Divorce Lawyer New York, NY
If you are in need of an experienced divorce lawyer New York, NY residents trust, who specializes in legal cases involving marriage, adoption, divorce, child support, or guardianship, you may find what you are looking for at Oddo & Babbat. Family law is one of the branches of civil law that is completely detached from the criminal justice system. If you are filing for divorce from your spouse, are in need of a pre-nuptial agreement, or are thinking about adopting a child, you will greatly benefit from hiring an experienced family law attorney.
Attorneys may be considered a dime a dozen, but with some work, you will find one that is best for your needs. Don’t hesitate to call Oddo & Babbat to see if we are the perfect family law firm for you:
Do You Need a Family Law Attorney?
The first step to finding the right family law attorney is figuring out if you truly need one or not. You will also need to consider which specialization your unique needs call for. If any of the following apply to your situation, you may benefit from hiring a family law attorney:
- You are thinking about filing for divorce, legal separation, or an annulment
- You need help with child custody or support
- You are thinking about adopting a child
- You need help getting a restraining order
- You need to change a divorce agreement
How Do You Find the Right Lawyer?
Typically, you will bring a legal case to the county where both parties involved live. This is why you will need to find a qualified family law attorney within the county where the case is being held. Start compiling a list of all possible attorneys you would like to use as soon as you have decided to file for a legal claim. You can locate a family law attorney in the county where you or the other person filed by:
- Searching the American Bar Association database
- Using your state’s bar association website
- Utilizing a public-interest website
Do Your Homework
Conducting some easy online research can provide you with a wealth of information when it comes to selecting the best attorney. Keep in mind that not all lawyers work in every area of law, so you need someone who has represented cases like yours before. Some things to check out include:
- The attorney’s website
- Social media profiles, including LinkedIn
- News stories and press releases
Knowing Your Budget
Finding an attorney that fits within your budget is very important. Family law attorneys generally bill according to some possible fee agreements, including:
- Hourly rates
- Contingency fees
- Retainer fees
When one is going through a divorce, there can be a lot of questions throughout the process and it is best to speak with a NY divorce lawyer in New York from Oddo & Babat. One of the largest considerations can be sorting out who gets what assets in the divorce. Emotions may arise when determining how assets will be divided, even in the calmest and friendliest of divorces. A divorce lawyer can be helpful in distinguishing separate versus community property because this can vary depending on the state you live in. Some states, like California, divide all assets straight down the middle, regardless of the reason for divorce.
But, most states require the judge to sort out how assets will be divided in the fairest way possible. Community property is considered anything that was acquired together in the marriage. Separate property can include assets such as inheritances, gifts that were given to the spouse, or even separate bank accounts.
Hidden Assets
Obviously if your divorce is a stressful and tension filled one, you may find that the process can be even more stressful. It is very common for a spouse to hide assets from the other so that they are not subject to being divided. When you believe this is the case, seek help from a trusted divorce lawyer. Common ways assets may be hidden are:
- Putting assets in the names of others while undergoing the division of assets.
- Undervaluing or hiding belongings of value such as antiques or artwork.
- Accounts that a spouse never knew about.
It will be important prior to filing for divorce to have clear documentation of assets that you and your partner own. Locating assets can require more time and money because you will have to prove that the assets existed. Often this is done through the discovery process; by having people deposed who may be able to attest to those assets.
Determining whether or not your ex will be entitled to assets you may have inherited from the passing of a loved one is a question that commonly comes up. If you were left an inheritance with no mention of your spouse, they are considered separate property. That means they would not be entitled to it in the divorce.
Contact a Divorce Lawyer New York Residents Rely On
Nearly all people find that going through a divorce can be an emotionally draining process. When it comes to dividing assets, it can be disheartening knowing that you will have to part with some things that you may find important to you. A divorce attorney will be able to protect your best interests while you withstand the divorce process. They will also be vital in appropriating what is rightfully yours in the divorce. For more information, speak with a New York divorce lawyer in NY from Oddo & Babat today.