Do I Need a License to Landlord?

Becoming a Landlord:

Do I Need a License?

Many Real Estate Investors are choosing to rent investment properties during this soft market.  And despite the fact owners see these properties as investments, the government generally views property renting as a business.  This bears the question: does one need a license to be a landlord?

Need I have a Real Estate License to rent my property?

In most states, one does not need to be a licensed Realtor to be a Landlord, so long as the property you are renting is your own.  All you need is authority to negotiate a lease, which you most certainly have if you own the property.  If you own the property in partnership, it is best to have a written agreement with your co-owners, giving you authority to execute leases on behalf of the group.  But so long as you have an ownership stake in the property, you do not need a Real Estate License. Many states do require a Real Estate License if you are going to manage property you do not personally own though.

Need I Have a Business License to Rent My Property?

In many jurisdictions, you WILL need a business license to rent property. Depending on where the property is located, you may need a State license, a local license, or both.  This is especially true for transient housing, or any type of property rented on a short-term basis.  In most jurisdictions, this means property that is rented for a lease period of six months or fewer.  Some States require just the business registration and license, while others require both a business license and a rental license.

How Do I Find Out What my Jurisdiction Requires?

If you have retained a Real Estate Attorney, s/he will be able to advise you on licensing and registration requirements for your area.  Your attorney will also be able to advise you of the requirements for a short-term (weekly or monthly) rental vs. a long-term (annual) rental.

If you are not working with an attorney, the first place to check is your local municipality's Housing Office.  If your district does not have a housing department, check with the Building Department. Most localities will also list landlord requirements on their local websites.  Often times, the applicable forms will be available on the website too.

Will I Need a Certificate of Occupancy?

In most cases, you will need to have the Certificate of Occupancy (also called a CO) BEFORE you can apply for a business license or a housing license.  Simply put, a Certificate of Occupancy is a document issued by a local building or Zoning authority confirming that the premises have been built and maintained according to the provisions of the building or zoning ordinances, and that the premises is fit for occupation.  In practical terms, it means a unit is safe to live in and meets the local definition of habitability.

In most cases, a CO is issued when a building is first completed or when a building's use changes.  In many localities, converting a unit to rental property requires a new CO, as it is considered a change of use.  In order to get one, you will need to have the property inspected by the municipality to ensure it complies with rental codes.  This is usually done by a representative from the local Building Department.  The Inspector will either issue the CO or a list of violations that need to be addressed. Should violations be found, they will need to be repaired before the final Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Once you have the CO in hand, you may apply for the business or housing license.

What Happens if I Do NOT Get a Business License?

If you rent without obtaining the proper license, you will be the landlord of an illegal apartment. There may be many consequences associated with this.  Your city/state can fine you or even issue a "cease and desist."  Your tenants may withhold rent.  There may be insurance and tax consequences.  And should you end up in litigation, you'll be coming to court with "unclean hands," something that can cause negative decisions.  In addition, you may be charged with tax evasion.  Obviously, we recommend you obtain the proper licenses to become a landlord BEFORE you rent your property.

Do I Need a Separate License for Each Property?

Again, that depends on your specific area's requirements.  Generally, you will need a CO for each individual property.  If there are registration requirements, each parcel will need to be registered. Some jurisdictions will issue a blanket business license for property rentals, while others will require a separate license for each unit.  Most jurisdictions will require a hotel license for any type of short-term rental.

What Steps do I Follow to Become a Landlord?

First, consult with your attorney and/or local officials to determine the exact licensing and registration obligations for your area.  Next schedule an inspection and obtain your Certificate of Occupancy.  Then, if your state requires it, register the property with the with the appropriate division.  Obtain any required State Licenses before you apply for any required local ones.  We suggest you consult with a skilled Real Estate Attorney to help ensure you have followed every step appropriately and you have complied with all State and Local requirements.

Summary:

This week, we discussed licensing requirements for potential landlords.  Although you do not need a Real Estate License to rent property, most jurisdictions require some sort of business license and/or registration before you can legally rent a unit.  Most jurisdictions also require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO.)  Since converting a property from owner-occupied to a tenancy is considered a change of use, you will most likely need to obtain a new CO before applying for any type of housing license.Depending on where the property is located, you may need a State license, a local license, or both.

Here at the Law Offices of Heath D Harte, we believe that real estate is a good investment.  We also believe renting properties that are part of an investment portfolio can be an effective strategy, especially in a soft real estate market.  Becoming a landlord is one way to help your investment property pay for itself while your equity in that property grows.  

However, many investors become landlords without investigating the requirements, leading to negative financial impacts when an issue arises.  Investors must obtain the proper licenses before renting out a property, so that their investment may grow with no negative impacts.  And while they are investigating the legalities of renting, investors need to become familiar with their local landlord-tenant laws as well.  We truly believe this is an area where skilled attorney help is a must.  You really need to develop a relationship with an attorney you can trust before entering the property rental field. Your attorney can be the key to making your rental business a success. Not only can your attorney navigate the licensing process effectively, but s/he can also negotiate leases, hold security deposits, and help when tenant issues turn sour.

If you live in the New York-Connecticut area especially, The Law Offices of Heath D Harte are here to help you with all of your landlord-tenant needs.  We invite you to contact us so we may help you with all of your real estate law issues.

Real Estate Closings: What Happens?

What Happens in a Real Estate Closing?

Buying property can be an exciting process.  You look at properties, find one you love, and make an offer.  When the sellers accept that offer, you will need to close on the property.  For many buyers, the closing is a mystifying process.  This article will explain what to expect at a Real Estate Closing.

The Closing Process

Closing is often called "settlement."  These two terms are used interchangeably, so a Real Estate Closing and a Real Estate Settlement are the same thing.  In a nutshell, this is when all documents are signed, monies are exchanged, and the property transfers to the buyer.  The period between acceptance of an offer and closing is often called "the escrow period."

What Happens During Closing?

All parties involved meet in a mutually agreed upon location to review and sign all of the documents. Since most of these documents are prepared in advance of the Settlement Meeting, you should have already thoroughly reviewed them with your attorney.  If there is a mortgage involved, these documents are reviewed, signed, and notarized during this meeting, and the monies are disbursed to the seller.  The buyer also pays his share, including closing costs, via certified check.  Often, the buyer is also required to set up an escrow account to cover things like taxes, insurance, and the first few mortgage payments.  The buyer will need a separate certified check for this.  In addition, closing costs (usually 3-5% of the financed amount) are paid with a third certified check.  The Real Estate Agents also receive their commissions during the closing conference.

