Matrimonial-Family Court

Navigating a divorce or family law matter can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. At The Silk Cooper Law Firm, P.C., we understand the emotional and legal complexities of ending a marriage or resolving custody and support disputes. Led by Attorney Paul Silk Cooper, with over 28 years of experience in New York’s matrimonial and family law courts, our New City-based firm provides personalized, strategic representation to protect your interests and secure a positive outcome. Located at 151 N Main St, New City, NY 10956, we’re here to guide Rockland County families through every step of the process.

Why Choose The Silk Cooper Law Firm for Your Divorce or Family Law Needs?

• Extensive Experience: Admitted to practice in New York since 1997, Attorney Paul Silk Cooper knows what Supreme Court and Family Court judges expect, giving you a strategic advantage in divorce, custody, and support cases.
• Client-Centered Approach: We listen to your needs, provide clear guidance, and tailor our strategies to achieve your goals, whether through negotiation or litigation.
• Local Expertise: As a Rockland County law firm, we understand the unique challenges our community faces and offer compassionate support for local families.
• Holistic Solutions: From divorce to custody battles and financial disputes, we address interconnected legal issues to help you move forward with confidence.

Our Matrimonial and Family Law Services

The Silk Cooper Law Firm, P.C., handles all aspects of matrimonial and family law under New York’s Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and Family Court Act, ensuring comprehensive support for your case.

Divorce Proceedings in Supreme Court

In New York, only the Supreme Court can grant a divorce and divide marital property and debts, governed by DRL § 170 (grounds for divorce, including irreconcilable differences) and DRL § 236(B) (equitable distribution). Whether you’re seeking a contested or uncontested divorce, Attorney Paul Silk Cooper provides expert representation to:

• Negotiate fair settlements for property, assets, and debts.

• Address spousal maintenance (alimony) and financial obligations.
• Protect your rights in complex or high-conflict divorces.

Our firm ensures you’re prepared for court, increasing your chances of a favorable outcome in Rockland County’s Supreme Court.

Custody and Support in Supreme Court and Family Court

Both Supreme Court and Family Court have concurrent jurisdiction over custody and child support matters. If you’re not ready to pursue a divorce, you may seek custody or support rulings in Family Court. Key services include:

• Child Custody: We guide you through initial custody determinations, which set a critical precedent for future proceedings. Attorney Cooper’s deep understanding of what courts expect helps position you for success, whether seeking sole or joint custody.
• Child Support: We advocate for fair child support agreements that reflect your financial situation and your child’s needs.
• Modifications and Appeals: If circumstances change, we can petition to modify existing custody or support orders or challenge unfavorable rulings.

The first custody ruling is pivotal, as it can be challenging to overturn without demonstrating a significant change in circumstances or judicial error. Our firm prepares you to present your best case from the start.

Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV)

For cases involving domestic violence, New York’s Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Part of the Supreme Court, located within Family Court, allows a Family Court judge to act as a Supreme Court judge to handle both family and criminal matters. Attorney Paul Silk Cooper is highly experienced in representing clients in the IDV Part, ensuring your interests are protected in these specialized proceedings. Learn more about our IDV services here.

Why Early Legal Action Matters

When a marriage ends, decisions about custody, support, and property division can have lasting impacts. The initial custody determination, whether in Supreme Court or Family Court, sets the tone for future proceedings, making it critical to have skilled representation from the outset. Attorney Paul Silk Cooper leverages his extensive experience to guide clients in:

• Presenting a compelling case that aligns with judicial expectations.

• Avoiding common pitfalls that could weaken your position.
• Strategizing for long-term success, whether in divorce, custody, or support disputes.

Without an agreement on custody or support, divorce proceedings often become the court’s first impression of your case, giving the initial custody winner a significant advantage. Our firm works diligently to position you for success from day one.

Start Resolving Your Family Law Matter Today

Don’t face divorce or family law challenges alone. The Silk Cooper Law Firm, P.C., is here to provide the expert guidance and compassionate support you need in Rockland County. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Attorney Paul Silk Cooper. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and develop a tailored strategy to achieve your goals. Call now or fill out our online form to take the first step toward a brighter future.

Domestic Relationship Law

Many people come to a time in their life where they breakup or divorce a significant other. If the parties were married, they must go to the Supreme Court to end the marriage. That cannot be done in Family Court outside of very specific circumstances wherein the parties are in the New York State Integrated Domestic Violence Part (IDV) of the Supreme Court which is located in the Family Court Part with a Family Court Judge who is elevated to an acting Supreme Court Judge just for the purpose of presiding in the IDV Part. I am very familiar with the IDV Part and can effectively represent any litigants interest in this part but it is pretty specific so I won’t talk about it here. There is another tab/page which you can go to if you want to see more about IDV.

Only Supreme Court can grant divorces and divide marital property and debt between the 2 parties. Supreme Court and the Family Court have concurrent jurisdiction on custody and support though. Many married people break up and decide to sue for custody and/or support in Family Court instead of resolving all issues and divorcing immediately upon their relationship ending.

New York had used the Domestic Relationship laws known as the DRL’s to govern Domestic Relationships but later drafted and passed the Family Court Act which created Family Court. Either court can use either set of rules except for the actual divorce which falls under DRL (Section) § 170 (1) – DRL § 170 (7) (Irreconcilable Differences) and the division of the marital estate which falls under DRL § 236(B).

When married parties divorce without first determining custody and support and do not agree on custody, the divorce will be the first impression on the court of the custody battle to ensue. This is important because the party that initially wins custody has an advantage that can be difficult to overcome by the other party even upon a change of circumstances,

The first determination of custody by a court sets the tone for all future proceedings regarding custody. It is very for an attorney to know what the court wants to see in a party seeking custody so that a good attorney can steer his or her client towards acting in a way conducive for the court to grant custody to that litigant. Once a Judge decides custody, one must show the Judge that he or she made a mistake in their decision