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We understand that right now, many New Yorkers have urgent questions about their parenting and custody agreements and arrangements. Coronavirus and the subsequent restrictions imposed on movement have created a sense of uncertainty for many parents. The firm is currently open for business. We are also offering remote consultations via video chat and phone calls. We are here to answer your pressing questions about your custody arrangements during the coronavirus crisis, as well as to speak about any other family law and divorce issues you may have.

We want you to stay safe and healthy. If you wish to meet with an attorney remotely, we can accommodate that need. If you have questions, please contact us.

212-867-9123

How to Choose a Divorce or Family Lawyer

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?
Contact212-867-9123