How Much Are Family Law Attorneys?

Most attorneys' charge by the hour or on a fixed rate fee depending on what type of services the attorney anticipates for you case. Either way the "total" cost of legal representation is dependent on what issues you are going to have to deal with (i.e. property, children, support, etc.).

Keep in mind that the Staten Island family law attorney retainer usually never includes 3rd party costs such as court filing fees, process service fees, parking fees and/or copies. This can cost anywhere from $350 to $400 for the initial court filing fees, $150 for personal service of legal pleadings and up to 50 cents per copy.

If you haven't filed your legal pleadings for the divorce, this may be a good place to have either a document preparer/paralegal complete it or even consider doing it yourself. Most attorneys charge up to $1,500.00 to do this and this doesn't include the court filing fees.

If finances are an issue, remember that just about all divorces start out in the same manner when it comes to what legal pleadings are filed. Hiring a document preparer/paralegal may be something to consider as it will save you money.

Each family law matter is unique, and just because an attorney charges a "flat rate" or low hourly rate, doesn't mean that you will be able to get the results that you may be seeking. If you or your spouse wants to run to court to argue each and every issue, an attorney will have no choice but to charge you additionally.

By keeping yourself informed of the legal process and choosing a Staten Island family law attorney that you believe will meet your objectives in a reasonable manner is always better than seeking one out that is claiming to be "cheap" or has a good advertising campaign promising you something that is unrealistic or blatantly untrue.

Eric Gansberg is a family law attorneyis located on Staten Island, New York, and represents men and women with divorce, child support and family law throughout the New York City area, including Staten Island, Annadale, Arden Heights, Bay Terrace, Dongan Hills, Eltingville, Emerson Hill, Fort Wadsworth, Graniteville, Grant City, Grasmere, Great Kills, Greenridge, Grymes Hill, Heartland Village, Huguenot, Lighthouse Hill, Midland Beach, New Dorp, New Springville, Oakwood, Old Town NY, Pleasant Plains, Prince's Bay, Randall Manor, Richmond Valley Richmondtown, Rosebank, Rossville, Shore Acres, Silver Lake, South Beach, St. George, Tottenville Beach, Ward Hill, Westerleigh, Willowbrook, Woodrow, other areas of Staten Island, New York City, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Long Island, Suffolk County, Nassau County, Westchester County, and Rockland County.