FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Every situation is unique. These are general answers – they are not a replacement for a true, individualized consultation with an attorney. To have your specific questions answered, please request a consultation.
General
- Which New York counties do you serve?
For state court matters we serve New York City, Long Island, and Westchester/Rockland Counties.
For federal matters we serve the Eastern District of New York (Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and Staten Island) and the Southern District of New York (Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, and Sullivan Counties).
- Which New Jersey counties do you serve?
For state court matters we serve Bergen, Hudson, Union, Essex, Passaic, Morris, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties.
For federal matters we serve all New Jersey counties.
- How do I request a consultation?
You may click the "Request A Consultation" button at the bottom of this page to schedule an initial consultation. Alternatively, you may call us (646-926-0036), e-mail us (intake@jacobslaw-pc.com), or complete the form on our contact us page.
- Are communications with Jacobs Law confidential?
Only attorney-client communications are privileged. Communications with prospective clients are confidential but not privileged until a letter of engagement or retainer agreement is signed.
- Is there a fee for consultations?
There is a $20 deposit for a phone or video consultation, which will be fully refunded following the scheduled consultation.
The deposit is only kept if the prospective client misses their appointment or cancels/reschedules within 24 hours.
- How much does Jacobs Law charge for legal fees?
COMING SOON
Appeals
- Which courts do you file appeals in?
Jacobs Law handles appeals in the following appellate courts:
- New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division – 1st Department
- New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division – 2nd Department
- New York Court of Appeals
- Superior Court of New Jersey: Appellate Division
- Supreme Court of New Jersey
- Do you handle criminal appeals?
No, we only handle civil appeals.
- Can I retain Jacobs Law solely for appeal?
Yes, you can keep your trial attorney and retain us separately and solely for an appeal.
- What is the deadline to file an appeal?
The deadline to file a Notice of Appeal is generally 30 days in New York and 45 days in New Jersey.
Bankruptcy
- Which courts do you file bankruptcy petitions in?
Jacobs Law files bankruptcy petitions in the following United States District Courts:
- Southern District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
- District of New Jersey
- Do you represent creditors or debtors?
Jacobs Law represent both creditors (those who are owed money) and debtors (those who owe money) in bankruptcy proceedings.
- Will filing for bankruptcy stop an ongoing court case for foreclosure?
Generally, there is an automatic stay the moment a bankruptcy petition is filed.
- Are any of my assets exempt from bankruptcy?
COMING SOON
Corporate
- Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Foreclosure
- What is foreclosure?
Foreclosure is a legal process in which a lender attempts to recover the balance of an unpaid loan from a borrower by forcing the sale of the asset.
- Do you represent lenders or borrowers?
Both.
- Do you handle residential or commercial foreclosures?
Both.
- Are there any alternatives to foreclosure?
Yes, there a several alternatives to foreclosure.
Alternatives to foreclosure include short sale, a deed in lieu, refinancing, loan modification, forbearance or a settlement.
Litigation
- What is litigation?
Litigation is the process of taking legal action and settling a dispute in a court of law.
- Which courts do you represent litigants in?
Jacobs Law represents litigants (both plaintiffs and defendants) in the following trial courts:
- New York Supreme Court (New York, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Bronx, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, and Rockland Counties)
- United States District Court – Southern District of New York (New York, Bronx, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Orange, Dutchess, and Sullivan Counties)
- United States District Court – Eastern District of New York (Kings, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk, and Richmond Counties)
- New Jersey Superior Court – Chancery Division, General Equity Part (Bergen, Hudson, Union, Essex, Passaic, Morris, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties)
- New Jersey Superior Court – Law Division, Civil Part (Bergen, Hudson, Union, Essex, Passaic, Morris, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties)
- United States District Court – District of New Jersey (all New Jersey counties)
- Do you represent litigants in criminal, family, housing, municipal, village, town, county, or small claims courts?
No.
- Do you represent parties in arbitrations?
Yes, we represent claimants and respondents in arbitration proceedings.
- How long do I have to respond to a summons?
In New York, you have either 20 or 30 days to respond to a summons; 20 days if you were personally served and 30 days if the summons was delivered in any other way.
Mechanic’s Liens
- What is a mechanic’s lien?
A mechanic’s lien is a legal document that is typically filed by someone like a contractor to reserve their rights to be compensated for their work in the case of nonpayment from the commissioner.
- Who can file a mechanic's lien?
In New York, mechanic’s liens can be filed by workers who perform labor or provide materials to contribute to the improvement of real property. This includes contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, landscapers, or design consultants.
- Can I file a mechanic's lien if I am unlicensed?
In New York, if you are providing labor that requires a license then you must be licensed in order to file a mechanic's lien.
- When can I file a mechanic's lien?
In New York, a mechanic’s lien can be filed at any point during the progress of a project, or within 8 months after the completion of the contract.
- Where should I file a mechanic's lien?
In New York, a mechanic’s lien is filed in the county where the property being liened is located.
