When meeting with a lawyer, be sure to discuss fees, retainers and your budget. Most divorces can be settled without protracted and costly litigation proceedings.
An effective divorce attorney must understand local practices in the county where you will file. Seek referrals and conduct research before selecting your representative.
Ask for Recommendations
Divorce can be an emotional and financially draining process, so having reliable legal assistance to guide the proceedings is vital to its successful conclusion.
New York City divorce lawyers can help you determine the best course of action and file all required court documents in an efficient manner. Furthermore, they can assist with negotiations of custody arrangements, child support payments and alimony agreements with your partner during divorce proceedings.
Contested divorces can be more time-consuming and costly than their uncontested counterparts, due to intense disagreement between spouses over terms like property division, spousal support payments, child custody arrangements and child support payments. Mediation or litigation may be necessary in order to settle these disputes successfully.
Divorce cases must meet seven statutory grounds of fault: adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment (when one spouse behaves so as to render living together unsafe or inappropriate), abandonment and imprisonment for three years or more.
Look for Expertise
Experienced New York divorce attorneys can be invaluable allies during a separation or divorce, helping clients deal with matters such as spousal support, property division and child custody in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Dependent upon the facts of each case, spouses may be able to reach an uncontested divorce settlement without litigation or litigation – this type of agreement allows spouses to file for their separation together and work with their attorneys to negotiate an accord on all relevant terms of divorce.
If the parties cannot come to an agreement on their terms of divorce, a trial will take place in court. Lawyers for each spouse will prepare presentations about their respective experiences before an impartial judge who will then make final decisions about child custody and alimony payments.
Check the Fees
Cost can often be the determining factor when it comes to choosing a divorce attorney; however, cheap isn’t always best. Be sure to discuss all fees upfront, such as hidden or extra costs or charges; additionally ask about payment arrangements which could help ease financial strain during this process.
Be wary of attorneys offering free consultations or low estimates for their services; such attorneys are often just trying to attract new clients and should be avoided. Also avoid those promising specific outcomes or who say they know what’s “best” for your case as these lawyers could miss the mark and cause irreparable financial damage.
Ask Questions
Finding a competent divorce lawyer is an important decision with potentially lasting implications, so take your time when interviewing candidates and pose relevant questions – these steps will ensure you find an attorney whom inspires confidence.
Make sure that your attorney is well versed in the laws in your state, particularly regarding property division, alimony payments, child custody agreements, and tax implications. A quality lawyer should provide a complete understanding of these topics while answering all your queries in an understandable manner.
Ask your attorney about their caseload and their response times for inquiries; working with someone who commits to being available during contested divorce matters is extremely helpful. Be wary of attorneys offering specific outcomes or unrealistically low cost estimates during initial consultations.
