The process
The first step with any client is a consultation.
A consultation can provide an overview regarding what to expect in your particular situation, and help answer some basic questions regarding what to expect. Engagement of counsel requires a fully executed retainer agreement outlining service and fees, and a review of a statement of client’s rights, as well as client responsibilities.
Depending on the nature of your case or situation, other materials we use to kick-off the client-attorney engagement can include:
Please visit our "Client Resources" page for downloads and calculators to assist in estimating child support and maintenance amounts. While these tools are provided for convenience, none of these tools are meant to predict what a court will order as to maintenance or child support in your specific case.
A consultation can provide an overview regarding what to expect in your particular situation, and help answer some basic questions regarding what to expect. Engagement of counsel requires a fully executed retainer agreement outlining service and fees, and a review of a statement of client’s rights, as well as client responsibilities.
Depending on the nature of your case or situation, other materials we use to kick-off the client-attorney engagement can include:
- Client questionnaire. Information needed to complete paperwork, focus issues. Ms. Passonneau has a form called “Questionnaire for New Clients” which she will ask you to complete. The information provided allows the office to complete all paperwork necessary to complete a divorce.
- Statement of net worth. This is needed in all cases that proceed to court and also in most other cases to provide an overview of financial issues. This is a document, prescribed by statute, which, once completed, provides a picture of the parties income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. The office can provide this to you in either in a word processing or spreadsheet format. For cases involving child support or maintenance, the amount is dependent upon the income of the parties and the number of children. In New York State, child support is obligatory until age 21.
Please visit our "Client Resources" page for downloads and calculators to assist in estimating child support and maintenance amounts. While these tools are provided for convenience, none of these tools are meant to predict what a court will order as to maintenance or child support in your specific case.
Questionnaire for new clients
Client rights & responsibilities
Reciprocal trust, courtesy and respect are the hallmarks of the attorney-client relationship. Within that relationship, the client looks to the attorney for expertise, education, sound judgment, protection, advocacy and representation. Please feel free to download the Client Statement of Rights and Client Statement of Responsibilities below.
