So you have thought long and hard about your situation and come to the conclusion that you need to hire a family law professional. At Midtown Divorce & Family Law we understand that you probably did not wake up this morning with a desire to hire a lawyer, so we congratulate you for taking control of your situation. Or, perhaps your spouse has left you with no other option. Whatever your particular situation, here is what you need to do to get started:
Schedule an Initial Consultation
The first step in retaining a family law attorney is to call Midtown Divorce & Family Law to schedule an initial consultation with one of our dedicated family law professionals.
What does it cost? We charge a flat initial consultation fee of $100.
What do I get? Your initial consultation with one of our attorneys can last up to one hour. During your consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss the details of your case as well as have the opportunity to ask questions so that you can determine if we are the right fit for you.
Note: While other firms offer so-called “free consultations,” these consultations generally only last for 15 minutes and only allow the attorney to talk to you about themselves. You will not be allowed to discuss the specifics of your case without paying a fee, i.e. you will be charged if you wish to discuss your case. However, at Midtown Divorce & Family Law, we do not use “bait-and-switch” tactics. So, call us today to schedule your initial consultation.
What if I cannot come to your office? If for any reason you are unable to travel to our office, we will gladly schedule a phone consultation for you.
Meet with a Family Law Professional
Next, meet with one of our attorneys. The initial consultation is a great time to get to know us and for us to get to know you. It is very important in the beginning of the attorney-client relationship to be sure the match is a good fit. This is also the time when we will gather all of the initial information needed to begin representing you, so bring your documentation.
Do I need to bring anything? If possible, yes. The more information we are able to gather at the initial consultation the quicker and more efficiently we can begin work on your case.
What do I need to bring? Ideally you would bring all documentation relevant to your case, but that is probably not possible this early in your case. However, any letters or papers, such as a complaint of other pleadings if the case is ongoing, that you have received from your spouse’s attorney is a good place to start. Please bring any agreements that may exist between you and your spouse, such as a separation agreement, parenting agreement, consent order or other agreement. If your case involves the division of marital property, then please gather any documents related to both you and your spouse’s incomes, as well as your assets and debts.
Hire Us!
The final piece of the puzzle is to hire us to represent you. Before beginning legal representation, we will require you to sign an agreement outlining the scope of legal services we will provide, the initial retainer fee, and the hourly billing rate. The amount of the initial retainer will depend on the facts and circumstances of your particular case, including the issues involved, their complexity, and whether litigation is already in progress.
Call us today! We look forward to working with you.