Matrimonial Law
If you have reached a point in your marriage where you and your spouse have irreconcilable differences, finding a Long Island divorce lawyer to represent your interests in the courtroom is of the utmost importance. Divorces are often amicable and the divorcing parties can agree on the terms of the divorce, but that is not always the case. A divorce can be messy and frustrating, which makes it imperative that you have the best representation possible.
An experienced divorce lawyer can help you to work through the details of your divorce and keep you apprised of your legal rights. Not all lawyers are the same; some specialize in particular areas of law, like divorce law, while others take on a wide range of cases. Finding a Long Island divorce lawyer that you can work with is a bit of a challenge, but the points that follow will help you to hire the best:
- Ask for referrals. Sadly, you likely know many people who have been divorced in the past. Ask friends and family members who they used and if they would feel comfortable recommending their lawyer to you. For a more informed referral, consider talking to the local bar association.
- Develop a short list from your referrals and narrow it down. If you have kids, be sure to choose an attorney that has experience in handling custody disputes.
- Ask the lawyer about their fees, and be sure that you can afford their services. Attorney fees can vary widely in a divorce proceeding; in fact, some attorneys may charge by the hour, others by the “case”. If your divorce will be contested, or if you have children or a lot of property to divide, plan to pay more, naturally. This makes it important for you to find out the cost of hiring the lawyer up front. You may be asked to pay a retainer before the attorney will begin working on your divorce.
After finding a Long Island divorce lawyer that you are comfortable working with, be patient. Divorces take a considerable amount of time to move through the courts.
Siben & Siben is here to assist you with your matrimonial law needs. Please feel free to call us for a free consultation.