What Does a Family Lawyer Do in New York?

When legal problems arise, you may not know who to call. There are many different types of lawyers, and it can be confusing. You may be asking yourself, “What does a family lawyer do in New York?”

The answer to that question is far from simple because a New York family lawyer can take on any number of tasks to help you through a case. Whether you need a single question answered or you’re seeking legal representation in a New York court of law, it’s critical to choose the right legal professional to represent you. That starts with understanding what your family attorney can do for you.

Different Types of Family Law Cases in New York

Family law encompasses a broad range of legal procedures and issues that families face. There’s a Family Court in New York that handles these types of cases because they make up for such a large percentage of legal cases. In some cases, family legal cases can be handled by the Supreme Court in New York. Your attorney can help you navigate this part of your legal matter. Some common types of cases that New York family lawyers handle include:

• Adoption
• Child protection
• Custody and visitation
• Divorce and military divorce
• Domestic violence
• Foster care and guardianship
• Juvenile delinquency
• Paternity
• Persons in need of supervision (PINS)
• Premarital agreements
• Spousal maintenance

Family issues can touch every New Yorker’s life in one way or another. For instance, the number of domestic violence victims in New York rose by about 8.7 percent between 2019 and 2022. Additionally, there were a total of 4,521 domestic violence cases reported in Monroe County alone in 2023.

Divorce is another common legal matter handled by family law attorneys in New York. The divorce rate in New York is about 2.3 per 1,000 people, which is below the national average, but this can fluctuate. If you’re navigating a divorce or another family issue, a local New York family lawyer can help you.

What Can My New York Family Law Attorney Do for Me?

No matter the nature of the issue you’re facing, a family lawyer can be an invaluable asset to have on your side. At their simplest, family lawyers exist to help you with a legal matter at hand that has to do with a spouse or family member. Your attorney can help you complete a variety of tasks. These include:

• Answering any of your questions
• Conducting interviews
• Drafting legal documents
• Investigating the prosecution’s claims
• Evaluating the strength of your case
• Negotiating deals on your behalf
• Offering legal advice and guidance
• Representing you in court

The complexity of your case ultimately determines what your family lawyer can do for you. They are there to support you throughout the process, so your needs dictate the services they can offer to you.

Choosing the Right Family Lawyer in New York

When you start looking around for a family lawyer, you are likely to notice that there are many from which to choose. Selecting the right one may seem like an impossible task, but it is possible. For starters, look for an attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours. Family law is an expansive area of law, and it’s important you work with someone who has the right experience.

It’s also important not to go with the cheapest option you find. While it can be tempting to try to save money, this can end up hurting you in the long run. Experienced attorneys may charge more than an entry-level firm, but their skills and resources often make it worth it.

It’s wise to talk to multiple law firms to get a feel for your options. Many offer consultations where they can give you more information about their services and give you a better idea about pricing once they know more about your case, too.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Work With a Family Lawyer in New York?

The total cost of working with a New York family lawyer can vary depending on what type of legal issue you’re facing and the complexity of the case, since this dictates what services you may need. Family attorneys typically charge a flat fee for services, an hourly rate, or a retainer fee.

What Are the Benefits of Working with a New York Family Lawyer?

While you don’t have to work with a family lawyer when handling a legal issue, it’s highly recommended that you do. Your lawyer can take on any number of tasks to help with your case, including conducting interviews, investigating the other party’s claims, negotiating deals on your behalf, and representing you if you end up going to trial.

Do New York Family Lawyers Handle Cases in Court?

Many family-related cases in New York are settled out of court, but there are some cases that go to the New York Family Court or the Supreme Court. If you do go to trial, your New York family lawyer can represent you, so you can focus on your goals for the settlement.

What Court Handles Family Law Cases in New York?

The Family Court of New York handles legal cases involving children and families, representing clients who are dealing with any number of legal issues, such as adoption and domestic violence. The Supreme Court may handle some types of family cases, such as annulments, divorces, and certain child-related issues.

Talk to a New York Family Lawyer About Your Situation Today

Navigating a family legal matter can be overwhelming, which is why it’s helpful to work with a legal professional who has experience with similar cases. No matter the nature of your case, you can count on our team at Trotto Law Firm, P.C. to be there for you.

Our team has years of experience navigating complex legal issues related to family law, and we’re ready to put our skills to work for you. If you’re ready to talk about your situation in more detail, call our office to set up a consultation with a New York family lawyer today.