Who is at a Settlement?

Whether you are the buyer or the seller, hopefully you've followed our advice and retained an attorney to help you with the whole process.  Your attorney should have reviewed ALL contracts and documents, as well as helped you with all negotiations.  Your attorney should also be there for the closing.  In addition to buyer's and seller's attorneys, you can expect both the real estate agents (both the Buyer's and Seller's agents,) a representative from the financing agency (usually a bank,) and a representative from a title company.  You will also need a Notary Public to notarize all the documents.  Often, one of the Real Estate Agents, Bank Representatives, Lawyers, or Title Company representatives is a Notary.  Connecticut, Georgia, and Delaware all require an attorney to execute the closing, so if you live in one of those states, settlement definitely includes at least one lawyer.

Where Does the Closing Take Place?

A closing may take place in a number of places, be that an Attorney's Office, a Title Company, an Escrow Company, or the Lender's Office.  If it is a "cash" transaction with no mortgage, settlement usually occurs at the Attorney's office, either yours or that of the seller.

When Does the Closing Occur?

The closing takes place at a date and time mutually agreed upon by all parties.  Generally, there is approximately a month between acceptance of offer and the settlement meeting.  

How Long Does the Process Take?

Generally, the Closing takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on how prepared all parties are, and how long it takes to review the documents.  However, if issues arise during the closing, it may need to be rescheduled, and it may take several days.  

What Documents Need to be Executed?

Usually, the closing involves signing the following documents:

• The Closing Disclosure Form: This is an itemized list of the buyer's final costs, credits, and charges;
  
• Deed of Trust or Mortgage Document: These are the actual terms and conditions of the financing agreement;
  
• Promissory Note:  This is the actual IOU form to the lender, detailing the actual amount of money you are borrowing and will need to pay back;
  
• Loan Estimate: This document outlines the actual closing costs, which are in addition to financing and down-payment;
  
• Title Insurance: protects an owner's or a lender's financial interest in real property against loss due to title defects, liens or other matters.
  

What Happens After Closing?

You take possession of the property, and the new deed is recorded.  You also receive your keys at this meeting.

What Issues May Arise During Closing?

Hopefully, the closing will go smoothly, and there will be no issues.  Ideally, both parties have all the documents ahead of time, and have had a chance to review them, so that issues do not prevent a smooth closing.  However, the following issues may delay or prevent a settlement:

• Errors in the Documents: These can be as simple as typos, or there may be terms that were not previously agreed upon.This is why it is important to thoroughly re-read ALL documents before signing them.  DO NOT sign any documents containing errors until those errors are corrected.
  
• Money Issues: Often, funds are delayed, especially if the purchase involves a mortgage.  If checks are delayed, settlement may need to be postponed.
  
• Title Issues: Sometimes title issues are found that must be cleared before final settlement may occur.  These may be unknown liens placed by contractors or an Association, unpaid Association fees, tax deeds, etc.  Despite the presence of Title Insurance, the Buyer's Attorney will not allow settlement to commence if any title issues are found.
  
• Issues Found During the Final Walk-Through or Inspection: Many contracts are contingent on a Home Inspection.  If the Inspector finds any issues, the Buyer's Attorney may negotiate buyer credits to fix these deficiencies.  Likewise, if any issues were found during a final walk-through, such as damages to the home, paint defects caused during a moving out process, non-working fixtures or appliances, or cleanliness issues, the attorneys may negotiate repairs or credits, or even a reduction in the final cost of the property.

If any of these issues arise, the closing may be delayed or continued on another day.  Sometimes, these issues may prevent a closing from happening at all.  The contract may fall through if significant issues crop up.  Again, these issues are best handled by an attorney, whether you are the buyer or the seller.  

Often, "Earnest Money," or a deposit is made when the offer is accepted.  If the closing falls through, what happens to this money is dependent on several factors, including the wording in the sales contract and the reasons for the closing falling through.  Again, it is best to let your attorney handle these negotiations.  Whether you are the buyer or the seller, it may cost you a lot of money if you try to handle these negotiations yourself, or if you leave them to your Real Estate Agent.  It will most likely cost you far more than you would have paid in Attorney's Fees.

Summary

This article attempted to demystify the closing process.  It outlined the who, what, when, where, and hows of the  settlement process.  It also stresses the importance of retaining a skilled Real Estate Attorney to represent you at settlement.  There are a plethora of complicated documents to sign, and even more issues that may arise, all of which are best  handled and negotiated by your lawyer.

The Law Offices of Heath D Harte are located in Connecticut, a state which requires an attorney to be involved in the closing process.  Again, we stress you hire your OWN attorney, rather than depending on the Real Estate firm to provide one.  Only your own attorney has your best interests at heart, (or should we say at Harte, as we always have our clients' best interests at the forefront.)  There are just too many issues that may crop up during the settlement process that can cost you far more than paying attorney fees.  With the proper preparation, we can even represent you at the closing so that you do not even have to be present.  If you live in one of the areas in which we practice, we are happy to represent you throughout the entire home buying process, from identifying property to buy, to placing an offer, to reviewing and negotiating documents, to handling the closing for you.  We can take most of the stress out of the home buying process.

Land Trusts: Final Thoughts

Land Trusts:
Final Thoughts

We hope you have enjoyed this series on Land Trusts.  But alas; all good things must come to an end. We are wrapping up this series.  Then, we are going to take a couple of weeks off to compile this information into an ebook.  (Subscribe to this blog and/or follow us on Facebook or Twitter to be advised as to when this book is available.)  When we return, we'll be highlighting other  important Real Estate Law and Real Estate Investing subjects.  

Land Trusts: Summary of Advantages

Throughout this series, we have focused on all the advantages of putting properties into a Land Trust. To sum up, these advantages include:

1. Privacy: Using a Land Trust keeps property ownership private, and it keeps your name out of the public records.
2. Liability Protection: Using a Land Trust can help shield you from many frivolous lawsuits.
3. Protection from Judgements: A Land Trust helps protect your personal assets from being subject to a judgement.
4. Protection from Liens: IRS and other government judgements do NOT attach to property held in a Land Trust.
5. Avoiding Probate: Land Trusts help your assets pass DIRECTLY upon your death, rather than having to pass through probate.
6. Eases Transferability and Control: Property held in a Land Trust is much easier to sell, transfer, and manage.  This is especially true of "distressed properties," "under-water properties," and those in danger of foreclosure.
7. Minimizes Fees: Minimizes fees related to deed recording, transferring properties, title insurance, etc.
8. Eases Multiple Ownership: A Trust can have many beneficiaries.
9. Asset Protection: A Land Trust can help shield assets in case of ownership issues, such as bankruptcy or divorce.
10. Keeps Pricing Information Private:  A Land Trust helps protect your privacy regarding what individual parcels of land are worth.

