When Should You Hire a Long Island Divorce Attorney

There are three different time frames when you should hire a divorce attorney:

Before the Divorce has started:  If you are thinking of getting a divorce or believe your spouse is considering a divorce, then you might want to consult with or hire a divorce attorney.

Starting a Divorce with an Attorney:  You have decided to file a divorce and want an attorney to file the divorce papers and represent you in the divorce.

You have been served with divorce papers:  You probably knew that your marriage wasn’t going well, but did not consult with an attorney, yet, now, you have been served with divorce papers and need an attorney.

In general terms, no matter when you hire an attorney, you probably will be looking for the same qualities.  However, here are some things you should look for in a long island divorce attorney, depending on when you hire that attorney.

Before the Divorce has Started

By seeking an attorney before starting a divorce or before you have been served with divorce papers has several advantages.  It gives you the time to compare several attorneys to see which one is right for you.  A divorce attorney should never push you towards filing for a divorce.

By consulting with an attorney, before a divorce has commenced, you can get many of your question answered about: custody, child support. Spousal maintenance, and division of assets. You will also be able to discuss the differences between a legal separation and a divorce.

You will also have time to start gathering financial documents, documents that you will most likely need in your divorce. Your attorney may advise you on why it might be a good idea to open up your own separate bank account.

Starting a Divorce with an Attorney

Assuming you have not consulted with an attorney, you most likely will want an attorney to start and file the divorce papers. In New York, it is now possible to file a divorce electronically with one simple legal document (called a “Summons With Notice”).  The Summons With Notice is a very basic document, however, it does preserve your rights and it can be used to start the divorce process.  You will still have time to get financial documents.

You have been served with divorce papers

In New York, most of the time, after you have been served with divorce papers, you will have twenty days to respond.  You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.  Although, there is some pressure to hire an attorney, the attorney you hire may be able to get an extension of time to respond to the divorce papers.

If you need a divorce attorney, call David Badanes and the Badanes Law Office. The Badanes Law Office helps clients throughout Long Island.  Call David Badanes and the Badanes Law Office at 631-239-1702, email at david@dbnylaw.com or visit our web site: www.dbnylaw.com

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