Fink & Katz PLLC, a New York City law firm, introduces a practical 15-minute guide to help individuals avoid costly family and criminal law mistakes before they escalate.
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 19, 2026 / Fink & Katz PLLC has released a free Legal Readiness Checklist designed to help everyday New Yorkers better understand and prepare for common family law and criminal law situations before they become emergencies.
The checklist is built for people who may be facing issues such as child custody disputes, visitation concerns, orders of protection, juvenile matters, or criminal allegations - or who simply want to be better informed before speaking with an attorney.
"For most people, the legal system becomes real very fast," said Philip Katz, partner at Fink & Katz PLLC. "This resource is about helping individuals slow things down, understand where they stand, and avoid mistakes that can follow them for years."
Why This Resource Matters
Legal problems often carry long-term personal and financial consequences. According to national and state-level data:
Over 50% of family law litigants appear in court without an attorney, increasing the risk of unfavorable outcomes.
Nearly 70% of custody disputes escalate due to miscommunication or missing documentation.
A single DWI arrest can cost individuals more than $10,000 in fines, fees, and indirect expenses.
Orders of protection filings have increased steadily in New York over the past decade, often filed without full understanding of long-term implications.
"People don't always realize how early decisions shape outcomes," said Jonathan Fink, partner at the firm. "By the time someone comes to court unprepared, the damage may already be done."
A Resource Built from Real Cases
The Legal Readiness Checklist reflects decades of courtroom experience at Fink & Katz PLLC. The firm's attorneys designed it around the same questions they ask clients during early consultations.
"Our job is to be steady when everything feels unstable," Katz noted. "This checklist mirrors how we think through cases from day one."
The resource helps users organize facts, timelines, documents, and questions before taking action. It avoids legal jargon and focuses on clarity, structure, and awareness.
"We never forget that people live with the outcome of these cases," Fink said. "That responsibility guided how we built this guide."
Use This in 15 Minutes
The checklist is designed to be completed quickly and privately. Users can expect to:
Identify the type of legal issue they may be facing
Gather key documents and dates
Clarify what has already happened versus what is assumed
Prepare focused questions for a future legal conversation
"You don't need legal training to use this," Katz said. "You just need a few quiet minutes and honesty with yourself."
Common Mistakes People Make
The guide also highlights frequent missteps the firm sees in real cases, including:
Waiting too long to document events
Communicating emotionally in writing or text messages
Relying on advice from non-legal sources
Assuming informal agreements will hold up in court
"Technology changes how cases move," Fink said. "But people's fears and concerns stay the same. Most mistakes come from panic, not bad intent."
How to Use the Resource Today
The checklist is free and available for immediate use. Individuals are encouraged to complete it before speaking with an attorney, attending court, or responding to a legal notice.
Call to Action:
Download the Fink & Katz Legal Readiness Checklist today. Set aside 15 minutes. Complete it fully. Save a copy. Use it as a reference before taking your next legal step.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Fink & Katz PLLC
Founded in 1997 by Philip Katz and Jonathan Fink, Fink & Katz PLLC is a New York City law firm focused on Family Law and Criminal Law. The firm represents individuals in matters involving child custody, visitation, orders of protection, juvenile delinquency, DWI, and criminal defense. Guided by the values of family, justice, and hard work, Fink & Katz PLLC has built its reputation through decades of steady advocacy and client-focused representation.
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SOURCE: Fink & Katz PLLC
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