Land Trusts: Summary of Concerns

1. You will need a Skilled Attorney: Few lawyers are experts when it comes to Land Trusts. You will need to find an attorney with skills and training in this area to receive the maximum benefits.
2. There are ongoing fees: A Land Trust will always have nominal ongoing fees associated with it.  After all, few Trustees are willing to do the job for free.
3. Privacy May Be Revealed with a Court Order: Although a Land Trust makes it more difficult to determine ownership, a Court can order ownership information be disclosed.
4. May Only Hold Real Property as Assets: Other forms of trusts allow multiple types of assets to be held by the trust.  A Land Trust, however, may ONLY hold real estate as assets.
5. Statutes Vary by State: Only a few States have their own, specific statutes regarding Land Trusts.  Their validity in other States relies on Case Law.  However, in those states that HAVE specific laws, you must ensure you follow them to the tee, or the Land Trust may not be valid.  Again, this is where engaging a skilled attorney is of supreme importance.

Land Trusts: Should I use One?

The choice to use a Land Trust is very individual.  No one can say definitively whether a Land Trust is the investment vehicle for you.  In writing this series, we hope we have equipped you with the tools and information you need to make this decision for yourself.  If you are leaning towards "yes," we suggest you gather your own information and documentation, and you meet with a skilled Land Trust Attorney in your area.  (If you live in the New York-Connecticut area, we'd be happy to meet with you to discuss your individual circumstances.  We offer free consultations for these purposes.)  

Again, we believe in Land Trusts.  We use them ourselves.  And as we branch out into property investments to enhance our own personal portfolio, we have begun using Land Trusts even more.  We want to invest in our own community, and we know that using Land Trusts are our most effective way of doing so.  And we live in a State that is using Land Trusts to revitalize neighborhoods and to provide affordable housing to our local workforce.  We have seen how effective Land Trusts can be, both on an individual and an organizational level.

Whether you already own real property, or there is property you have your eye on, we suggest you identify an attorney to help you now.  Having an attorney you know and trust will ease the process as you begin to accumulate property.  And you will need to interview this attorney to ensure s/he has the skills and knowledge you need.  Pick a few items from this series and use them as the basis for your interview questions.  If your prospective attorney cannot answer them to your satisfaction, move on to a lawyer who can.  

Final Thoughts

Again, we welcome your comments and feedback, whether you have been with us from the start or you are just finding this series now.  You can always find us through our website, hartelawoffice.com. We are also active on Facebook and Twitter.  We are also interested in what you would like to see in upcoming blog posts.  Do you have a burning question in the area of Real Estate Law?  Is there any topic you'd just like to learn a little more about?

Stay tuned for details on our Land Trusts e-book!

Happy Holidays from the Law Offices of Heath D Harte!

Happy Holidays to Our Readers!

The Law Offices of Heath D Harte would like to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season!  We thank our readers for spending the year with us.  In 2015, we published a variety of articles to help you understand legal issues and your rights. We laughed over the antics of stupid criminals. We gave you tips on how to handle issues.  We talked about Family Law, Father's Rights, Connecticut Laws, and Real Estate Law.

Below, you will find a list of the articles we published in 2015.

This will be our last blog posting in 2015.  We hope you will continue reading our articles in 2016. We look forward to helping you understand legal issues throughout 2016.

We wish you all a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy Happy New Year!  See you in 2016!

• Shopping for Real Estate During The Holidays
• Real Estate Attorneys

What Is a "Free Consultation" with a Lawyer?

• Non-Adversarial Divorce in Connecticut
• Ignition Interlock Devices Now Required for DUI Of...
• Child Support in Connecticut, Part 1

Silly Connecticut Laws
Preparing Your Appearance For Court
The Top 10 Biggest Mistakes In Injury Claims

• Child Custody: Does it Mean Litigation?
• Mistakes in the Florida "Sex on the Beach" Case In...
• Fighting for Paternal Rights
• Geofeedia: Using Social Media Against You
• Five Considerations in Choosing a Lawyer

Real Estate Attorneys

Do I Need a Lawyer When Buying or Selling a Home?

When it comes to buying, selling, and transferring properties, most people think of Realtors, rather than attorneys.  However, failing to hire an attorney for your real estate dealings can be a huge mistake.  There are good reasons to hire an attorney for real estate transactions.

What do Real Estate Attorneys DO?

1. Contracts and Negotiations

When a potential buyer makes an offer to purchase a property, what usually happens next is a contract.  Many realtors have standard purchase contracts, and many sellers and buyers choose to use those boilerplate contracts, figuring they will save a couple of hundred dollars.  Savvy buyers and sellers, however, have their own lawyers draw up the purchase agreement.  Many times, an offer is made with several contingencies.  As either the buyer or the seller, you need to ensure these contingencies are appropriate.  You also need to negotiate the purchase price for the home.  An attorney is a skilled negotiator with his client's best interests driving the deal.  Conversely, a realtor just wants his/her commission with the least amount of work.  Generally, as a buyer, you will recoup your attorney fees in price negotiations.  As a seller, an attorney will help ensure you do not lose money by having potential buyers back out of a sale.  Your attorney will negotiate the type of contingencies the offer is dependent on as well.  If you are involved in any type of "bidding war," your attorney can help you determine when it is time to back away.

Even if you DO choose to use the Realtor's standard contract, an attorney can help you review and understand the contract BEFORE you sign it.  Often, a lawyer will help you modify this standard contract to better benefit you.

2.  Title Searches

Before a sale can commence, a buyer needs to be sure the seller actually has the right to sell the property.  Buyers also need to ensure the property is free from liens, judgments, and other encumbrances. Title searches are performed by attorneys. Again, many realtors offer to handle the title search, but it won't necessarily cost any less.  And should the title search find any liabilities, an attorney can negotiate to clear these.  He can provide documentation to the loan companies (which require clear titles) that the title has been cleared.  And he can negotiate the costs of obtaining clear title into the overall purchase price.

