David Craig filed for divorce from Real Housewives of New York star Sai De Silva in New York City on April 2, 2026, ending their 9-year marriage. The filing, first reported by TMZ, lands mid-production on RHONY Season 16 and involves two minor children — daughter London, 14, and son Rio, 8 — making New York's custody and equitable distribution statutes the controlling framework for everything that follows.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | David Craig filed for divorce from Sai De Silva in New York City |
| Filing date | April 2, 2026 |
| Marriage duration | Approximately 9 years |
| Children | London (age 14) and Rio (age 8) |
| Governing law | N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170 (grounds), § 236 (equitable distribution) |
| Public context | Filing occurred during RHONY Season 16 filming |
Why This Filing Matters Legally
New York is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state, which means a court divides marital assets based on fairness rather than a strict 50/50 split. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5), judges weigh 15 statutory factors when deciding who gets what — including each spouse's income, the duration of the marriage, and each party's contributions to marital property.
For a 9-year marriage involving a reality television personality, the income analysis gets layered quickly. Bravo talent contracts, social media sponsorship revenue, and brand partnership deals all potentially qualify as marital property if earned during the marriage. New York courts have consistently treated entertainment income and related endorsement deals as marital earnings subject to equitable distribution.
The timing of this filing also matters. Craig filed the petition, which means he is the plaintiff and bears the initial burden of establishing grounds under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170. Since New York adopted no-fault divorce in 2010, a spouse can file by asserting that the relationship has been irretrievably broken for at least 6 months. That single statutory change eliminated the need to prove fault-based grounds like cruelty or abandonment, streamlining the process considerably.
How New York Law Handles Custody With Public Figures
New York courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child standard codified in N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240. The statute does not list a parent's public profile as a disqualifying factor, but judges routinely consider how each parent's lifestyle and schedule affect the children's day-to-day stability.
De Silva's Instagram statement — emphasizing her focus on giving her children stability — aligns directly with how New York family courts evaluate parenting arrangements. Judges in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide a consistent home environment, the children's existing school and social routines, and the willingness of each parent to foster a relationship with the other.
With a 14-year-old and an 8-year-old, New York courts will also consider the children's own preferences. While no fixed age triggers mandatory consultation, New York case law consistently holds that a child's wishes carry increasing weight as they mature. A 14-year-old's stated preference regarding living arrangements is typically given meaningful consideration, though it remains one factor among several.
New York also distinguishes between legal custody (decision-making authority over education, health care, and religion) and physical custody (where the children reside). Joint legal custody with one parent having primary physical custody is the most common arrangement in New York City divorces involving two engaged parents. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240(1), the court can order any custody arrangement that serves the children's welfare.
Equitable Distribution in a High-Profile New York Divorce
The 15 factors under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5) give New York judges broad discretion in dividing marital property. For a marriage that lasted approximately 9 years, courts typically look closely at what each spouse brought into the marriage versus what was accumulated together.
Key assets likely at issue in any high-profile New York divorce include:
- Real estate holdings (New York City residential property averages over $750,000 in Manhattan)
- Entertainment contracts and future royalty streams from seasons filmed during the marriage
- Social media accounts and brand partnerships built during the marriage, which New York courts increasingly recognize as marital assets with quantifiable value
- Retirement accounts and investment portfolios subject to equitable division
New York courts also have authority to award maintenance (alimony) under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6). For a 9-year marriage, the advisory maintenance duration guideline is 15% to 30% of the marriage length — roughly 1.3 to 2.7 years. The actual amount depends on each spouse's income, with New York using a statutory formula that caps the income considered for calculation purposes at $228,000 as of 2026.
Practical Takeaways for New York Residents Considering Divorce
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Filing first does not give you an automatic legal advantage in New York, but it does let you choose the county where the case is heard, which can matter for scheduling and local court practices across New York City's 5 boroughs.
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New York requires a net worth statement (Statement of Net Worth) from both parties under 22 NYCRR § 202.16, which demands full financial disclosure of all assets, debts, income, and expenses. Attempting to hide social media income or brand deals can result in sanctions.
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If you have children and are going through a public or high-conflict divorce, New York courts can appoint an Attorney for the Child under N.Y. Fam. Ct. Act § 241 to independently represent the children's interests — a common step when parental disputes risk overshadowing the children's needs.
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New York's automatic orders under 22 NYCRR § 202.16-a take effect upon filing and prohibit both spouses from selling, transferring, or dissipating marital assets. These orders apply immediately to the filing spouse and upon service to the other spouse.
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Collaborative divorce and mediation remain available alternatives to litigation in New York. For couples who agree on most issues, an uncontested divorce in New York can be finalized in as few as 3 to 6 months and costs significantly less than contested proceedings, which average 12 to 18 months in New York City courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in New York City?
An uncontested divorce in New York City typically takes 3 to 6 months from filing to final judgment. Contested divorces average 12 to 18 months, though complex cases involving significant assets or custody disputes can extend beyond 2 years. The timeline depends primarily on whether both parties reach agreement on property division and custody under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236.
Does New York require a separation period before filing for divorce?
New York does not require a mandatory separation period for no-fault divorce. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170(7), a spouse can file by stating the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least 6 months. That 6-month period refers to the state of the relationship, not a formal legal separation, meaning spouses can still reside together during that time.
How does New York divide assets in a celebrity divorce?
New York applies equitable distribution under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5), weighing 15 factors including income, marriage duration, and each spouse's contributions. Celebrity-specific assets like television contracts, social media brand deals, and public persona value earned during the marriage are subject to division. Courts have broad discretion, and outcomes typically range from 40/60 to 60/40 splits depending on the circumstances.
What custody arrangement is most common in New York City?
Joint legal custody with one parent holding primary physical custody is the most common arrangement in New York City under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240. Courts apply the best interests of the child standard, considering factors like each parent's home stability, work schedule, and the children's existing school and social connections. A 14-year-old child's preference carries meaningful weight in the court's analysis.
Can reality TV footage be used in a New York divorce case?
Yes, reality television footage is admissible as evidence in New York divorce proceedings if it is relevant to disputed issues like lifestyle, spending habits, or parenting conduct. New York courts apply standard evidentiary rules under CPLR Article 45, and publicly broadcast material carries no expectation of privacy. However, judges weigh the probative value against any prejudicial effect before admitting specific clips.
Find a divorce attorney in New York through our New York directory to discuss how state law applies to your specific situation.
This article discusses recent news and provides general legal commentary. It does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.