How much does it cost to hire Debra for a family law case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Debra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Debra offer a free consultation?

Debra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Debra's current terms during booking.

How long do family law cases in New York typically take?

Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Debra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Debra take my case if I'm outside Hawthorne?

Debra is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Debra will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Debra?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Debra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Debra accepting new family law clients right now?

Debra's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Debra Palazzo, Family Law Attorney in Hawthorne

Quick answer

Debra Palazzo is an attorney based in Hawthorne, NY. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Landlord/Tenant. Debra has over 25 years of legal experience. Rated 1.3 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Hawthorne, NY
Experience: over 25 years
Known for: Family Law · General · Landlord/Tenant

Handles Family Law, General, and Landlord/Tenant matters from Hawthorne, NY.
Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Debra's practice areas in Hawthorne

Debra concentrates on family law, general, landlord/tenant, poa, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Debra handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Hawthorne, New York

Debra takes family law matters in Hawthorne, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.

General cases in Hawthorne, New York

Debra takes general matters in Hawthorne, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.

Landlord/Tenant cases in Hawthorne, New York

Debra takes landlord/tenant matters in Hawthorne, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Hawthorne, New York

Debra takes poa matters in Hawthorne, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Hawthorne, New York

Debra takes real estate matters in Hawthorne, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Debra agrees to represent you.

Biography

Debra Palazzo, family law attorney serving Hawthorne

Debra Palazzo is an attorney based in Hawthorne, NY. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Landlord/Tenant. Debra has over 25 years of legal experience. Rated 1.3 out of 5 from 1 client review. Debra works from Hawthorne, New York and takes on family law matters across the region.

Debra Palazzo is a lawyer practicing matrimonial law, general practice, real estate and 2 other areas of law. Debra received a degree from Pace University, and has been licensed for 25 years. Debra practices in Hawthorne, NY.

Working with Debra on a family law matter

Debra Palazzo is a lawyer practicing matrimonial law, general practice, real estate and 2 other areas of law. Debra received a degree from Pace University, and has been licensed for 25 years. Debra practices in Hawthorne, NY.

Clients Debra works with

Debra reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, general, and landlord/tenant matters in Hawthorne and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Debra studied and practices

Pace University
—

Jurisdictions

Debra's state bar admissions

New York
2002 · ACTIVE
Connecticut
2001 · ACTIVE

Debra studied at — in Pace University.

Law school and academic background

Debra completed — in Pace University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Debra runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Debra Palazzo's office in Hawthorne

Debra's primary office is at 317 Elwood Ave., Hawthorne, NY, 10532. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

317 Elwood Ave.

Hawthorne, NY 10532

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Debra Palazzo — 1.3/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Debra. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Hawthorne.

1.3

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Debra Palazzo claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Debra Palazzo — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Debra usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Debra charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Debra will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Hawthorne, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Debra

Debra discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Debra confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Debra's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Debra Palazzo

How much does it cost to hire Debra for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Debra walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Debra offer a free consultation?
Debra charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Debra's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Debra's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in New York typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Debra gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Debra take my case if I'm outside Hawthorne?
Debra is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Debra will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Debra?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Debra will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Debra accepting new family law clients right now?
Debra's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by family law attorneys like Debra Palazzo. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Are verbal agreements enforceable in New York custody cases?
I had an informal verbal agreement with my ex about custody arrangements for our son, but now she wants to change it. I live in New York, and I’m not sure if this verbal agreement
1 verified answer · Family Law · New York
Can I get sole custody of my child in New York?
I’m currently going through a divorce in New York and my ex-husband has been acting erratically. We have a 7-year-old son, and I’m seriously concerned about his well-being when he’
1 verified answer · Family Law · New York
Can I request a domestic violence restraining order in Hawaii?
I've been in an abusive relationship and I live in Hawaii. I’m terrified for my safety and need to know if I can file for a domestic violence restraining order. What steps do I nee
1 verified answer · Family Law · Hawaii
How do I enforce a child support order in Michigan?
My ex-husband hasn’t paid child support in over three months, and I’m in Michigan. I’m at my wit's end trying to support our two kids and need to know how I can enforce our child s
1 verified answer · Family Law · Michigan
What is the process for adopting a child in Illinois?
My partner and I want to adopt a child in Illinois, and we’re excited but overwhelmed by the process. We’re unsure about what paperwork we need to file and how long the entire proc
1 verified answer · Family Law · Illinois
How is child custody determined in Ohio?
I’m going through a tough divorce in Ohio, and my ex and I are already arguing about custody of our 9-year-old daughter. I want to have a clear understanding of how custody is dete
1 verified answer · Family Law · Ohio

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Hawthorne and Albany in New York

Debra handles family law matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.

Debra Palazzo, Family Law Attorney in Hawthorne, New York

Quick answer