lives. Custody and support matters, when filed separately from a divorce, are heard in New York City Family Court. Both courts move on demanding schedules in a city with one of the highest caseloads in the country.
To file for divorce in New York, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for two years, or one year if the couple was married in New York. Acting with proper legal guidance before filings are made protects your position in both courts.
Boyer Law Firm gives New York City clients a clear picture of both courts, what each requires, and where the critical decisions fall before any filing is made.
Why New York City Families Choose Boyer Law Firm
Two Court Systems, One TeamDivorce goes to Supreme Court. Custody goes to Family Court. We handle both, so your case is managed without gaps or handoffs between attorneys. | Cross-Border Cases WelcomeBoyer Law Firm holds a certified specialist designation in international law. When your NYC case involves another country, that expertise is built into the team. | Every Figure Reviewed CarefullyNew York’s income-based support and maintenance calculations leave room for error. We review every number before it becomes part of a court order. | Built for New York’s ComplexityHigh-asset divorces, co-op valuations, and dual-income custody arrangements require attorneys who understand New York’s specific legal system. We do. |
Starting Your Case With Boyer Law Firm
Step 1: Set Up Your Consultation Contact Boyer Law Firm to arrange a time with a NYC family law attorney.
Step 2: Walk Us Through What Is Happening Your attorney reviews the facts, asks focused questions, and gives you an honest read.
Step 3: Know Exactly What You Are Facing You leave knowing which court applies, what New York law requires, and your options.
Step 4: Your Attorney Goes to Work Your attorney builds your strategy, keeps you informed, and moves your case forward efficiently.
Step 5: An Outcome Built to Last Whether resolved through negotiation or before a New York judge, we prepare carefully and thoroughly.
New York City Family Law Attorney FAQs
How long does a divorce take in New York City?
An uncontested divorce in New York City can take three to six months once all paperwork is filed correctly with the Supreme Court. Contested divorces typically take one to three years depending on the complexity of assets, custody disputes, and the court’s caseload. An attorney can help you understand what is driving the timeline in your specific case.
Which court handles family law cases in New York City?
Divorce and property division are filed in the Supreme Court, Matrimonial Part, in the county where you or your spouse resides. Custody, support, and paternity matters filed separately from a divorce are handled in NYC Family Court. An attorney can confirm which court applies to your situation and what filings are required.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in New York City?
At least one spouse must have lived in New York State for two years before filing, or one year if the couple was married in New York, or if New York was the marital domicile. These requirements are set out under New York Domestic Relations Law § 230. Meeting the correct residency threshold before filing avoids delays and procedural challenges.
How is spousal maintenance calculated in a New York City divorce?
New York calculates post-divorce maintenance using a statutory formula based on the difference in spouses’ incomes, the length of the marriage, and each party’s earning capacity. The 2015 maintenance reform established advisory guidelines for both amount and duration. An attorney can clarify how those guidelines apply to your income and marriage length specifically.
How does New York City Family Court determine child custody?
NYC Family Court determines custody based on the best interests of the child, considering each parent’s stability, relationship with the child, ability to meet daily needs, and willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other parent. Joint legal custody is available when both parents agree. An attorney can help you build a case that reflects your child’s specific needs.
Can a prenuptial agreement be enforced in a New York City divorce?
Yes. New York courts will enforce a prenuptial agreement that was entered into voluntarily, with full financial disclosure, and with independent legal counsel available to both parties. An agreement may be challenged for fraud, duress, or unconscionability. A New York City family law attorney can review an existing agreement or draft a new one that meets New York’s requirements.
Can custody or support orders be modified in New York after they are finalized?
Yes. New York courts allow modification of custody and support orders when there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the original order was entered. In New York City, qualifying changes may include a significant income shift, a parent’s relocation, or a change in the child’s needs. An attorney can assess whether your situation meets the threshold before you file.
One Conversation Changes What You Know
Right now, you may be operating on assumptions about what New York law requires, what you are entitled to, or what will happen to your children. A single conversation with Boyer Law Firm replaces assumption with fact.
Schedule your consultation. Come in with your questions. Leave with answers you can act on.
New York City Office: 405 Lexington Ave, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10174
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Whether you need international divorce representation, estate planning guidance, litigation support, or strategic legal counsel, our firm is here to help you understand your options and next steps.
Testimonials
Why Clients Call Boyer Law First
Clients call Boyer Law Firm when international law, family issues, or civil disputes need strategic counsel, responsive communication, and a clear plan forward.
I was referred to Boyer Law Firm for my business lawsuit. I worked with Attorney Francis Boyer who has ton of experience. He explain complex subjects of law in simple terms. He gets things done professionally.
Business Owner
From France, I obtained complete satisfaction from the services of Boyer Law Firm. The language and cultural obstacles were quickly removed.
Client
Francis Boyer and his team have demonstrated remarkable responsiveness and professionalism for years. I feel totally secure when I benefit from the firm's assistance with a legal problem.
Client
I had a great experience with this law firm in my international custody case. They were very professional and very responsive to my concerns. The attorneys are smart and know their stuff. I felt like they genuinely cared vs just taking my money like many other law firms I contacted. I'm very happy with the result. I couldn't be more grateful.
Client