Find a family law attorney in Valley Stream, NY

Find family law attorneys in Valley Stream, NY

Q: How much is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney charges $200 to $500 per hour , depending on the location, their experience level, and the services included. Some charge a flat fee for simple services, like drawing up basic, uncontested divorce papers. Contested divorces, custody cases, or asset arrangements often take longer and cost more to settle. These cases often go to trial and require the attorney to spend time to prepare evidence and arguments, which increases the final cost. Most firms charge by the hour, but some have contingency fees instead. This means that they receive a percentage of any money awarded at the end of the case and won't charge you anything until then. Some attorneys charge a $500 to $5,000 retainer fee, which is paid in advance.

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Find family law attorneys in Valley Stream, NY

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Top 10 family law attorneys in Valley Stream, NY

Clients agree: these Valley Stream family law attorneys are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.

Your Family Law Attorney questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.

How much is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney charges $200 to $500 per hour, depending on the location, their experience level, and the services included. Some charge a flat fee for simple services, like drawing up basic, uncontested divorce papers.

Contested divorces, custody cases, or asset arrangements often take longer and cost more to settle. These cases often go to trial and require the attorney to spend time to prepare evidence and arguments, which increases the final cost.

Most firms charge by the hour, but some have contingency fees instead. This means that they receive a percentage of any money awarded at the end of the case and won't charge you anything until then. Some attorneys charge a $500 to $5,000 retainer fee, which is paid in advance.

What is a family law attorney?

A family law attorney handles cases that involve domestic issues and family relationships. These attorneys advocate for their clients and mediate in complex cases. Common court cases or specialties might include:

Divorce
Prenups
Child custody
Child support or alimony
Adoption
Guardianship
Domestic violence
Child abuse
Restraining orders

Do family law attorneys manage divorce?

Yes, family law attorneys manage divorce cases. However, a family law attorney can only represent one spouse during the divorce. Uncontested divorces are relatively simple, especially when the couple is childless, and often only include drawing up paperwork and dividing property.

Contested divorces are more difficult, expensive, and complicated because there are more negative emotions involved. An attorney helps mediate during disputes about custody, child support, alimony, assets, and debts.

Do I need a family law attorney?

Simple court filings or name changes can be handled without a family law attorney. Otherwise, it may be best to have an experienced attorney on your side for important cases involving divorce, custody, adoption, or abuse. Without an attorney, the case may take longer or have an undesirable outcome.

How do I prepare to meet with a family law attorney?

Prepare to meet with a family law attorney by gathering the appropriate documents. These will vary depending on the case but typically include:

Birth certificates
Bank statements
Tax returns
Employment information
Mortgage data

How do I choose a family law attorney?

Browse our list of attorneys, then:

Get 3 or more free estimates to compare.
Read reviews and cases on Thervo and Google.
Choose an experienced attorney who has passed the bar.
Pick someone who is professional and is serious about your needs.
Consider the distance between their office and your home.
Get a written estimate before casework starts.
Avoid making large payments up front.

After asking questions, hire the best family law attorney in your area.

What questions should I ask family law attorneys?

When searching for attorneys near you, consider the following questions:

How long have you been practicing family law?
When did you pass the bar?
How many similar cases have you worked on?
Is your current caseload light enough to take me on?
Based on my situation, how long do you think it will take to settle my case?
Do you have a flat rate or hourly rates?
Will you give me an estimate or contract in writing?

Reviews for Valley Stream family law attorneys

Recent success stories from people in the Valley Stream area.

Vadim Z.

I hired Mike when I was in disastrous situation. I had an OP against me, I could not get access to my daughter, petitions for the sole custody and child support was filed by my ex. After the first court appearance with Mike, OP was removed and I got temporary residential Custody. Right after, my ex created a criminal case against me. Mike helped me promptly to get all criminal charges dismissed and I got full temporary custody of the child. Custody battle last over 2 years and all this time Mike was a grate help for me. After Custody hearing that by itself last for a year I got permanent full Custody of the child despite that we got a new judge. Again, it would be impossible to achieve without Mike’s A year later, we won an appeal filed by my ex. It is not very common in our days that fathers get full custody especially when mothers do not overuse drugs or alcohol but I got it with grate Mike’s help. Mike often gave me advises that saved me time and money. For example, he ended up the hearing right in time despite that I thought more time is required to bring more witnesses to convince the judge. Mike available when I need him and answers to my messages / phone calls in time. His promptness saved me in number of situations in my high-conflict divorce. He was transparent to me, did not hide anything. Mike is a good strategist. For example, I accepted one of his advises that was not beneficial to me in a short term but played well at the end. Mike was transparent to me, did not hide anything. It does not mean that I put my fate in lawyer’s hands and stop thinking myself. I knew what I wanted and use Mike’s sharp mind, professional skills and experience of a trial lawyer in order to achieve the desirable outcome.

BARROWS LEVY PLLC

Herbert J.

Very flexible with his time

Bruce R. Bekritsky, Attorney at Law

Lawrence C.

Very clear in his description of what is involved. Discussed alternatives. Would definitely recommend him.

LawOffice of Howard Goldstein, Esq.

Adrienne W.

Mark is kind, caring and an excellent listener. He is also a bulldog when it requires. You will get phenomenal service with this firm and will not be treated like just another client. I highly recommend for excellent service and great results.

Law Offices of Mark F. Brancato

Christina B.

He was very informative and punctual. He gave us a clear picture of what information was needed for our day in court and everything went smoothly. I would highly recommend his services.

Leonard J. Tarantino, Attorney at Law.

Blanca C.

She was my hero got me through one of the worst times of my life !

Diana Mohyi Attorney at Law P.C.

Genevieve C.

Svetlana was professional throughout my experience and had a genuine concern for our outcome. She kept me informed throughout the process and was aggressive in meeting our needs.

Sobel Law Offices PC

Tomi D.

Aregbesola Law understand you as a client and puts themselves in your shoes! They are fast, efficient and quite a breather to with. I will continue to use Aregbesola Law for ANY and EVERY legal need.