How much does it cost to hire Francesca for a adoption case?

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

Does Francesca offer a free consultation?

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

How long do adoption cases in New York typically take?

Simple adoption 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. Francesca gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Francesca take my case if I'm outside New York?

Francesca 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 — Francesca 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 Francesca?

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. Francesca will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Francesca accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Francesca M. O'Cathain, Adoption Attorney in New York

Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support

Of CounselatBerkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP

New, NY

Practicing adoption in New York since 2004.

22+: Years practicing
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Protection Family Law

Are you Francesca M. O'Cathain?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Francesca M. O'Cathain is an of counsel based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. Francesca has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP.

Based in: New York, NY
Experience: over 22 years
Known for: Adoption · Child Custody · Child Support

Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from New York, NY.
Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Francesca M. O'Cathain

Francesca concentrates on adoption, child custody, child support, divorce, and dv protection. Each area below outlines the kind of case Francesca handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in New York

Francesca takes adoption matters in 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 Francesca agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in New York

Francesca takes child custody matters in 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 Francesca agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in New York

Francesca takes child support matters in 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 Francesca agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in New York

Francesca takes divorce matters in 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 Francesca agrees to represent you.

DV Protection cases in New York

Francesca takes dv protection matters in 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 Francesca agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Francesca M. O'Cathain — Over 22 years of New York adoption experience

Francesca O’Cathain is Of Counsel to the firm. Francesca is also a partner at Lesnevich & Marzano-Lesnevich, LC. Ms. O’Cathain practices exclusively in the area of matrimonial law. She is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Matrimonial Attorney and practices all areas of family law, including divorce and civil unions, child custody, support, matrimonial, domestic violence and abuse/ neglect.

Ms. O’Cathain is a frequent lecturer for the New Jersey State Bar Association, New Jersey Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and various County Bars.

Working with Francesca on a adoption matter

Who Francesca represents

Francesca reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and child support matters across New York.

Credentials

Francesca M. O'Cathain's legal education and bar admissions

University of Connecticut School of Law
J.D. · 2004
Claremont McKenna College
B.A. · 2001

Jurisdictions

Francesca's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
2005 · ACTIVE
New York
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2004 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
2004 · ACTIVE

Francesca studied at J.D. in University of Connecticut School of Law and B.A. in Claremont McKenna College.

Law school and academic background

Francesca completed J.D. in University of Connecticut School of Law and B.A. in Claremont McKenna College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Francesca runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Francesca M. O'Cathain's office in New York

Francesca's primary office is at 10 East 40th Street, 24th Floor, New York, NY, 10016. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein, LLP

10 East 40th Street, 24th Floor

New York, NY 10016

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Francesca M. O'Cathain

Francesca has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Francesca M. O'Cathain — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Francesca charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francesca'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; Francesca will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Francesca

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption 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. Francesca confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Francesca M. O'Cathain

How much does it cost to hire Francesca for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Francesca walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Francesca offer a free consultation?
Francesca charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Francesca's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Francesca's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in New York typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Francesca gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Francesca take my case if I'm outside New York?
Francesca 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 — Francesca 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 Francesca?
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. Francesca will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Francesca accepting new adoption clients right now?
Francesca's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

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

More counsel

If Francesca's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.