What Is a Boutique Law Firm?
Like a specialty boutique, my New York boutique law firm offers a carefully selected range of services and a more personalized client experience. Rather than trying to be all things to all people, the firm concentrates on particular legal needs arising under New York law for which focused guidance and individual attention can make a meaningful difference.
Our firm provides warm, compassionate legal counsel to clients whose legal matters are within or involve New York and whose needs fall within the firm’s areas of practice. It is specifically designed for clients who value direct communication, personal attention, and a strong working relationship with their attorney.
Not every matter will be appropriate for the firm. In some situations, the services offered may not be the most practical or cost-effective option for the prospective client. When that occurs, I will explain that before the firm accepts the matter and, when appropriate, identify other resources that may be able to assist.
New York Divorce, Family Law & Elder Law Services
The Law Firm of Patricia Jane Gust provides focused services involving New York divorce and family law, elder law, and related planning.
NEW YORK DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW
• Mid-Life and Beyond: New York Gray Divorce Review and Strategy Session
• Pre-Divorce Planning and Strategy under New York law
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Consultations and Agreements
• New York Child Custody and Parenting-Time Strategy
• New York Child Support Strategy
• Planning/Modification of an Existing New York Custody or Support Order
UNMARRIED COUPLES AND PARTNER PLANNING
• Property ownership and financial arrangements under New York law
• Beneficiary and estate-planning considerations
• New York health-care proxies, living wills, and powers of attorney
• Cohabitation agreements
• Partner Planning for Anticipated Separation
• Partner Planning for Significant Relationship Changes: New Child, Financial, or Property Ownership
ELDER LAW
• Medicare Overview and Planning Session
• New York Medicaid Planning Readiness and Document Review
• New York Elder Care Planning for Adults
• New York Elder Care Planning for Adult Children of Aging Parents
A NOTE ABOUT SERVICES
Services may include consultation, planning, document review, or limited-scope assistance concerning matters governed by New York law. The availability of continuing or full representation will depend upon the circumstances of the matter and a separate agreement with the firm.
COMING SOON: ADDITIONAL NEW YORK ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES
Estate Planning
Elder law and estate planning are closely related, and some elder law matters involve important New York estate planning considerations.The firm expects to add broader estate planning services in the future. Please contact our office for additional information or to request placement on the interest list.
Initial service offerings are subject to change. The firm may add, modify, or discontinue services based on client needs, demand, and other considerations.
Fees
Transparent pricing whenever reasonably possible
Fees are quoted based on the nature, scope, and complexity of the New York legal matter and services requested.
After you submit an intake form, the firm will conduct an initial screening to determine whether your needs fall within the New York services offered. If the matter appears to be an appropriate fit, you will receive information about the proposed service, including the fee, before an appointment is scheduled.
Strategy sessions and conferences are generally offered for a flat fee established in advance. The fee may depend upon the scope and complexity of the issues, the anticipated session length, the amount of advance document review required, whether the meeting is virtual or in person, and the service area through which the matter is handled.
Whenever reasonably possible, the firm seeks to offer flat-fee arrangements so that clients understand the cost of a defined service before proceeding. Flat fees do not include filing fees, expert fees, third-party charges, or other outside expenses unless expressly stated in the written agreement.
Some matters, such as contested or unpredictable proceedings, may not be suitable for a completely flat-fee arrangement. In those matters, the firm may offer hourly billing or a combination of flat-fee and hourly services. All fees and the scope of the firm’s services will be explained in writing before representation begins.