A marital split is never easy, and it can be hardest on the children in your family. One way that the needs and rights of children and their parents are protected is through a child custody agreement negotiated with the help of a family lawyer. Use these basic tips to learn more about the process and discover ways to make it go more smoothly, so you and your kids can get the best possible outcome.

Keep The Focus on Your Kids

By concentrating on your children and their need for parental involvement and guidance from both of you, every member of your family can benefit from your new family structure.

Be Prepared to Give In On Some Things

Compromise is a typical and important part of the process. Consider what you’re willing to give up to gain something that’s really important to you. Demonstrating that you’re willing to work with the other parent can only help your case.

Understand the Process Can Take Time

The breakdown of a family is intensely painful, and it’s natural to want to get past that as quickly as you can. But most child custody agreements cannot be ironed out quickly. It takes negotiation and usually several meetings to draft one. 

Do You Need a Family Lawyer to Help with a Child Custody Agreement in Hamilton County?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with dedicated attorneys for your personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. We’re ready to help our clients preserve their rights while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Our extensive courtroom experience includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. When you need help with a child custody agreement—contact us to speak with a compassionate family lawyer who can assist. 

Trustworthy Family Lawyer for All Your Needs in Hamilton County

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County & Washington County

Posted on February 22, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Finding out that you’re under investigation for a crime or being charged with one is one of the most terrifying experiences a person can go through. But in our legal system, you don’t have to do it alone. You’re entitled to defend yourself, and hiring a good defense attorney is your first step. Here’s how to get one you can trust. 

Ask for Recommendations

Your friends and family may have some experience in hiring their own attorney for criminal cases, although they may not have talked about it. Ask around to see if they can recommend someone they know based on personal needs. You can also contact your local bar association for the names of attorneys in your area.

Choose One Who Specializes In Your Type of Case

As important as hiring a good lawyer is, finding one with a track record of arguing similar cases is more important. One who’s done extensive work in helping clients facing wire fraud cases isn’t going to have the same insight as one who’s committed their career to drug cases or murder cases. You want a lawyer who’s worked cases just like yours.

Can You Agree on How to Approach Your Defense?

You and your lawyer are a team, but as the client, the final decisions are yours to make. If you and your attorney don’t agree on how best to build your case and what your goals are, such as pleading innocent or accepting a plea deal, it may be in your best interests to find another lawyer.

Do You Need a Great Defense Attorney for Albany Clients?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with dedicated attorneys for your personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. We are ready to help our clients preserve their rights while upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Our extensive courtroom experience includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. When you’ve been charged with a crime or may be under criminal investigation—contact us to speak with a strong defense attorney. 

Get an Experienced Defense Attorney Serving Albany On Your Side

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County & Washington County

Posted on January 21, 2023 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Whether you’re facing state or federal charges for drug crimes, violent offenses, immigration violations, fraud, tax evasion or similar situations, you can benefit from the services of a skilled defense lawyer. Instead of waiting until you need one, it’s smart to be prepared. Use these tips so you can be ready.

Don’t Wait to Call an Attorney

As soon as you are alerted to the fact that you may be charged with a crime, it’s essential that you call an attorney right away. Having a lawyer advocating for you from the very beginning of your legal concerns helps ensure that any investigator respects your rights.

Get a Free Consultation

Most attorneys offer prospective clients a free consultation. This is a great opportunity for you to interview a lawyer and see if they’re a good fit for your case. Ask questions about the attorney’s experience and their expectations for payment.

Doing Your Part is Key to Winning Your Case

If your lawyer gives you tasks to complete, it’s essential to follow through. Whether this is gathering documents for the attorney to review, following instructions about staying away from potential witnesses or even showing up on time for court proceedings, there’s an important reason why you’re asked to do these things. They all help your lawyer do their job better and therefore serve you better.

Do You Need a Defense Lawyer Serving Rensselaer County Clients?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with dedicated attorneys for personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. Our extensive courtroom experience includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. When you’re at risk of criminal charges—contact us to speak with a determined defense lawyer promptly. 

Dedicated Defense Lawyer On Your Side in Rensselaer County

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County & Washington County

Posted on December 21, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

When an uncontested divorce is not possible, it’s essential to choose a strong divorce attorney. The end of a marriage is never easy for either partner, but having someone to advocate for you, who understands the legal side of undoing your legal union, makes the process go more smoothly. Here’s what a divorce lawyer can do for you.

Receive Objective Advice

Getting divorced is often a highly emotional process, and the intensity of those feelings makes it hard to be objective in making decisions. Your lawyer has the benefit of being removed from the situation to offer you realistic advice that honors your wishes but also keeps the legal process on track so you can close this chapter of your life and move on. 

Get Fair Alimony and Child Support

Marriages come with a lot of compromises and sacrifices along the way. If you’ve allowed your career to take a back seat while raising children, you deserve to have that work honored through fairly negotiated alimony and child support for any young children you share.

