- Corporate LawI have worked with many types of businesses. Your particular business can benefit from the corporate formation, governance, and operation services offered at my firm. Furthermore, you can rely on me to provide a referral for any additional services you need.
- Business DisputesAt my firm, I help small business owners with a variety of situations. Whether you need help forming your company or subsidiary, drafting supporting documents and contracts, or resolving commercial disputes, I am here to assist you. Read about my services in more detail below.
- Construction LitigationI have represented many individuals and local companies and provided service to them in the areas of corporate formation, commercial real estate transactions, equipment leasing, construction contract drafting and review, negotiations, and other governance and operational functions. I also undertake non-complex civil litigation, whether plaintiff or defense, on behalf of clients for a variety of business needs. I am a well-versed negotiator whose effective communication skills often result in the settlement of disputes without the need for trial and the associated expenses. After many years of practice, I have developed an ability to achieve compromise between diverse and adversarial parties.
- Real Estate Transactions
- Estate PlanningEstate planning is often thought of as a necessary evil, but I’d like to propose a different perspective. You have lived a life that’s uniquely yours. You’ve worked hard to achieve what’s important to you and to preserve the relationships that matter most. A proper estate plan honors these accomplishments and pays respect to both you and your loved ones. There are a number of components. Below, we will discuss the must-haves.
- WillsLast wills and testaments must be preserved or validated by your state’s probate court. THE WILL MUST BE FILED BY AFFIDAVIT OR PETITION WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF DATE OF DEATH. You should meet with an attorney as soon as possible after a loved one's death to determine the steps to take to conserve the estate and to preserve the will or open an estate. To begin probate, a petition must be filed at the probate court in the deceased person’s last county of residence. The court will then review the decedent’s death certificate and a copy of his or her will, and appoint the executor. The executor is the person nominated in the will and is held responsible for marshaling the assets, paying debts and taxes, notifying creditors, and distributing remaining assets according to the will, in accordance with the will terms and any required Court orders.
- TrustsAlthough trust administration involves many of the same steps as probate, it is usually more efficient, cost-effective, and private because there is less involvement with reporting requirements and court oversight. As in probate, any stated obligation, like expenses of last illness, funeral costs and taxes must be paid. Any specific bequests are distributed and the balance of the assets are either administrated or distributed in accordance with the terms of the trust. Both good accounting and providing notice to beneficiaries minimizes disputes during the administration of the trust. It is always best to administer a trust under the guidance of a trained attorney.
- Power of AttorneyIt is important to understand there are different types of powers of attorney. If you willingly hand over complete control, you are allowing another individual to borrow money, access your bank account, sell your personal property, and enter legal contracts under your name. In contrast, without enough authority, the individual may not have the rights needed to make meaningful decisions. Thus, it is wise to grant powers of attorney under the guidance of a trained legal professional.
- Probate