Whether you’re filing for divorce, adopting a child or seeking a modification to a court order, you may require the services of a family law attorney. To become licensed, lawyers must complete a number of prerequisites, including earning a law degree and passing the bar exam.
Bryant & Bleier, LLP handles family-related legal issues in New York City and its surrounding areas. It guides clients through uncontested and contested divorce suits.
Specialization
A lawyer practicing family law may choose to specialize in any number of areas. These specialized fields include divorce, child custody, adoption and estate planning. Attorneys who focus on a specific area of the field must complete additional training and pass an exam to receive their certification. Regardless of the area in which they practice, successful family lawyers must possess a variety of skills including effective written and verbal communication, time management and the ability to understand deeply personal issues.
Divorce attorney in NYC is a legal specialist who handles a range of issues related to the end of a marriage, such as property and asset division, alimony and child support. They are often involved in mediation with spouses and other parties to help resolve disputes without going to court.
In addition to advising clients on divorce-related matters, such as child custody, spousal support and property division, a family law lawyer can also advise their clients on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, which outline property ownership rights prior to marriage or in the event of divorce. They may also assist with legal separations and domestic violence cases, and they can help their clients file for restraining orders against abusive spouses.
Many family lawyers offer guidance on adoption matters, which involve the full legal parenthood of a person who is not a biological parent. This process can be complicated, as it requires that one or both biological parents voluntarily abdicate their parental rights, or in the case of an unmarried couple, that they enter into a legal agreement to relinquish their parental rights.
Experience
The average family law attorney is a seasoned professional who has spent many years learning and practicing the art of legal statutes. This means that they are very aware of all the components that are required for an efficient, hassle-free divorce. This is very important, because when you go through a divorce, there is a lot of paperwork that needs to be filled out and strict procedures that must be followed. Even a small mistake in these areas could cause you to lose out on assets or custody of children.
In addition to property disputes and child custody proceedings, a good NYC high-value divorce lawyer will be able to assist with other family issues. For example, they can help you with the process of determining spousal support payments. This involves examining the incomes of both parties and calculating their combined earnings, including wages, tips, bonuses, and other types of compensation. In addition, a good lawyer will be able to provide moral support and comfort to their clients during the difficult times of a high-stakes divorce case.
Some family lawyers will also be able to assist with adoption services. This is an excellent way to give a child the loving home they deserve. In addition, it can be a very emotionally rewarding experience for both the parents and the child. However, it is very important to choose a licensed and qualified adoption agency to avoid complications later on.
Communication
Often, a divorce attorney will work with clients who have been abused or harassed by their spouses. If this happens, the lawyer may file an order of protection against the abuser. This protects a client from violence or harassment and ensures that the abusive spouse can’t see their children.
When choosing a family law lawyer, it’s important to select an attorney who listens attentively and clearly explains complex legal concepts. A good divorce attorney will also be able to answer your questions and keep you updated on the status of your case. They should be available to take your calls or respond promptly to your emails.
Another important consideration is how the lawyer will approach your case. Some lawyers work in a collaborative style that seeks to resolve issues outside of court, while others are more aggressive. Find out how the attorney would handle your case and whether it aligns with your goals and values.
After you’ve chosen a lawyer, they will review your case and prepare a written representation agreement. This will explain their fees and scope of responsibilities, including your responsibilities for being responsive and communicative. It’s also a good idea to read the agreement carefully and ask questions before you sign. You should also inquire about the lawyer’s availability and workload. If they are overloaded, look for a firm that has family law paralegals who can assist you while the lawyer is in court or meeting with other clients.
Fees
When seeking a New York family law attorney, you should find out their hourly rates. Also ask how much they charge for the completion of basic documents like a petition and summons. Also inquire whether they have paralegals that they use to assist them in divorce cases. The rate they charge for completing these tasks may be lower than their lawyer’s rate.
A divorce can be costly, especially if your spouse alleges fault and you end up in a long court battle. A New York family lawyer can help you find more cost-effective alternatives to litigation such as collaborative divorce or a court-ordered settlement.
In addition to contested divorce matters, a New York family lawyer can help you with uncontested issues including property division; premarital and postmarital agreements; child custody disputes; paternity proceedings; restraining orders; and adoptions. Some attorneys can also provide mediation services.
Some families can afford to hire a full-scope divorce lawyer who will handle all aspects of their case, from filing the initial petition to obtaining a final decree of divorce. However, many people cannot afford such an expense. If this is the case for you, look for an attorney who will disclose their legal fees upfront and will discuss your options with respect to limited-scope representation or representation by a volunteer program such as Legal Aid.אמיר בר לב