Preserve Your Access to Your Children

A marital split is perhaps hardest on the children, and of course, you want to be there for them, despite any disagreements with your soon-to-be former spouse. Hiring a lawyer ensures you get a reasonable yet sturdy child custody agreement for the benefit of you and your children.

In Need of a Divorce Lawyer Accepting Clients From Albany?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with dedicated attorneys for personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. Our extensive courtroom experience includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. When your marriage has failed, don’t wait to protect your family and your financial future—contact us to speak with a compassionate divorce attorney.

Make a Difficult Situation Easier by Hiring a Divorce Lawyer Working for Albany Clients

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County & Washington County

Posted on November 26, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Getting in trouble with the law can be an overwhelming experience, even when you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. While it may seem possible for you to talk your way out of a misunderstanding, it’s better to call a criminal defense attorney for help. Worried about what to expect? Here’s what typically happens during your first meeting.  

You’ll Be Asked About Yourself

Your lawyer will usually ask many questions about you, including where you live and work, and the best way to reach you. Questions may also cover your schooling, family life, and any previous involvement with the law, aside from your current situation.

You’ll Have an Opportunity to Tell Your Story

The lawyer will take detailed notes as you describe what happened that led to your arrest. You may be asked to clarify some details or provide more information. Your lawyer is totally on your side, and conversations between attorneys and clients are confidential, making it important to tell your lawyer everything.

Your Lawyer Wants to See Your Paperwork 

Any records you have related to the charges filed against you give your lawyer lots of details about your case. Bring these documents with you, and share them with your attorney. Include any supporting documentation, too, like previous court orders, tickets, release records and anything else that helps an attorney better understand your case. 

Ready to Call a Criminal Defense Attorney in Albany?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with dedicated attorneys for personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. Our extensive courtroom experience includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. Don’t let your inexperience with the law risk your future—contact us when you need the help of a criminal defense attorney.

Hiring A Strong Criminal Defense Attorney in Albany Is the Best Way to Protect Your Rights

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County & Washington County

Posted on October 17, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Your property may be subject to foreclosure when you fail to make payments according to the agreement you have with your lender; at that point, the lender may take action to gain control of your property and sell it, forcing you to move out. A foreclosure attorney is your best chance of keeping your home. Here’s why hiring one helps.

Guide You Through a Complex Legal Process

Foreclosure law is complicated. There are multiple deadlines and all kinds of paperwork that needs to be filed by the lender and by you, if you’re fighting the foreclosure. An attorney that specializes in foreclosure law knows what’s required on your part to effectively fight for your home against a deep-pocketed lender.

Negotiate on Your Behalf

A foreclosure may have several involved parties, including your lender and the courts. You can be sure that your lender has lawyers working on its side. Having a lawyer on your side to advocate for you levels the playing field so to speak. 

Protect Your Rights

The foreclosure process is scary and may feel embarrassing. You may feel ashamed of your financial circumstances and just want to resolve the entire thing as fast as you can. Having a lawyer to guide you though ensures that you get all the opportunities you’re entitled to for keeping your family’s home. 

Do You Need a Foreclosure Attorney Serving the Southern Adirondacks?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with dedicated attorneys for personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. Our extensive courtroom experience includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. Don’t let your experience with the law overwhelm you —contact us when you need the help of a foreclosure attorney for prompt, professional and compassionate service.

Experienced Foreclosure Attorney can Help Save Your Home in Southern Adirondacks 

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County, Washington County

Posted on September 26, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

3 Tips for Finding the Best Attorney for Child Support Cases in Warren County

Making child support arrangements is often extremely stressful, whether you’re seeking financial assistance or planning to provide it as part of a separation, divorce or decision to raise your child alone. While informal agreements may be appealing, getting these details formalized through the legal system offers the greatest protection and accountability. Here’s how to find the best attorney for child support near you.

Look for Experience

A skilled attorney who specializes in child support work does more than hold your case up to the law. They also have top-notch investigative and negotiation skills to identify all possible and appropriate sources of income related to child support and make arrangements that preserve your rights and your child’s well-being. 

Seek a Record of Success

While past cases cannot be judged as a guarantee of future success, look for a lawyer who has helped other clients in similar situations get what they need. It’s a sign that this attorney really knows what they’re doing.

Find One Who Genuinely Cares

This isn’t just a case to you. It’s your life. And you want an attorney that understands this and is willing to work hard for you and your family. Finding an attorney who is responsive to your calls and willing to answer questions and explain complicated legal concepts can be invaluable to your case. 

Do You Need an Attorney for Child Support in Warren County? 

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with attorneys for personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. Our extensive courtroom experience includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. Contact us when you need the help of an attorney for child support to ensure your child gets what they need. 

Proactive Attorney for Child Support Cases is On Your Side in Warren County

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County, Washington County

Posted on August 23, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Why You Want to Have a Lawyer for Civil Court Cases in Washington County

Civil court is a common place to resolve legal conflicts related to contracts, divorces, child custody and personal injuries. While you can represent yourself in court, you may not want to if you want the greatest chance of achieving your goals. Regardless of whether you’re bringing the civil suit or responding to it, hiring a lawyer for civil court makes a big difference. Here’s why.

