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New York Legal Navigator
Choose the situation closest to yours and see, in plain language, what commonly happens next in New York, and how to prepare for a first conversation with a lawyer.
General information only, not legal advice, no outcome predictions, and no deadline calculations. Every case depends on its own facts.
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Arrest or Criminal Charge
For people who have been arrested in New York, expect to be, or have a loved one in custody.
What commonly happens next
After an arrest in New York City, a person is generally processed and brought before a judge for arraignment, where the defendant is informed of the charges and the court makes any permitted securing-order decision. A case may then move through court appearances where evidence is exchanged and the charges are addressed by dismissal, negotiation, hearings, or trial. Timing varies by borough, court, charge, and case-specific events.
Three ways to prepare now
- Write down everything you remember about the arrest (time, place, who was present, and what was said) while it is fresh.
- Note the exact charges and the next court date from any paperwork you or your family received.
- Tell family or a trusted person which court and borough the case is in, so someone can attend and help coordinate.
Documents and information to gather
- Any paperwork from the police or court (desk appearance ticket, criminal court complaint, bail papers).
- Names and contact details of witnesses.
- A list of any medical treatment, injuries, or property taken during the arrest.
Learn more
Firm pages: Criminal Defense information 路 NYC arrest and first court appearance guide 路 DWI and DWAI starting guide
Public resources: NY Courts: CourtHelp (self-help) 路 NYC Criminal Court
Immigration Problem
For people facing a visa, green card, asylum, naturalization, or removal (deportation) issue.
What commonly happens next
Immigration matters generally move through a federal agency (such as USCIS) or the immigration courts (EOIR). Common steps include filings, biometrics or interviews, requests for additional evidence, and scheduled hearings. Notices arrive by mail or through the agency's online systems, and keeping your address current with the agency matters enormously.
Three ways to prepare now
- Collect every immigration document you have: receipts (with case numbers), notices, prior applications, passports, and entry records.
- Write a simple timeline of your immigration history: entries, exits, applications filed, and any court or agency contact.
- Make sure the agency or court has your current mailing address, and check mail carefully, because many notices have response windows.
Documents and information to gather
- Receipt notices and case numbers for anything ever filed.
- Passports, I-94 records, and any prior visas or permits.
- Any notice from USCIS, ICE, or an immigration court, especially anything with a hearing date.
Learn more
Firm pages: Immigration information 路 Notice to Appear and immigration-court paper guide
Public resources: USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) 路 EOIR: U.S. Immigration Courts
Divorce, Custody, or Support
For people considering or facing divorce, a custody or visitation matter, or a child-support case in New York.
What commonly happens next
Divorce actions proceed in Supreme Court. Custody, parenting-time, and support may be decided in Supreme Court within a matrimonial action or in Family Court when it has jurisdiction. Proceedings begin with filed papers, and court conferences may help narrow the issues. A matter may settle through negotiation or proceed to a hearing or trial. Financial disclosure is a standard part of divorce and support cases.
Three ways to prepare now
- Start a factual record: a calendar of parenting time, school and medical involvement, and important conversations.
- Gather your financial picture: recent pay stubs, tax returns, and major account statements.
- Think through what matters most to you (schedule, home, schooling) so a first consultation can focus on priorities.
Documents and information to gather
- Marriage certificate and any existing court orders or agreements.
- Tax returns and pay stubs for both parents/spouses if available.
- Children's school, medical, and activity records that show day-to-day involvement.
Learn more
Firm resources: Divorce and family law guide 路 Free NY Child Support Gross-Income Illustration 路 NYC order-of-protection guide
Public resources: NY Courts: CourtHelp (self-help) 路 NY Child Support Services (OTDA)
Business or Civil Dispute
For individuals and businesses facing a contract dispute, partnership conflict, unpaid obligation, or other civil claim.
What commonly happens next
A civil dispute in New York may begin with a demand or negotiation. If a lawsuit is filed, the case may move through pleadings, exchange of documents and testimony (discovery), motions, settlement efforts, and trial. The sequence depends on the court, claims, procedural rulings, and case-specific events.
Three ways to prepare now
- Preserve everything: contracts, emails, texts, invoices, and messages related to the dispute. Do not delete anything.
- Write a short chronology of the relationship and where it went wrong, with dates where you can.
- Estimate what the dispute is really worth to you (money, relationships, time) so strategy can match reality.
Documents and information to gather
- The contract or agreement (and every amendment or side letter), if one exists.
- Correspondence showing what each side said and did.
- Records of payments, deliveries, or performance.
Learn more
Firm pages: Civil Litigation information 路 Commercial Litigation information
Public resource: NY Courts: CourtHelp (self-help)
Agency Decision or Article 78
Read the administrative law and agency decisions guide.
For people and businesses affected by a New York government agency decision: a denied license, a professional discipline matter, or an agency ruling that feels wrong.
What commonly happens next
Challenges to New York agency decisions often start inside the agency itself (through hearings or administrative appeals) and, after the agency's process is finished, may move to a court proceeding under CPLR Article 78, where a judge reviews whether the agency acted lawfully. These proceedings are document-driven and time-sensitive.
Three ways to prepare now
- Keep the agency's decision letter and its envelope; the dates on them matter, and Article 78 timeframes are short. A lawyer can tell you what applies to your situation.
- Request or download your complete file from the agency if its process allows.
- Write down what you believe the agency got wrong, and what result you are seeking.
Documents and information to gather
- The written decision or determination and any notice of appeal rights.
- Everything you submitted to the agency, and everything it sent you.
- Hearing transcripts or recordings, if a hearing was held.
Learn more
Firm resource: Administrative Law and Article 78 guide
Public resource: NY Courts: How do I start an Article 78 proceeding?
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The Legal Navigator is general educational information about common processes in New York. It is not legal advice, does not predict outcomes, does not calculate deadlines, and use of it alone does not create an attorney-client relationship. The situation controls above stay in your browser and are not sent or stored. To ask whether the office may be able to review your situation, call (917) 382-4472 or request an initial case review. A response, consultation, or representation is not guaranteed.