How much does it cost to hire Sam for a child custody case?

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

Does Sam offer a free consultation?

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

How long do child custody cases in New York typically take?

Simple child custody 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. Sam gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Sam take my case if I'm outside White Plains?

Sam 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 — Sam 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 Sam?

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

Is Sam accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Sam Roy Watkins, Jr., Child Custody Attorney in White Plains, New York

Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatWatkins & Cherneff

White Plains, NY

Practicing child custody in White Plains since 1973.

53+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce Family Law General HOA Prenup

Are you Sam Roy Watkins, Jr.?

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

Sam Roy Watkins, Jr. is a member based in White Plains, NY. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law. Sam has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Watkins & Cherneff. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: White Plains, NY
Experience: over 53 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · Family Law

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law matters from White Plains, NY.
Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Sam's practice areas in White Plains

Sam concentrates on child custody, divorce, family law, general, and hoa. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sam handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in White Plains, New York

Sam takes child custody matters in White Plains, 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 Sam agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in White Plains, New York

Sam takes divorce matters in White Plains, 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 Sam agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in White Plains, New York

Sam takes family law matters in White Plains, 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 Sam agrees to represent you.

General cases in White Plains, New York

Sam takes general matters in White Plains, 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 Sam agrees to represent you.

HOA cases in White Plains, New York

Sam takes hoa matters in White Plains, 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 Sam agrees to represent you.

Biography

Sam Roy Watkins, Jr., child custody attorney serving White Plains

Sam Roy Watkins, Jr. is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, custody and 4 other areas of law. Sam received a B.A. degree from Yale University in 1966, and has been licensed for 53 years. Sam practices at Watkins & Cherneff in White Plains, NY.

Sam's approach to child custody cases

The kind of cases Sam takes

Sam reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and family law matters in White Plains and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Sam studied and practices

Boston University
J.D. · 1972
Yale University
B.A. · 1966

Jurisdictions

Sam's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1983 · ACTIVE
New York
1973 · ACTIVE

Sam studied at J.D. in Boston University and B.A. in Yale University.

Law school and academic background

Sam completed J.D. in Boston University and B.A. in Yale University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sam runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Sam's legal honors and published work

Sam has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Sam's professional memberships and bar associations

The Association of the Bar of the City of New York White Plains, Westchester County and New York State Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Sam Roy Watkins, Jr.'s office in White Plains

Sam's primary office is at 4 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY, 10604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Watkins & Cherneff

4 West Red Oak Lane

White Plains, NY 10604

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Sam Roy Watkins, Jr. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Sam. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in White Plains.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Sam Roy Watkins, Jr. claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Sam Roy Watkins, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in White Plains, New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody 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 Sam

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody 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. Sam confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Sam Roy Watkins, Jr.

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

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving White Plains and Albany in New York

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

More counsel

If Sam's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in White Plains handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.