Common Divorce Questions
Here are some of the most common divorce questions asked by our clients. If you are considering divorce in New York State, this information will be extremely helpful. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced and highly-trained New York divorce attorneys.
Common Divorce Questions | How Do I Choose a Divorce Attorney?
Before you start the divorce process you need to find an attorney you can trust. A phone call probably won’t be enough. You’re going to be spending a long time with this person (though hopefully he or she can help complete the process in as little time as possible). You want someone with whom you feel comfortable. You don’t want a bullish attorney who intimidates you, because it’s important that you lead the divorce process. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask your attorney about his or her experience, nor to dive right in to a discussion of how you might carry your case forward successfully and efficiently. Lastly, you’ll want an attorney who’s upfront about fees, payments plans, and ways for you to keep expenses down.
Common Divorce Questions | How Long Will the Divorce Process Take?
An “easy,” or uncontentious divorce in New York could be over in two to three months. A difficult, contentious, and litigated divorce could take over a year. It’s not possible for an attorney to predict the length of your case until well into the process, but you can sit down with your attorney, go over the details of your case, including assets, children, and the condition of your relationship with your spouse, and make educated guesses as to issues that could make yours a longer process.
In general, the length of your divorce case will depend on your ability to come to an agreement with your spouse.
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Common Divorce Questions | How Expensive is a Divorce in New York?
Aside from the eventual division of assets, the cost of your divorce will be your attorney’s retainer. This will vary, and is determined by the complexity of the case. You could incur additional costs if your case drags on, and if you have to involve other professionals like paralegals, doctors, psychologists, or forensic accountants.
If you aren’t the moneyed party, you might be able to get your spouse to contribute toward your attorney’s fees through a court order. A judge might order direct payments, or might take a shared asset, liquidate it, and reserve that for attorney’s fees.
There are other ways to keep costs down. Attorneys bill by the hour, so the more work you can do for your attorney, the less you’ll have to pay. Secure important financial documents before your first consultation. Provide other documentation before you file for divorce in New York, including documentation of your spouse’s finances. This will save you money during the “discovery” phase when both parties exchange information.
If you are contemplating divorce or legal separation, please contact our experienced Buffalo divorce lawyer today for a consultation.
