Top Elmira, NY Grandparents Rights Lawyers Near You

Are You Having Difficulty Visiting Your Grandchildren?

If you fear that you will not be allowed to see your grandchildren because their parents are divorcing or perhaps one parent is remarrying or moving away, call and speak with an Elmira grandparent visitation attorney. Your lawyer will advise you of your rights and the possibility of establishing scheduled visitation with your grandchildren.

Grandparent Visitation Rights Under the Law

Though legal circumstances vary by state, in general grandparents face a difficult battle to obtain visitation with their grandchildren when the parents object to the visits. The burden is on grandparents to prove their relationship with the children is established and beneficial, and that the grandparents won’t harm the children while they are in their care. However, the law is changing every day and increasingly recognizing the importance, tradition, and value of having grandparents in children’s lives.

Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney

• How many years have you been practicing law? How long have you practiced law in the local area?
• How many cases similar to mine have you handled in the past?
• What is the likely outcome for my case?

In legal practice, experience matters. An experienced attorney will likely have handled issues similar to yours many, many times. Therefore, after listening to your situation, the attorney should have a reasonable idea of the time line for a case like yours and the likely resolution.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Plaintiff – a person or party who brings a lawsuit against another person(s) or party/parties in a court of law. Private persons or parties can only file suit in civil court.

Judgment – A decision of the court. Also known as a decree or order. Judgments handed down by the court are usually binding on the parties before the court.