While a family law practice may have many attorney-partners
or only one divorce lawyer, Long Island couples often don’t encounter the
myriad professionals who may be working behind the scenes managing their
divorce case.
Each Long Island divorce case has its own complexities and complications.
Within the basic structure of the law, courts have the flexibility to consider
unique circumstances and situations. It often takes a full team of
professionals with specialized skills working together to present a realistic
and representative picture of the marriage characteristics to the judge.
The Role of Your Legal Team Members
Long Island Divorce Attorney
The lead divorce attorney generally has extensive experience in all aspects of
family law, from material property distribution to child custody statutes and
case law. Supporting the lead divorce attorney may be other professionals with
unique skills and clearly defined responsibilities; however some roles overlap
to provide seamless client services.
Legal Mediation Teams
For example, in an unusually complex child custody case, a mediation specialist
may work closely with spouses to find solutions that lessen the emotional
stress for children. The role of a divorce mediator is to help couples overcome
obstacles to reach agreeable resolutions that don't favor one parent more than
the other parent.Working within the legal framework for Nassau and Suffolk
County, a divorce mediator explains the advantages of reaching agreements that
include shared custody and flexible visitation schedules and not relying on the
court system to order rigid and burdensome rules.
Paralegals, Legal Assistants & Legal Secretaries
Paralegals, legal assistants and or legal secretaries may assume the responsibility
for researching and managing the discovery process. Equitable property
distribution is rarely cut and dry. New York divorce statutes allow each
marriage partner to retain property deemed as “separate” under the law.
Paralegals, legal assistants & legal secretaries may work with spouses
individually to document how a property was acquired, who purchased the
property, whether it was a gift or part of an inheritance, and the assumed or
certified value.
Ancillary Staff and Outside Partners
Along with legal secretaries and professional partners on a divorce attorney’s
Long Island team, other professionals have small, but integral roles. In
divorce cases initiated based on extramarital affairs, irresponsible financial
behaviors or criminal activity, private investigators and law enforcement
personnel may be enlisted to gather facts that facilitate preparing a divorce
case. Secretaries prepare communication, file court documents and maintain
electronic and paper files for clients and lawyers.
Alternatives to Litigation
Collaborative Divorce services are an alternative solution to traditional legal
divorce proceedings. The alternative to litigation saves couples time, money
and emotional stress normally associated with going to court and asking for relief
from a judge.According to the Robert E. Hornberger Family Law Practice,
Collaborative Divorce arrangements allow couples choosing this path to maintain
healthy communication channels after the divorce. This often allows their
children to thrive and not just survive the transition from "living
together to living apart." Less stress often results in children adjusting
to the physical and emotional changes faster than children exposed to lengthy,
negative legal battles.Although most marriage dissolution cases involve working
through the court system with a primary divorce attorney, Long Island couples
benefit from a team of skilled, dedicated professionals working in the
background.
For more information about Divorce Lawyer Long Island and Divorce Mediation Suffolk County please visit:
Divorce-longisland.com