3. Property Research

Often times, a buyer has potential uses in mind for a purchased property.  Your attorney can research the property to see if it is appropriate for your intended use.  Can you subdivide a unit into a 2 family home?  Can you establish a home office?  Are there any zoning or licensing requirements?  What type of renovations does the current building code allow? Were there any unpermitted renovations that may come back to haunt you in the future?  A real estate attorney can research all of these issues for you BEFORE you enter into property negotiations.

Again, many people rely on their realtor for these types of questions.  However, realtors are not always honest or accurate in their answers.  A realtor is not bound by the same ethical code as an attorney, and there are few consequences for a realtor giving inaccurate zoning information to a prospective buyer.  It is far better to ask your Real Estate Lawyer to research these types of things while he is reviewing the other documents.

4. Document Preparation and Property Transfers

A Real Estate Attorney can draft and/or review all documents associated with a sale or purchase.  S/he can prepare "rent-to-own" agreements.  Your lawyer can prepare all paperwork necessary to complete the sale, including deed transfers, purchase contracts, financial agreements, etc.  An attorney can review all loan documents. These days, much investment property is owned by an LLC. Your attorney can help you form the LLC, as well as transfer properties to its ownership.  An attorney can also prepare and review leases, security deposit restrictions, property management contracts, etc. for your investment properties.  And, of course, s/he can help you with all of the paperwork associated with investment properties, including tax and licensing paperwork.

5. Filings and Document Recording

Almost all paperwork associated with real estate needs to be filed with the local courts.  And of course, your attorney will ensure all paperwork is filed and recorded in a timely manner.  An attorney is crucial in helping navigate the "who, what, where, and when" of property paperwork.

6. Litigation

Buyers and sellers always hope their property transactions go smoothly, but alas, this is  not always the case.  Often, issues crop us well after the closing date.  Should this occur with your transaction, you will be glad you worked with an attorney throughout the process.

Often, issues crop up around "defects' discovered well after the sale.  Sellers are legally bound to disclose "known defects," and Home Inspections are often performed to uncover defects not disclosed by the sellers.  Despite these precautions, sellers can find themselves in court, with buyers claiming unknown defects were actually known.  Many times, having had the same attorney handle the transaction from start to finish can prevent such issues from turning into litigation.  And of course, the costs will be lower as your attorney is already familiar with the intricacies of the case.

What Can Happen if I Don't Hire an Attorney?

There is no law that says you HAVE to hire your own attorney.  Many people decide to just work with a realtor, and in many states, a realtor cannot act as both the buyer's and the seller's agent.  This is purportedly to eliminate a conflict of interest and to ensure the transaction is in the best interest of both parties.  But the bottom line is most realtors are only interested in their bottom line.  If you don't hire an attorney, you may experience one or more of the following issues.

• You may not get the best price for your property.  That applies whether you are the buyer or the seller.
• You  may not understand all of the contingencies that may make the deal fall through.
• As a seller, you may fail to make disclosures; this could result in post-sale issues and even litigation.
• As a buyer, you may not receive all the disclosures to which you are entitled.
• The property may not be transferred correctly.
• The sale may not be recorded correctly.
• You may not be able to get licenses or permits to renovate and/or use the property the way you desire.
• You may end up with unexpected financial obligations, including tax liabilities, repair costs, etc.
• Your contracts and negotiations may not be in your best interests and may actually favor the other party.

Should I hire an Attorney for my Real Estate Deal?

Here at the Law Offices of Heath D Harte, we feel strongly that BOTH parties should retain counsel for all real estate transactions.  Most times, your lawyer pays for itself in terms of saving time and money.  It minimizes the stress associated with buying and selling property, and it ensures your interests are protected throughout the process and for years to come.

We encourage our own clients to engage us with every step in the process.  We want to help you with making or accepting an offer, all the way through closing and recording the documents.  For most of our clients, real estate is one of the largest purchases of their lives, and we want to help make it one of the most positive ones too.  We want to help you with every step of the process to ensure no detail is overlooked.

Our advice is to never be "penny wise but pound foolish." and failing to work with an attorney can result in just that.  In our opinion, the document and filing maze is justification for attorney involvement in and of itself.  We have seen many buyers and sellers get taken advantage of, and we are expanding our real estate practice in part, to help stop that.

Having legal counsel through an arduous process like this just makes sense.  We suggest you retain counsel to protect your interests and to ensure everything is handled according to state and local regulations.

So yes.  The bottom line is you really SHOULD hire an attorney to help with any and all real estate transactions.

What Is a "Free Consultation" with a Lawyer?

What happens in my Initial Consultation?

Any good attorney offers a free initial consultation.  However, many people don't really understand what this first meeting is all about.

What is the Purpose of an Initial Consultation?

The purpose of an initial consultation is twofold.  First, you are there to meet each other.  You need to figure out if you and the attorney "click," and if you will feel comfortable working with that person. Does his style mesh with yours?  Will you be able to meet at a geographically feasible location?  Can your own schedule work with the attorney's hours?

Second, you need to let your attorney know why you are seeking legal help.  What is your specific legal issue?  Have you been served with papers?   What exactly are you looking for your attorney to do for you?  You need to be as specific as possible with both your needs and your expectations.  Both you and the lawyer need to determine whether this will be a good match.

What Do I Need to do?

You need to come prepared.  Bring any paperwork along with you.  If you have been served with papers, you need to bring those along.  If you are looking to initiate action against someone else, bring all of your notes, photos, and any other supporting information that might be helpful.  The more information you can bring, the better the lawyer can determine if you will be a good match to his/her skills.

Also, bring along a notepad and pen.  You should definitely be taking notes.  Tell the attorney if you have interviewed other lawyers or if this is the first.  If there are things you like or dislike in a lawyer, let him/her know.  Try to be as brief and succinct as possible, as you only have limited time.  This is your chance to ask about things like fee structures and retainers as well.

How Long Will my Consultation Take?

Typically, a free consultation lasts about 30 minutes and not more than an hour.  Most attorneys will cut you off at the end of an hour, which is why it's important for you to be organized and succinct.

Here at the Law Offices of Heath D Harte, we do not limit the duration of your free consultation.  We will not cut you off after an hour.  Rather,  our free consultation time is unlimited, and we give the client all the time that is appropriate to fully understand the client's circumstances and the options available to them.

