Bronx Family Law, Divorce & Criminal Defense Lawyer

The NDLC Law Firm, PLLC is located at 1500 Astor Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10469 and represents clients in every Bronx courthouse. Attorney Nelson De La Cruz has practiced in New York since 2009 and handles custody, child support, orders of protection, divorce, criminal defense, and landlord-tenant cases for Bronx residents. Most matters are available on a flat fee. Services are offered in English and Spanish.

Call 888.886.3525 · Book a consultation · See our fees

Bronx courts where we appear

  • Bronx County Family Court — 900 Sheridan Avenue, Bronx, NY 10451. Custody, visitation, child support, family offense (orders of protection), and paternity cases.
  • Bronx County Supreme Court, Civil Term — 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451. Contested and uncontested divorce, separation, and post-judgment matters.
  • Bronx County Criminal Court — 215 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451. Arraignments, misdemeanors, and violations.
  • Bronx County Supreme Court, Criminal Term — 265 East 161st Street, Bronx, NY 10451. Felony cases after indictment.
  • Bronx County Civil Court, Housing Part — 1118 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10456. Nonpayment and holdover proceedings.

Family law in the Bronx

Bronx Family Court handles some of the heaviest caseloads in the state, and cases move differently here than in Westchester or Manhattan. A first appearance on a custody or support petition is usually short: the judge or support magistrate confirms who is present, addresses any temporary order, may assign an Attorney for the Child, and sets the next date. Having counsel at that first appearance matters because temporary orders entered on day one often shape the final result.

We represent petitioners and respondents in:

Divorce in the Bronx

Divorce actions are filed in Bronx Supreme Court on the Grand Concourse. An uncontested divorce — where both spouses agree on everything — is handled on paper and generally does not require a court appearance; we prepare and file the entire package for a flat fee of $2,500. A contested divorce starts with a preliminary conference and proceeds through financial disclosure, conferences, and, if needed, trial. We handle both, including divorces with custody, child support, maintenance, and property issues.

Criminal defense in the Bronx

If you or a family member was arrested in the Bronx, the first appearance is an arraignment at 215 East 161st Street, usually within 24 hours of arrest. Decisions about bail, orders of protection, and whether to speak with the prosecutor are made at that appearance. We represent clients from arraignment through disposition or trial in both Criminal Court and Supreme Court, Criminal Term, and take desk appearance tickets, misdemeanors, and felonies. Learn more about criminal defense.

Landlord-tenant in the Bronx

Bronx Housing Court at 1118 Grand Concourse hears nonpayment and holdover proceedings. We represent landlords bringing proceedings and tenants defending them, including illegal lockout cases and orders to show cause to stop an eviction. Learn more about landlord-tenant representation.

Flat fees

We publish our fees. Uncontested divorce from $2,500. Custody or visitation petition from $3,500. Child support petition from $2,000. Order of protection from $2,500. Misdemeanor defense from $3,500. Nonpayment or holdover proceeding from $2,500. Each flat fee includes a stated number of court appearances; see the full fee schedule for what is included and what is billed separately.

Getting to our office

1500 Astor Avenue is in the Pelham Parkway / Morris Park area of the Bronx, near the 2 and 5 trains at Pelham Parkway and the Bx12 bus. Street parking is available. We also meet clients by phone and video, and can meet at the courthouse before an appearance.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in the Bronx?

At The NDLC Law Firm an uncontested divorce is a flat $2,500 plus court filing fees (about $335 for the index number and $210 for the note of issue). A contested divorce is billed against an advance retainer starting at $7,500, with court appearances and motions at fixed prices listed on our fee schedule.

Do I need a lawyer for Bronx Family Court?

You are not required to have one, and the court will assign a free attorney if you qualify financially. Many people retain private counsel because assigned attorneys carry very high caseloads and because temporary orders entered at the first appearance are difficult to undo later.

How long does a custody case take in Bronx Family Court?

A case that settles at the first or second appearance can finish in two to four months. A contested custody case with a forensic evaluation and a fact-finding hearing commonly takes a year or more.

Can you appear for me at arraignment in the Bronx?

Yes. If you call before the arraignment, we can appear at 215 East 161st Street, argue for release, and address any order of protection at that first appearance.

Do you speak Spanish?

Yes. Consultations, documents, and court preparation are available in Spanish.

Contact

The NDLC Law Firm, PLLC
1500 Astor Avenue, 2nd Floor
Bronx, New York 10469
Office: 888.886.3525 · Fax: 347.647.6721
nelson@ndlclawpllc.com

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Fees shown are the firm's standard rates as of 2026 and are subject to a written retainer agreement.