Q: Hello. I live in NYC and am separated, not legally separated, from my wife for about 2 1/2 years.
We have no children and the only assets in question are my pension and deferred compensation plan. She has worked full time the entire time we have known each other.
I can't now, or in the near future , afford to hire an attorney to represent me in a divorce procedure. I have done some of my own research but definitely would like to consult with someone as the best way to proceed pro se. I am quite familiar with criminal law but have really only a rudimentary understanding of matrimonial.
Are there attorneys that consult and advise, perhaps at a lesser cost than actually representing me themselves?
A:
Here's one of the places you can begin your search:
https://www.justia.com/lawyers/divorce/new-york/new-york-city/legal-aid-and-pro-bono-services
In addition, law schools have law clinics that may take divorce clients.
Ultimately, though, if you're working and earning a livable income, these places will probably turn you down, as they typically save their resources for the truly indigent. From your angle, you may conclude that you can't afford your attorney, and in all fairness, I know roughly nothing about your finances. But you mentioned that you have retirement accounts; those monies can factor into the extent to which you receive free legal aid.
If you and your wife are cordial enough with each other, then may you can go the uncontested divorce route. A lawyer may be able to handle both your uncontested process and the drafting of a settlement agreement for a few thousand, or perhaps even a bit less than that. However, I obviously cannot make such a guarantee.
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