Can I get Free Legal Advice During my Initial Consultation?

The point of the consultation is NOT to give free legal advice.  In fact, at this point, legal advice is usually inappropriate.  A lawyer should NOT give legal advice until he has reviewed the specifics of your individual case.  No two cases are the same.  The lawyer will discuss generalities, rather than specifics, during this initial consultation.  Again, the point is not to give you legal advice, but rather, to determine whether the attorney is equipped to handle your case, and to begin to establish a relationship.  If the attorney is not, he may refer you to another attorney who may be more suitable for your particular needs.

Does This Consultation Establish a "Legal Relationship?"

The consultation itself does NOT construe a "legal relationship."  The point is to determine whether you would like to start one.  Generally, the "legal relationship" begins when you decide to retain the attorney.  This may happen at the end of the consultation, or it may happen at a later date.

So is What I Say Confidential?

Yes.  Everything you say during this consultation is subject to attorney-client privilege.  Thus, you need to be honest and straightforward with the attorney during this initial meeting.

Does This Meeting Obligate Me to  Use That Attorney?

Not at all.  Think of this consultation as a job interview.  It is an opportunity to assess each other and decide if you want to establish a working relationship.  But just like interviewing for a job does not obligate you to take that job, interviewing a lawyer does not obligate you to hire that lawyer.

Does This Consultation Obligate the Attorney to Take My Case?

No.  Again, this is an opportunity to meet one another and to decide if you can work together.  A good attorney will tell you if s/he does not think s/he is the right person for the job.

How Should I Act?

Treat the consultation as you would any other business meeting.  Encourage a dialog.  Ask questions, and be prepared to answer them.  Do not expect office staff to babysit children.  Children are usually best left at home, even if the case involves them in some way.  Do not bring your lunch.  Do prepare ahead of time.  You only have a limited time; make the most of it.

Do ALL Attorneys Offer a Free Consultation?

Not all attorneys do.  This is an important question to ask when you first reach out to the attorney. At The Law Offices of Heath D Harte,  we DO offer free consultations. We realize the importance of a good attorney-client match.  However, other attorneys may charge for your first meeting.  Usually, if a Free Consultation is offered, it will be listed on the attorney's website.

Summary

In this article, we discussed the purpose of an initial consultation with a lawyer.  We reviewed what you should expect, as well as your role in the process.  If you are located in the Connecticut or New York area, and you would like to meet with us, please give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website.

Here at the Law Offices of Heath D Harte, we are committed to serving our clients.  Thus, we believe in the importance of a free initial consultation.  We want you to be comfortable working with us.  We believe that lawyers should be affordable.  We do not believe in "nickle and diming" our customers.  We handle many cases on a contingency basis, meaning many legal actions can be taken with no out of pocket expenses for the client.  And to us, a free consultation is a very important part of the process.

Child Support in Connecticut, Part 1

Child Support in Connecticut, Part 1 

If you are a single parent, and your child lives with you, you are entitled to collect Child Support, In Connecticut, this applies both to divorced parents and to parents who were never married. It applies to heterosexual couples and same-sex couples. Both parents are legally obligated to support their children.

Child support is not automatic though. In order to receive support, you must apply for it. If you receive public assistance of any kind, you can get free help from The Department of Social Services to apply for support. If you do not receive public assistance, you can still apply through DSS, but the process will not be free. Applying through DSS is also a long process. Because of this, many people prefer to file for Child Support through the Superior Court.

Here at the Law Offices of Heath D Harte, we recommend you file through the courts, rather than through DSS. If you file through DSS, they will be responsible for enforcing the judgment. They have thousands of cases, and yours may not get priority. You will not have any choice regarding who will be assigned to your case. Because of this, the remainder of this article will focus on how to file for Child Support through the court, rather than through DSS. Later articles will discuss enforcement and modifications.

Am I Entitled to Collect Child Support? 

You are entitled to collect support if you are the Custodial Parent, and if you obtain a Child Support Order through the Courts. Basically, if a child lives with you, you are entitled to collect Child Support. If the child does NOT live with you, most likely you are required to PAY Child Support, rather than collect it.

What if some of the children live with me, and some of the children live with the other parent? 

This situation is a little trickier. The answer is “it depends.” Each parent's support obligations will be calculated on a separate worksheet. The lower obligation is subtracted from the higher obligation. The parent with the lower obligation will receive the difference in the sums. 

What if we share custody? 

If you share custody, the Court will look at how the child's expenses are paid. They will also look at the amount of time the child spends with each parent. If you pay the greater share of expenses, you are entitled to Child Support.

What if I receive Public Assistance? 

The other parent is still required to pay, but you will not get the full amount ordered. You will get $50 per month, and the State will keep the rest. Once you are no longer receiving Public Assistance, you will be entitled to the full payment. What if the other parent lives in a different state? You are still entitled to collect Child Support. The Connecticut Courts have mechanisms in place to enforce interstate support agreements.

Is Child Support for Mothers only? 

No, child support is for the custodial parent, be that parent the Father or the Mother. If you are the Father, and the child lives with you, the Mother is obligated to pay support. Likewise, if you are a same-sex couple with children and you separate, the non-custodial parent is obligated to pay support.

How Do I Apply for Child Support? 

You must file with the Superior Court to apply for Child Support. Alternatively, you may file with DSS. We recommend the Court route.

Although you may represent yourself, we strongly recommend you hire an attorney to help you through the process. Your attorney help you gather the needed information and file with the Courts. S/he will help you with the required financial affidavits and Court Worksheets. Your lawyer can also help if there are later issues with collecting, or if you need to modify the order. If you are NOT the custodial parent, we also recommend you hire an attorney so that your obligations are fairly calculated.

How is Support calculated? 

Connecticut follows an “Incomes Shares” model. This means they will look at the child's expenses as if they were living with both parents, and will then divide that cost according to each respective parent's income and assets.

 Connecticut has regulations and standard worksheets they use to figure out the payment obligations. These are called “The Connecticut Child Support and Arrearage Guidelines.” They use the combined income of the mother and the father and the number of children to set the support amount. Because the worksheets are fairly complicated, we suggest you complete them with an attorney's help.

Does the State set the same amount per child in all cases? 

