Uncontested Divorce - Child Custody - Child Support - Family Law | Manhattan, NYC Divorce Lawyer
By Paul W. Matthews Esq.
(NYC Divorce lawyer)
I am a lawyer. Therefore, you probably have already figured out that I recommend that you hire a lawyer, and not a paralegal for your NY divorce, even if it is an uncontested no property divorce, ie. no money issues or kids. You, on the other hand, may be concerned about the cost of uncontested divorce. But, consider the following:
Lawyers in NY state must complete 3 years of rigorous training in Law School, must pass one of the toughest Bar exams in the country, and must be screened and approved by the Character and /fitness committee. This screening includes criminal background checks. All licensed attorneys must register with the Office of Court Administration and must provide current and accurate address information. Additionally, lawyers must practice under their real names and are forbidden from using “trade names”. Lawyers in NY state have an ethical obligation to represent their clients competently and honestly. There are also rules prohibiting false or deceptive advertising, rules regarding maintaining accurate books and records, and about respecting clients’ secrets and confidences. A licensed New York State lawyer is not allowed to take your money and do nothing on your case for a year, or worse, take your money, close down and re-open in another part of town under a different name. Because of the high cost of obtaining a Law License, every licensed attorney has a vested interest in avoiding, as much as possible, complaints from clients.
In contrast, in New York State there are no educational requirements for paralegals or “document assembly services”. Anyone can call himself or herself a “paralegal”. This means that paralegals are subject to no regulation except for general consumer protection laws such as those which would apply to the local dry cleaner or deli. While there are very large companies which call themselves “document assembly services” who will prepare papers for your uncontested no property divorce, many of these have been the subjects of lawsuits claiming that they are engaging in the unlawful practice of law. In the Sate of New York (and most other states) the unlawful practice of law is considered to be a danger to the consumer and is a criminal offense.
PAUL W. MATTHEWS ESQ.
305 BROADWAY, SUITE 801
NEW YORK, NY 10007
347-461-0760
attorneyinnyc@msn.com
Family and Matrimonial Law
Schedule an appointment (347)461-0760
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NYC Attorney provides affordable NY no contest divorces. Family Law Attorney experienced in contested divorces as well as child custody and child support cases. Orders of Protection and Small Claims Court representation.
Uncontested no property divorce - should you hire a lawyer or paralegal for your NY uncontested divorce?
Cost of uncontested divorce
Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended to show general principles, and should not be relied upon for decision making without consultation with an experienced Divorce Lawyer or Family Law attorney as to your particular situation. Contact via email does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
© 2009 Paul W. Matthews | New York Family Law | 305 Broadway, Suite 801 | New York, NY 10007 | 347-461-0760
Why would anyone want to have their uncontested divorce done by a non-lawyer? Certainly people are concerned about the cost of an uncontested divorce. Why pay thousands of dollars for something that is relatively simple? This is not a question that people are likely to ask when there are assets or kids involved. But when there is neither property nor children, many people will balk at paying expensive legal fees. However, at least in New York City, Divorce Law is a very competitive field. If you shop around, you can probably find an experienced, licensed New York lawyer who will handle your NY uncontested no property divorce for around about the same cost as you would be charged by the “document assembly” services, which are forbidden by law from giving you any legal advice whatsoever. You may be very pleasantly surprised by the cost of an uncontested divorce when handled by an experienced lawyer. My own fees start at $499 (plus court costs) for a simple no property no children uncontested divorce.
Mr. Matthews can be reached at (347)-461-0760
His offices are conveniently located at 305 Broadway, Suite 801, New York, NY, just a few blocks from the Supreme Court, in the City Hall area. He offers a free telephone consultation for uncontested divorces.
