- Guardianship
- Criminal Defense
- DUI/DWI
- Real Estate LitigationFor most of us, buying or selling a home is very exciting, but it’s also one of the largest financial transactions of our lives. Due to the financial and legal factors involved, if you’re contemplating entering into, or are in the midst of, a real estate transaction, you should consult with a lawyer right away. The firm represents lenders, buyers, and sellers, and landlords throughout the Commonwealth in landlord/tenant issues, purchase and sale, refinance, and in all types of real estate transactions throughout Massachusetts from the initial offer to purchase, through the inspections, purchase and sale agreement, financing and real estate closing including condominiums. In every real estate transaction, issues arise that have tax and legal consequences. We have extensive experience reviewing and negotiating Offers to Purchase, Purchase and Sale Agreements, HUD Settlement Statements and closing documents. The firm has handled civil litigation involving real estate disputes and real estate properties and property rights. Additionally, Attorney Carmina Fernandes is a licensed real estate broker and investor and understands real estate from all sides of the spectrum.
- Real Estate Transactions
- Citizenship and Naturalization
- Family Immigration
- Employment Immigration
- Student Visas
- Investor Visas
- Personal Injury
- Auto Accidents
- Estate PlanningEstate planning arranges for the transfer of an individual's estate at death. An estate consists of all property owned by the descendant at death before it is distributed by will, trust, or intestacy laws. An estate may contain one or both real property (real estate, including houses and investment properties) and personal property (all other property, including bank accounts, securities, jewelry and automobiles).
- Wills. Health care proxies ensure that an individual's medical wishes will be carried out per their wishes when they become unable to make their own health care decisions. Health care directives, also known as "living wills," set forth an individual's personal decisions regarding end of life decisions (ie. Blood transfusions, maintain or withhold life support, etc.). A power of attorney for health care gives one control of all your health care decisions leading up to one’s death. The most famous case involving this issue was the Terri Schiavo case in Florida. Had she executed a healthcare directive, her wishes would have been easily determined.
- Trusts
- Power of Attorney(Financial) Power of Attorney. A power of attorney (POA) appoints a third party to handle an individual's finances and other matters (such as turning utilities on or off, selling real estate, and accessing bank accounts), when they can no longer take care of their own affairs. A power of attorney may designate a friend, family member, or a trusted professional to fulfill this position and allows that third party to act. A power of attorney can limit the agent’s powers or be very broad and general. It can also be made durable in the event of incapacity of the grantor.
- ProbateA good estate plan deals with what the future may bring — good or bad. It starts with planning. We provide personalized estate planning for individuals, families and small-business owners at all stages of their lives. Whether you are starting a new family, establishing or managing your own business, marrying for the second time, or planning for retirement, we can help you establish an estate plan that is appropriate for you and your family. We take a comprehensive approach to estate planning, working with your accountant and financial adviser when appropriate. We ask questions and listen carefully, to determine what your goals are, for yourself, your children and grandchildren, your pets, your business, or for charitable organizations in which you are involved. We explain in easy to understand terms the pros and cons of certain decisions. When appropriate, we will include your children and other family members in the decision-making process. We offer comprehensive estate planning, elder law, guardianship and probate services to families in Massachusetts. Contact us today for a consultation.