No. There are many deviations to the standard calculations. If a parent pays for insurance for a child, that will be taken into account during calculations. If a child has special needs, generally larger payments are required. The number of other children a parent is supporting is also considered. If a child is receiving social security assistance, payments may be reduced. If one parent has significantly higher assets, they will pay a greater share. Likewise, if a parent has little net income, they may pay a lesser share. Again, an attorney can be really helpful in looking at how your circumstances effect the basic payment worksheets. Your lawyer can help you pay or receive a fair amount.

How long does the parent have to pay? 

The parent will be ordered to pay support until the child is an adult. Generally, this is until the child turns 18 or graduates from High School, whichever is later. However, support generally goes to at least 23 for special needs children. With severely disabled children, lifetime support may be ordered.

In addition, a parent can request an educational support order. If granted, this will require support through post-secondary education. These require payment until the child has finished the educational program or turns 23, whichever comes first. Support can be ordered through a Bachelor's Degree, a training program, or an Associate's Degree, but will not be ordered through a Masters or equivalent. These orders are NOT automatic. We strongly suggest you use an attorney if you are hoping for an Educational Support Order.

Can't the Parents draw up an agreement without the Courts? 

A Child Support Agreement is not enforceable without a Court Order. Respective attorneys can negotiate an order to present to the Courts to ease the process. But an agreement made between two parents is not enforceable. We do NOT recommend “Gentleman’s Agreements” when it comes to Child Support. It is best that all Child Support Agreements go through the Courts.

We're getting divorced; can we handle Child Support in the Divorce Decree? 

If you are getting divorced, we highly recommend negotiating a support order while negotiating your divorce. Since a divorce must go through the Court eventually, the Child Support can be mandated during the divorce proceedings.

Do I have to establish paternity to get support? 

Yes, you must establish paternity in order to get Child Support. However, a good lawyer can get the Court to order paternity testing as part of the child support filings.

Can I file for support for adopted children? 

Yes, you are entitled to support for any child adopted by two parents. This means if a father legally adopts a child conceived outside the marriage, he will be required to support that child when the marriage is dissolved. If an adoptive father has custody of a child, he is entitled to support from the child's mother. Likewise, if a same sex couple has children, and they split up, the non-custodial parent must pay support.

What if I don't know where the Father (or Mother) is? 

You will need to locate the Father before you can petition for support. This is also something your attorney can help you with. You should still petition for support, even if you cannot locate the Father (or Mother.) Both the Courts and your attorney can help try to locate him (or her.)

Can a support order be changed? 

Yes, you can file for modification of a support order. The whys and hows of modifications will be addressed in a future article. (Subscribe to our blog, Twitter Feed, or Facebook Page to be notified when this article is published.)

Can the other parent just refuse to pay? 

No, the other parent cannot refuse to pay. Child Support Enforcement will be discussed in a future article. But if the other parent doesn't pay, contact your attorney. S/he will help enforce the judgment.

I don't want the other parent to know where I live; can I still file for support? 

Yes, you can obtain Child Support and still protect your privacy. In these cases, it is important to let your lawyer know your concerns. S/he can help shield your personal details throughout the process. S/he can also arrange for payments to be made in a way that will not reveal your details.

Can I file for back Child Support? 

You can, but if it's awarded may depend on the other parent's ability to pay back support. It is always best to file as soon as possible after the baby is born, or after you split as a couple. In some cases, the Child Support process can begin before the baby is actually born, and it can include expenses related to the birth. These cases usually require establishing paternity.

Does This Apply to ALL US States? 

No. Child Support laws still vary from state to state. Although many of the generalities apply, this information is specific to Connecticut.

Do I NEED to hire a Lawyer? Or can I represent myself? 

The law does not require that you have an attorney. In the United States, we still have a right to represent ourselves. But just because we CAN, it doesn't mean we should. The worksheets are extremely complicated. Connecticut judges often take individual circumstances into account when determining payments. A good attorney will help you uncover the other parent's true assets and ensure an accurate financial profile is presented to the Court. A lawyer will help you get higher payments. A lawyer will help get payment procedures mandated in the original agreement to help minimize future trips to Court. A good lawyer will negotiate payment plans based on support payouts, and may even be able to recoup your attorney fees. You will have far fewer headaches in the long run if you work with an attorney.

Summary: 

In this article, we reviewed filing for Child Support. We discussed who is entitled to receive support and how to get the support process started. In Connecticut, a parent is required to pay support, regardless of marital status. The next article in this series will discuss modifications and enforcement.

Here at the Law Offices of Heath D Harte, we strongly believe in a parent's obligation to support his or her child. We believe a custodial parent should receive full financial support from the other parent, regardless of that parent's sex. We work hard to uncover the full extent of the other parent's assets so that the child gets the financial support he or she deserves.


If you are now a single parent or you are about to become one, we'd love to help you get the Child Support your child deserves. Contact us today, and we'll get the process started. We can help you receive Child Support in Connecticut or New York. We are adept with interstate and intrastate support cases.

Preparing Your Appearance For Court

Preparing Your Appearance For Court 

Playing To Win In Court In New York And Connecticut 

If you must appear to face criminal or motor vehicle charges in Superior Court or Juvenile Court in New York or Connecticut, the outcome of those court proceedings is very important to you. Your freedom and your future may be at stake. If convicted, you may face fines, jail time, revocation or suspension of your right to operate a motor vehicle, and a criminal or motor vehicle record. A criminal record will make it more difficult for you to be admitted to college, get a student loan, rent an apartment, find a job or enter the military. A serious motor vehicle record may result in the revocation or suspension of your right to operate a motor vehicle and increased motor vehicle insurance rates. Your appearance in court is serious business and you need to appear serious in court if you want to improve your chances for a favorable result.

You Only Have One Chance To Make A Good First Impression 

 The prosecutor, judge and jury, if you are at trial, will get their first impressions of you based on how you look; that is, how they see you dress and how they see you behave. A favorable first impression is invaluable. It influences how the prosecutor, the judge or the jury will like you, whether they will believe you and whether they will want to help you. You will be much better served if they like you, want to believe you and want to help you from the first time they see you. It will be much harder to get what you want if they don't like you and don't want to help you because you made a bad first impression. So, when you get ready for court in the morning:

• Wash up and pay attention to your personal hygiene and clothing. 
• Wear nice, clean, presentable and conservative clothes.

