How to Start Your Family Law Case

A Guide Towards a Brighter Future

After you have gathered information related to your matter and considered the need for a solution, you should consult with a reputable attorney. You will make better, more reasoned choices if you have greater knowledge of the legal options available to you.

Step One: Call & Schedule a Consultation

When you call Vitale Family Law, you will speak to a paralegal. If no one is able to take your call please leave a message, and your call will be returned.

The paralegal will ask questions to identify your legal issue, check our conflict list to make sure we can represent you, explain the time, cost and procedure to meet with a lawyer, and schedule an appointment for you. Our paralegal can’t provide you legal advice.

Step two: Meet With a Lawyer

​Your consultation with a lawyer is designed to discuss your specific family law situation. The more information you have related to your matter, the more detailed the advice is that you will receive. In advance of your consultation you should gather documentation related to you matter and bring it to the meeting, including copies of the following:

• Legal Pleadings — including Orders, Motions and Complaints filed in your case;
• Demand letters or recent correspondence from an attorney;
• Contracts and Settlement Agreements you have entered, such as Separation Agreements, Property Settlement Agreements, Parenting Agreements and Prenuptial Agreements;

If you are consulting about the division of property and support, it is helpful to know what assets and debts exist and the income of each party.

A consultation typically lasts 1-2 hours. A fee is payable at the conclusion of the appointment.

Step Three: Retain a Lawyer

​In order to retain a lawyer to represent you in your legal matter, a contract for services will be entered and a retainer fee for services will be paid. The amount of the fee will be based on the complexity of the matter at hand, including what issues are involved and whether litigation is pending. Our legal professionals charge an hourly rate for services provided.