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 and raising immediate questions about custody of their two children, equitable distribution of assets accumulated during nearly a decade together, and how New York's no-fault divorce framework will shape what comes next.
Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | David Craig filed for divorce from Sai De Silva in New York City |
| When | April 2, 2026 |
| Where | New York County (Manhattan) Supreme Court |
| Who is affected | The couple and their two children, London (14) and Rio (8) |
| Key statute | N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170(7) (no-fault grounds) |
| Context | Filing came weeks after De Silva's return for RHONY Season 16 was confirmed |
Why This Filing Matters Legally
New York high-profile divorce filings like this one put the state's equitable distribution framework under a spotlight that benefits everyone trying to understand how the process actually works. When a spouse files in New York City, the case lands in Supreme Court, which is the only court in the state with jurisdiction over divorce proceedings under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170. That is not a typo. In New York, Supreme Court is the trial-level court, and every contested divorce with property or custody issues goes through it.
The timing here is notable. According to TMZ, the filing came just weeks after Bravo confirmed De Silva would return for Season 16 of RHONY. That timing matters because income earned during the marriage is marital property under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(1)(c). A new season contract signed before a divorce filing date could factor into the overall equitable distribution calculation.
New York became the last state in the country to adopt no-fault divorce when it added N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170(7) in 2010. Under that provision, either spouse can file by stating the relationship has been irretrievably broken for at least 6 months. Craig does not need to prove fault, and De Silva cannot block the divorce simply by contesting it.
How New York Law Handles High-Profile Divorces Like This
New York is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5), courts divide marital property based on what is fair, which does not always mean 50/50. The statute lists 14 specific factors courts consider, including the duration of the marriage, each spouse's income and earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage including homemaking and child-rearing.
For a 9-year marriage involving a reality television personality, the court would likely examine several categories of assets. Reality TV compensation, brand partnership income, social media earnings, and any businesses launched during the marriage would all be classified as marital property subject to division. De Silva, who has built a significant social media presence with over 500,000 followers across platforms, likely earns income from endorsements and sponsored content that accumulated during the marriage.
New York courts also have discretion to award maintenance (alimony) under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(6). The state uses a specific formula for temporary maintenance that caps the payor's income at $228,000 (as of 2024 guidelines) for calculation purposes, though courts can deviate from the cap in high-income cases. For post-divorce maintenance, courts consider 20 factors including the standard of living established during the marriage.
With two children aged 14 and 8, custody and child support will be central issues. New York determines custody based on the best interests of the child standard under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 240. Child support follows the Child Support Standards Act, which applies a percentage to combined parental income: 25% for one child and 29% for two children, with the first $163,000 of combined income subject to the formula (2024 figure) and judicial discretion above that amount.
What New York Residents Should Know About the Divorce Process
High-profile filings like this one generate public interest, but they also highlight practical realities that apply to every New York divorce. The process works the same whether you are on television or not.
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Residency requirements come first. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 230, at least one spouse must have lived in New York for a continuous period of at least 1 year before filing if the grounds for divorce arose outside the state, or 2 years of continuous residency with no additional conditions. If both parties were married in New York and have lived there continuously, the residency requirement drops to 1 year.
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Filing in New York City means the case goes to the Supreme Court in one of the five boroughs. Manhattan cases are handled at 60 Centre Street. The filing fee is $210 for an uncontested divorce index number, plus an additional $125 Request for Judicial Intervention fee if the case is contested, for a combined total of $335.
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New York requires financial disclosure. Both spouses must file a Statement of Net Worth under 22 NYCRR § 202.16, which is a comprehensive financial document listing all income, assets, expenses, and liabilities. In high-income cases, forensic accountants are commonly retained to value businesses, stock options, and other complex assets.
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Privacy protections exist but are limited. New York divorce filings are public record. However, parties can request that financial documents be sealed under 22 NYCRR § 216.1, which is common in cases involving public figures. The divorce complaint itself, though, remains accessible.
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Timeline expectations should be realistic. An uncontested divorce in New York City can be finalized in approximately 3 to 6 months. A contested case involving custody disputes and significant assets can take 18 months to 3 years or longer, depending on complexity and court backlog in the borough where the case is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sai De Silva block the divorce filing in New York?
No. New York adopted no-fault divorce under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 170(7) in 2010, which means either spouse can obtain a divorce by stating the marriage has been irretrievably broken for at least 6 months. The other spouse cannot prevent the divorce from proceeding, though they can contest terms like property division and custody.
How does New York divide assets in a divorce after 9 years of marriage?
New York uses equitable distribution under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(5), dividing marital property based on fairness rather than a strict 50/50 split. Courts weigh 14 statutory factors including marriage duration, each spouse's income, and contributions to the household. A 9-year marriage with children typically results in a meaningful share for both parties.
Is reality TV income considered marital property in New York?
Yes. Under N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law § 236(B)(1)(c), all income earned by either spouse during the marriage is marital property subject to equitable distribution. This includes reality television salaries, social media sponsorship revenue, and brand partnership fees earned between the date of marriage and the date of filing or a court-determined cutoff.
How does New York calculate child support for two children?
New York's Child Support Standards Act applies 29% of combined parental income for two children. The formula applies to the first $163,000 of combined income (2024 cap), with courts exercising discretion on income above that threshold. In high-income cases, judges consider the children's standard of living and actual needs rather than applying the percentage mechanically.
Will the divorce proceedings be public in New York?
Divorce filings in New York are public record, including the initial complaint and court decisions. However, financial disclosure documents can be sealed under 22 NYCRR § 216.1, and parties frequently request sealing orders in high-profile cases. Court appearances are generally open, but judges can limit access in cases involving minor children's privacy.
If you are navigating a divorce in New York and want to understand how equitable distribution, custody, or support might apply to your situation, connecting with a local family law attorney is the most reliable next step. Use our New York directory to find an exclusive attorney in your county.
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.