 For men this means a clean shirt with a collar (preferably light blue in color), clean pants without holes (jeans are OK but khakis without cargo pockets are better; pants should be worn at the waist, not below the hips) and clean shoes (sneakers are OK but dress shoes are better). Men don't need to wear ties, sport jackets or suits. For women this means a conservatively modest dress or blouse and skirt or pants (jeans are OK but slacks are better), clean shoes or sandals. Spending a few dollars to improve your wardrobe for court, even at a thrift store, may prove to be a very worthwhile investment in your future, so please consider it seriously.

• No clothing that reveals your midriff or your undergarments. 
• No bling showing! You can wear modest jewelry. 
• No heavy perfume, cologne or make-up. 
• No tattoos showing! If you have tattoos, cover them. When you are driving to court, parking your car, walking into the courthouse, waiting in the courthouse lobby or courtroom, talking to courthouse staff or anyone else in the courthouse: Be polite, respectful and courteous. Try not to offend anybody with loud talk or rambunctious behavior. 
• Turn off your cellphone and put away your MP3 player or iPod. 
• Be careful who you speak to and what you say, as you do not know who may be listening and you can safely assume that no conversation is private. It is important you watch what you say in the restroom, the hallway and in the courtroom itself, as you are under constant scrutiny. 

The Top 10 Biggest Mistakes In Injury Claims

Common Mistakes in Personal Injury Cases?

Not calling the police: 

If you do not call the police, there is no formal investigation of the accident. This applies especially to car accident claims. If the negligent party or driver denies liability later on, you may have a difficult time proving your case. By calling the police, an officer will interview all involved parties and witnesses, record their contact information, and write a ticket to the party at fault in car accident cases. 

Not getting witness contact information: 

Injury victims often fail to obtain the contact information of witnesses at the scene of the accident. If the witnesses choose to stay and speak to police, this is not a problem; however, witnesses often only stop long enough to make sure everyone is okay and then leave before the police arrive. The scene of the accident may be your only opportunity to get the contact information for any witnesses. Without this information, an insurance adjuster may deny liability and refuse to pay anything to you as an unrepresented injury claimant. 

Not fixing the property damage: 

Accepting and cashing a property damage check without first fixing the damages is another common mistake. The amount offered may end up being less than the amount it takes to fix the damage. Additionally, adjusters often send a check for less than the actual cost of the repairs and hope that you will decide not to repair the property. They can then argue that you were not really hurt and pay you little or nothing for your personal injury claim. 

Giving recorded statements without hiring an attorney: 

Allowing an adjuster to take a recorded statement without the protection and guidance of legal representation can result in serious problems. An adjuster can easily misconstrue your answers in a way that makes it appear as though you were not really hurt in the accident, or that you were partly or wholly liable for its cause. An adjustor's job is to save the insurance company money and he or she will do anything he or she can to do so. 

Signing releases: 

Injured accident victims often sign releases for property damage, only to find out that it was actually a general release that settles any and all claims. After signing such a release, a personal injury claim is no longer possible. Do not sign anything without consulting an excellent injury lawyer. 

Trying to negotiate your claim without a lawyer: 

It may not be a requirement to be represented in a personal injury claim, but that does not make it any less necessary. Insurance adjusters often set the reserves (the value of the case) much lower when a victim is not represented. Verbal settlements are enforceable in Connecticut and New York, and self-represented injury claimants often "settle" their claims verbally on accident, without really intending to settle it. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can prevent this. 

Not using Med Pay: 

Med Pay is health insurance coverage for anyone in your car who is hurt in a car accident, or for you if you were hurt while a passenger is someone else's car. This insurance pays for your medical treatment with any doctor without co-pays or deductible. The amount of your coverage depends on how much you purchased in your policy. 

Not using health insurance: 

This is a mistake since many hospitals and doctors require payment soon after medical treatment is provided. If you do not pay it, the bill is often turned over to collections. Using health insurance, you will pay for your treatment as you go. This can greatly increase the total amount you will net out of your personal injury settlement. Good personal injury attorneys can often negotiate away or negotiate huge reductions in any health insurance subrogation claims. 

Not using uninsured motorist coverage: 

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protect individuals who are hit by motorists with little to no insurance of their own. Any remaining balance after the liable party's insurance runs out will then be covered by your own insurance. Normally, your rates do not rise when you use UM or UIM coverage. You must have this coverage under your insurance policy, however, in order to obtain coverage for your damages. 

Not getting medical treatment: 

Just because you do not have health insurance does not mean that you shouldn't get medical treatment. If you do not get treated, an insurance adjuster may argue that you were not really injured and deny you coverage. Good personal injury attorneys can get you to doctors who treat on a lien. They can also get you pain management and surgeries using medical funding companies. It is also important to avoid long gaps in treatment, once more to prevent adjusters from claiming that your injuries are nonexistent or less severe than they truly are. 

Other mistakes:

Not consulting with a Lawyer:

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is trying to handle a personal injury claim on your own.  Most likely, your award will be far less than you deserve. This applies in ALL injury cases, including auto accidents, negligence claims, slip and falls, etc.   You may miss an important mistake in the claims process and end up not getting anything at all.  A skilled attorney can ease the process, lessen your stress, and maximize your awards.

Not filing in a timely manner.  

Injury claims have strict statutes of limitations.  You MUST ensure your claim is filed within the 2 year period allotted.  If you do not file EVERYTHING in a timely manner, your claim will be denied.

Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney Near You

A good attorney wants to help you win a full recovery of your personal injury damages. However, any lawyer can more easily fight for you if you do not make these mistakes when the incident occurs. An attorney can still help you, even if you have made some of these mistakes, but it is likely that any award may be smaller.  It is best to be proactive and learn not to make these mistakes before you are injured.

Of course, here at the Law Offices of Heath D. Harte, we have decades of experience.  We will skillfully assist you in avoiding these common mistakes. And we will help mitigate the damages caused if you have made any of these mistakes. We treat each client as part of the family and will support and guide you through each step of your injury claim.  

If you are in the New York or Connecticut area, we can help you with your injury claim.  Contact us now to schedule your free consultation and speak with a lawyer. You only have two years to file a personal injury claim under the statute of limitations, so contact our firm right away!

Five Considerations in Choosing a Lawyer

5 Considerations in Choosing a Lawyer

There are a slew of lawyers in every town, all of whom are telling you that they want to be YOUR lawyer. When you find yourself needing a lawyer, how do you choose? Here are some considerations to help you narrow down your choice.

