FAQ
Here are some of the questions we typically hear when we meet a client or potential client for the first time:
What to do if you are a suspect in a Criminal situation?
If you find yourself in a potentially criminal situation where you could be a suspect don’t say anything. More and more the police are using body cams so anything you say and they record can be used against you. Even if you don’t confess or make a written statement your body cam recording could be used in court so, play it safe and just tell them your name, phone number and address. After that hire an attorney.
Why are divorces so expensive?
Divorces can be expensive for any number of reasons. Sometimes there are complicated issues related to the parties’ finances. Sometimes there are issues related to the parties’ health that requires a lot of time and effort to figure out the best possible scenario for the client. In other instances trying to figure out what is in the best interest of the parties’ children can be time consuming and expensive. Often times in cases involving children the courts will appoint a GAL (guardian ad litem) who in the jurisdiction where I primarily practice is an attorney assigned to look out for the best interests of the children. The fees incurred by the GAL are usually apportioned equally between the parties. In the rare instance where the recommendation of the GAL and the child or children he/she has been appointed to represent disagree then the court will appoint an attorney for the child(ren). The GAL is still on the case but now there’s another attorney who has to be paid and as with the GAL these fees are also apportioned between the parties.
Why does a divorce have to take 12 to 18 months?
The preference is to settle the case and avoid a trial but unfortunately sometimes it takes that long to reach a settlement. Both parties will engage in discovery which means they will file motions and subpoenas to obtain the documents and records they need to develop a complete understanding of what is at stake in the case. Often this takes time.
Sometimes there are complicated issues regarding the children. Sometimes there are health issues concerning one of the parties. And sometimes there are complicated financial issues which require that the attorney hire an expert to help him/her understand the facts and make decisions that are in the best interests of the client
Whenever there are issues with a case a good attorney will take the time he/she needs to acquire the knowledge to do what is best for the client.
Will the mother always end up with custody?
Not necessarily. At one time the law favored the mother but that’s changed and now men are on an equal standing with women when it comes to obtaining custody or as it is called today the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities. My office has successfully represented numerous men in cases involving the allocation of parental rights and responsibilities.