A MESSAGE FROM MS. ALBUM:

Whenever I meet someone for the first time and I tell them that I practice Family Law I receive a very negative reaction. People seem to have difficulty understanding why anyone would voluntarily choose to do this for a living. I don’t create people’s problems. When clients retain me they’re generally feeling very unhappy in their lives. They’re angry, scared, and worried about their future. I help my clients to resolve their issues so that they can move forward with their lives in a positive direction. 

The first step is the initial consultation. I assume that my clients know nothing and educate them about the laws in New York State. We discuss the specific facts of their case, potential issues, and review their options regarding how to proceed. The initial consultation is similar to taking a college course. You are here for information. It’s impossible for clients to make important decisions regarding their future unless they know what their rights and obligations will be if they choose to proceed. I then send them home with the information and tell them to do some thinking. I never pressure clients to proceed before they are mentally and emotionally ready. 

A divorce or separation should be a last resort after you’ve done everything within your power to make your marriage work. Making the decision whether to separate or not is the hardest decision you will make in the entire case. It’s very common for clients to consult with me and then not contact me again for several months or even years while they work on their relationship with their spouse. Once the decision is made to proceed with a divorce or separation, our goal is to negotiate a settlement which is fair and equitable to both parties and is in the best interests of the children. We try to avoid expensive motions to the court and costly litigation if possible.

I take a very personal approach to representing my clients. I’m always happy to answer questions and guide my clients through every stage of the process. I will be as aggressive as the situation warrants. However, my philosophy is that when the parties have a lengthy history together, and have children together, they’re going to be dealing with each other for the rest of their lives. I don’t want to make things any more difficult than they have to be. One of my goals is for the parties to have a good relationship at the end of the case.

If you want to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forwarding to working with you toward what I hope will be an amicable resolution.

                                                                                                   -Betsy L. Album, Esq.