 

1. Big Firm or Little Firm?

 

Some legal firms are huge. Their firms' names have 5 or 6 partners listed, and the firm employs dozens of other legal personnel, from Associate Attorneys to paralegals to legal secretaries. At the opposite end of the spectrum are firms composed of a single attorney. Which is right for you?

With a larger firm, much of your case will be handled by staff, rather than by your attorney. In fact, each piece of your case might be assigned to a different individual. When you call the firm, the receptionist will have to pull your file to see the appropriate person to whom to direct your call. You may rarely speak to “your attorney,” but usually will speak to one of the junior staff assigned to assist with your case. One attorney may handle settlement negotiations, while a different person will be assigned your case if you go to trial. One individual may prepare documents while a different person executes them. If you retain that firm again in the future, you may be working with an entirely different set of people. One lawyer will handle your divorce, different lawyer will handle your will, and another will handle that DUI.

With a smaller firm, you will get more individualized attention from your attorney. When you call the office, you will generally speak to one of two people: the lawyer himself or his assistant. Any future cases will be handled by these same individuals. You will be working with the same person through document preparation, settlement negotiations, and litigation. The same attorney will handle your divorce, custody settlements, will and preparation. If a few years later you get a DUI, you will be again working with the same attorney.
If a personal experience is important to you, you may want to consider going with a smaller firm. Your lawyer will get to know you with your first interaction, and s/he will be familiar with who you are when s/he handles future cases.

 

2. Areas of Practice

 

Some lawyers specialize, handling only cases that fall under a specific aspect of the law. There are lawyers that specialize in Condo Association Law, attorneys that specialize in Wills and Trusts, and firms that specialize in Personal Injury. Other law offices practice in many different areas of the law. Which is right for you?

Generally, the specialists are part of larger firms. Again, individuals within the firm have a specialized area of expertise. One personal injury lawyer may only handle car accidents, while a second in the firm only handles slip and fall incidents. One attorney may prepare your will, while a different attorney prepares your real estate trust.

With a smaller firm, the same attorney will handle both the will and the real estate trust. S/he will also handle your car accident and your slip and fall.

You might assume that the specialist will be cheaper in the long run, as s/he does not have to do as much research to effectively handle your case. Although it may be true that a single area lawyer can cite case law off the top of his/her head, you still want your attorney to research the latest case law that may apply. This is one area where skimping may be foolish. Chances are that firms of all sizes will need to do the same amount of research on your case.

Another consideration is the states in which the firm does business. To practice in any state, an attorney needs to pass the Bar Exam in that state. It is important to ensure your attorney can practice in the state where you need services.

Larger firms tend to have offices in multiple states. Smaller firms tend to practice in only a couple of states. If you own investment property in 6 different states, it might make sense to go with a specialized firm with offices in those states. Or, your lawyer may recommend s/he consults with such a firm should you require services in an area s/he doesn't practice.

Usually, as a client, you only need to worry about services in your own state and the adjacent ones. Most smaller firms maintain relationships with the specialized firms so that they may work together, when necessary, to meet your needs.

 

3. Convenience

 

Let's face it; we're all busy. None of us seem to have enough hours in the day. Any legal case brings enough stress along with it. You need to choose a lawyer who will work with you, on your schedule, and be convenient.

Does your lawyer insist that you come see him for every interaction, or after the initial consultation, does s/he work with you by phone, text, and e-mail as much as possible? Does your attorney work bankers hours? Or will s/he alter his/her schedule to meet with you after your work hours have finished? Are the offices easy to get to? Can you reach him/her at 1 am from your jail cell? Can s/he arrange for a bail bond if necessary?

Working with your lawyer should be as easy as possible for you. If it is not, you may have chosen the wrong attorney.

 

4. Payment

 

Lawyers are available at all price points. Many require large retainers up front. Other lawyers work on a contingency basis. Some lawyers cannot work within a budget; others will. Some lawyers require payment up front. Some lawyers offer payment plans. Some lawyers charge for travel time to court.

For some people, the price of their defense is no object. For others, money is tighter. It is important to discuss money and payment when choosing your attorney. Often, a contingency type arrangement ends up being a lot more expensive for the client. Sometimes though, contingency is the only way you can afford to pursue your case.

With the law, price and quality are not necessarily the same. Often, a too plush office is a sign your lawyer cares more about padding his wallet than about justice for you. Excellent representation is available at all price points. A good attorney should be able to quote you a ballpark range for your case. The initial consultation should be free. Ensure you choose a lawyer whose prices are in line with what you can afford. Be wary of attorneys that demand complete payment up front.

 

5. Personality

 

Last but not least, you need to choose an attorney with whom you can work. If your personalities clash, your defense will suffer. You need an attorney who you can trust and respect. Now this does not mean your attorney should become your BFF. It does mean that you should feel comfortable speaking with your lawyer. You should trust in your attorney's values and ethics. You should feel like a valued customer. You should be able to get your questions answered in a way you can understand.

That first consultation should be like an interview. If your gut tells you this is the wrong attorney, retain a different one. Likewise, you should feel comfortable with the office staff.

 

Summary

 

Choosing a lawyer can be stressful. But if you keep several things in mind, you can make an effective choice. Consider the size of the firm and how important a personal relationship is to you. If you want an attorney who recognizes your voice on the phone, you may want to consider going with a small firm. You also need to consider the practice areas, both in terms of subject and location. Your lawyer should be convenient to work with and accessible through whatever means you prefer. His work hours should also mesh with your schedule. Your ideal attorney will offer payment options and plans individualized to you. S/he should also be someone you can trust, respect, and just generally get along with. S/he should be able to meet both present and future legal needs.

Here at the Law Offices of Heath Harte, we realize you have a large choice of attorneys from which to choose. We are a small firm, and we believe in individualized, convenient services for all of our customers. We can handle a variety of legal issues, from personal injury, to criminal, to family, to wills and trusts. We offer convenient payment options and convenient payment plans. We believe in getting to know you as a person so we can better handle all of your legal needs. We hope, if you're located in the New York-Connecticut area, that you will consider us when choosing a lawyer. We invite you to our offices for a free consultation so that you can see if we can successfully work together. And we truly believe in law with a personal touch. If you are outside of the Westchester-New York-Fairfield-Greenwich-Stamford area, we hope you will be able to find a firm with the characteristics of our own.