Your Matrimonial and Divorce 
Attorneys in Manhattan

So you need a family lawyer in Manhattan…

Whether you are about to marry and seek a prenuptial agreement, are approaching a divorce, or need legal assistance with any family issues in between or even after those points, choosing a family or divorce lawyer is a monumental undertaking. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. The decades of collective experience held by the attorneys at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP have revealed certain truths for any successful lawyer-client relationship. When you are searching for your family, divorce, or matrimonial attorney, keep the following in mind:

Qualities to Seek:

• An attorney you feel comfortable working and speaking with, and in whom you have confidence.
• An attorney who will explain the process and applicable law to you in terms you understand.
• An attorney within your financial means.
• An attorney who has a facility with numbers and is financially sophisticated.
• An attorney who is responsive to your needs.
• An attorney who has available to him/her sufficient support resources (e.g. paralegals, secretaries, associate attorneys).
• An attorney who is accessible to you (and promptly returns all phone calls).
• An attorney who specializes in matrimonial/divorce or family law and who has in-depth experience in these fields.

Questions to Ask:

• How long have you been practicing matrimonial/divorce/family law in Manhattan?
• What, if any, is the extent of your “in court” experience?
• Does your firm handle other matters besides matrimonial/divorce/family law?  If so, what percentage of your law practice is represented by matrimonial/divorce/family law cases?
• Are you familiar with the New York courts and the New York judges?
• What are the options available to resolve my case?  In my particular situation, which would you recommend?
• What is the extent of your support staff?
• Who will handle my case?  Will it be the partner or an associate or both?
• What are your hourly rates?
• What are the hourly rates of any associates and/or paralegals who will work on my case?
• Will you provide me with an itemized monthly bill?
• How do you calculate your billable hours?
• If I have a question about my case, can I call you?  How quickly can I expect to have my calls returned?
• If we are unable to negotiate a settlement and my divorce goes to trial, will your firm represent me in court or recommend me to another firm?
• What can I do to minimize my legal expenses?
• What do you expect from me?
• What documents do I need to produce?