If you plan to end your marriage in Staten Island, the right attorney can be an invaluable asset through this difficult process. As you begin your search for legal counsel, it is important to have a few key questions ready to ask a Staten Island divorce attorney so you can determine what it will be like working with the attorney and what you can expect for the outcome of your case. A consultation is an important first step in securing reliable legal counsel.
Questions to Ask a Staten Island Divorce Attorney Before You Hire One
Many family attorneys in Staten Island offer potential new clients free or low-cost initial consultations. An initial consultation is essentially an interview. You and the attorney meet privately to discuss your case, and you can ask whatever questions you need to gauge whether the attorney is a suitable choice to represent you. It’s important to know a few of the most important questions to ask a Staten Island divorce attorney:
- -“What is your initial impression of my case?” Ask the attorney whether they notice anything unusual about your divorce, what your greatest opportunities are for reaching your desired terms, and whether they can think of any specific challenges you will need to overcome.
- -“How much experience do you have with cases like mine?” Experience is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a divorce attorney. While many newer attorneys are talented and enthusiastic about representing their clients, there is no substitute for proven experience handling cases like yours.
- -“How much do your services cost?” A good divorce attorney will be upfront with their billing policy, explaining their fee structure for different services and the rate they will charge per hour if you decide to hire them. It’s important to resolve these details before signing a contract for their representation.
- -“What outcome do you anticipate for my case?” No attorney can ever promise a specific result to a client in any case, nor can they accurately predict all of the unexpected issues that might arise. However, they should be able to provide a general timetable for your case and an explanation of the services they provide that may streamline your divorce.
- -“How can I get in touch with you during my case?” The attorney should provide multiple options for contacting them for updates on your case, and they should also have a balanced caseload to ensure they can devote adequate attention to your specific case.
Think About What to Ask a Lawyer Before Hiring One
These are just a few examples of important questions to ask a Staten Island divorce attorney before hiring them to represent you. Before scheduling a consultation with a potential attorney, take time to write down more questions specific to your individual case. If there are any specific issues that concern you about divorce, a good attorney can address these during your consultation so you can feel more confident about the proceedings ahead of you.
FAQs
When Should I Hire a Staten Island Divorce Attorney?
You should hire a Staten Island divorce attorney as soon as you have decided to divorce or as soon as your spouse has filed a divorce petition with the family court. Divorce is a long and complex process, but having a good attorney representing you can make the process much easier to complete. The sooner you secure legal counsel, the more time your attorney has to prepare your case, so it is a good idea to find an attorney as quickly as possible.
Is Everything You Say to a Lawyer Confidential?
Everything you say to a lawyer is confidential. Attorney-client privilege is meant to protect the integrity of the relationship between the attorney and their client and applies to all communications between them. The attorney may not divulge anything you say to them without your permission. However, there are some exceptions. An attorney may break attorney-client privilege if their client intends to commit a crime or if there is any risk of imminent harm.
What Is the Most Important Question to Ask a Potential Divorce Lawyer?
Perhaps the most important question to ask a potential divorce lawyer is what level of experience they have in handling cases like yours. A prospective attorney should be able to provide a clear interpretation of your case and their initial impression of what you can expect in terms of the outcome. A seasoned divorce lawyer can guide your divorce to a successful conclusion.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Staten Island Divorce Attorney?
The cost to hire a Staten Island divorce attorney will depend on their billing policy. The majority of divorce attorneys in New York work on an hourly basis, meaning they will charge their clients for all the time spent working on their cases. The more complex the case, the more the client will pay in legal fees. Always verify a prospective attorney’s billing policy before agreeing to hire them for your divorce case.
Can I Fire My Divorce Attorney in Staten Island?
Yes, you have the right to fire your divorce attorney in Staten Island if you believe they have failed to meet your expectations. However, it is important to understand that firing your attorney as your case unfolds will complicate the case and greatly extend the time it will take to complete your divorce. Once you hire a new attorney to represent you, they will need time to review your case’s details and get up to speed with your proceedings.
The Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, has successfully represented many Staten Island residents in complex divorce cases, and we know you are likely to have many difficult questions if you are facing such a case in the near future. If you are searching for an attorney to represent you, contact us today and schedule a consultation with our team. We can answer your questions and explain the legal services we can provide for your divorce case.