Protect Your Rights

Whether your case is related to personal injury, breach of contract, alimony or child support, or encroachment on your property by a neighbor, you have legal rights that you deserve to have protected. Especially if the other side has a lawyer, it’s important to get one yourself. Your lawyer understands the intricacies of precedent and relevant case law that could help you.

Develop a Strong Legal Strategy

There are advantages to a trial as well as settling out of court. An experienced attorney knows the risks of each and can advise you on which is best based on the details of your case. You’re the expert on your situation and they’re the expert on the legal system. Working together is the ideal way to get what you hope for. 

Keep Your Case on Track

A civil case generally requires lots of legal proceedings and filings, and these are typically deadline driven. A lawyer knows what needs to be done and when to keep your case moving and avoid procedural problems that could get your case thrown out. These include identifying the proper jurisdiction for your case, filing pleadings and summons, responding to the same from the other side, and managing a trial.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Civil Court in Washington County?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm staffed by experienced lawyers for your personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. Our extensive courtroom background includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. Contact us when you need a lawyer for civil court cases to protect your rights and increase your chances of winning.

Enjoy a Greater Chance of Success with a Lawyer for Civil Court Cases in Washington County

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County, Washington County

Posted on July 22, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Greene County: Your Questions Answered

A personal injury lawyer can be a highly valued partner in resolving an incident where you’ve been harmed, whether that’s a car accident or due to someone else’s negligence. If you have questions about what an attorney who practices personal injury law can do for you, read on. 

What is a Personal Injury?

Many people quickly think of the aftermath of a car accident when they hear “personal injury”, but it goes beyond physical harm, and may include emotional or psychological harm, too. Examples of cases where you might need to hire an attorney that specializes in this kind of law include slipping and falling in a store, getting hit by a stray ball at a baseball game or even maltreatment in a long-term care home.

How Do These Lawyers Get Paid?

Attorneys who do personal injury work typically earn a percentage of any money that’s awarded to you, either by settling the case with the other party or going to trial and making your case before a judge and jury. It’s best to ask questions about fees and payments when interviewing potential lawyers to take on your case. 

Can I Send Someone to Jail with My Case?

Personal injury cases fall under civil laws, not criminal laws. While it’s possible that someone who harmed you also broke criminal laws, such as driving while intoxicated, those cases are handled by local prosecutors, and your case won’t send someone to jail. The person found responsible for your injuries instead must pay you money.

Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Greene County?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with attorneys for personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law needs. Our extensive courtroom experience includes military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic court cases, too. Contact our personal injury lawyers to preserve your rights and collect the damages you need to put your life back together.

Tough Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Clients in Greene County

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County, Washington County

Posted on June 20, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

Why You Need to Call an Accident Lawyer Immediately in Hamilton County

Accidents happen, whether it’s in a car on local streets in your neighborhood or at a friend’s house during a backyard barbeque. It’s what you do afterward that can determine the rest of your life. When there’s been an incident of any kind, even if you think no one has been injured, it’s always best to call an accident lawyer right away. Here’s why.

The Clock Has Already Started

In many cases, there’s a statute of limitations written into the law, and once there’s an accident, your case needs to move along within a certain time frame in order to proceed. A lawyer who is well-versed in personal injury and other kinds of law knows what kind of court filings are required and what the deadlines are to preserve your case.

Your Rights May Be in Jeopardy

Your attorney understands how to gather and evaluate evidence related to your claim of how the accident took place. Paperwork can be lost, witnesses can forget things, and even environmental conditions like the weather or wet roads can change before the proper measurements, observations or reports can be made. Your lawyer knows what needs to be done and what standards apply to law enforcement officers, hospital employees, lab techs and others. 

You Need Someone On Your Side, No Matter What

When you hire a lawyer to represent you after an accident, their priority is you, and none other, unlike anyone else involved. Insurance company adjusters, the other party’s attorney, and anyone else who has a role may not be looking out for you and your best interests. You can count on your attorney to be truthful with you.

Do You Need an Accident Lawyer in Hamilton County?

Wood, Seward & McGuire LLP is a local law firm with years of experience in serving clients in all areas of the law. Our specialist attorneys help clients with personal injury cases, estate planning, real estate contracts, civil litigation, federal and state criminal defense, and corporate law. Our clients also come to us for military, agricultural, family and matrimonial law cases and traffic tickets. Contact our accident lawyers to learn how we can help you recover everything you’re entitled to.

An Accident Lawyer Fighting for What You Deserve in Hamilton County

Representing clients in Albany, Capitol Region, Essex County, Fulton County, Greene County, Hamilton County, Montgomery County, North Country, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Schenectady County, Southern Adirondacks, Warren County & Washington County

Posted on May 16, 2022 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business