Customized Legal Solutions
We offer prompt communication and legal solutions to fit your needs and goals. Whether you are purchasing your first home, building a business, planning for the future, or needing to reset your financial burdens, we can help.
Business
Ready to launch your business? We help you start off with a solid foundation. From selecting the right business entity structure to navigating regulatory requirements, we take care of the entire process for you. As your commercial registered agent, we keep you in compliance with state and your own business governing documents, which we help you create.
With our expertise and support, you can focus on building your vision while we handle the paperwork, setting you up for success from day one.
-
Factors, like liability protection, tax implications, management structure, and business goals, all play a part in your choice of entity. During our consultation, we will discuss whether an LLC, corporation, partnership, non-profit, or other entity type is the best fit for your needs.
-
Our services include initial consultation, entity recommendations, the drafting of state-mandated documents, preparing required internal business documents, and serving as your commercial registered agent. Our fee for these services is $775, which includes state filings fees. Additional fees apply for expedited processing and name reservations.
-
All business entities must file an annual report with the Secretary of State on or before June 1st. The report includes updated information about the business and is accompanied by a filing fee. Our office can serve as the commercial registered agent for your established business for an annual fee of $350. As part of that service we will file your annual report, update your required internal business documents, and continue to serve as your agent for the year.
-
Yes, non-residents can form a business in Maine. However, they will need to appoint a registered agent who resides in Maine and is available during regular business hours to handle legal documents and official correspondence. Our office can act as your commercial registered agent if you reside out of state.
Estate Planning
Are your health and assets protected for the future? We take the time to understand your family dynamics and financial goals, crafting tailored strategies to distribute your assets according to your will and ensure care for you and your loved ones into the future.
We will guide you through the intricacies of wills, trusts, and healthcare directives, providing peace of mind for the future.
-
Estate planning ensures that your wishes are honored, provides for your loved ones, minimizes taxes and legal fees, and can help avoid family disputes. It also designates guardians for minor children and ensures your healthcare preferences are followed if you become incapacitated.
-
A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets will be distributed after your death. A trust is a legal entity that holds and manages assets for your beneficiaries, both during your lifetime and after your death. Trusts can help avoid probate and provide more control over asset distribution.
-
A durable power of attorney allows someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. It remains effective even if you lose mental capacity, ensuring that your financial matters are handled without court intervention.
-
An advance healthcare directive, also known as a living will, outlines your medical treatment preferences if you become unable to communicate them. This can include preferences about life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and other critical healthcare decisions.
-
Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets under court supervision. It can be time-consuming and costly. Using tools, like living trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations, can help avoid probate. Our office can advise you on an appropriate estate plan to protect your estate assets from probate or assist if probate is needed.
-
You can designate guardians for your minor children in your will. This ensures that the person you trust will be legally responsible for their physical and financial care if you are no longer able to do so.
Bankruptcy
Financial distress and hardship happen. Together, we will assess your financial situation, explore all available options, and develop a plan for a fresh start, no stigma attached. As part of our initial consultation, we will help you decide whether or not filing bankruptcy is the best course of action for you or if there are other options to explore.
With our support, we will help you navigate this difficult time informed and prepared for the next steps
-
Bankruptcy is a legal process that provides relief to individuals and businesses unable to repay their debts. It can involve the liquidation of non-exempt assets or a repayment plan to discharge or reduce debts. The goal of bankruptcy is to give you a fresh financial start.
-
The most common types of bankruptcy include:
Chapter 7: A process where individuals or businesses can eliminate most of their debts by selling non-essential assets to pay creditors. It offers a relatively quick path to a debt-free future, typically within a few months.
Chapter 13: A debt restructuring plan for individuals with regular income. It allows debtors to keep their essential and non-essential assets while paying off their debts over three to five years through a court-approved repayment plan.
Chapter 11: Allows businesses (and some individuals) to reorganize debts and operations while remaining in control, under court supervision, and repay creditors through a proposed restructuring plan.
-
Not necessarily. Exemptions under federal or state law allow you to keep certain assets, such as your home, car, personal belongings, and retirement accounts. The specifics depend on the type of bankruptcy and the exemptions in your state. During our initial consultation, we will evaluate your assets and liabilities to determine if bankruptcy is the right choice for you.
-
Yes, when a bankruptcy is filed it triggers an “automatic stay,” which acts as a stop sign to your creditors to halt further collection measures including lawsuits, phone calls, foreclosures, repossessions, and any other method of collection. If you are behind on payments on your home or vehicle, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy can help you catch up on missed payments and potentially keep your assets.
Real Estate
Buying and selling real estate can be complex. Choosing the right legal counsel makes all the difference. Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing, we are here to represent your best interests and make sure you are informed every step of the way.
We issue First American title policies and stay well connected with our clients throughout the entire process.
-
A real estate lawyer ensures that the process of transferring property is legally sound and the client’s interests are protected. Our office reviews and prepares documents, handles negotiations, conducts title searches, and assists with the closing process.
-
A title search involves examining public records to confirm the property's legal ownership and identify any liens, encumbrances, or disputes held against the real estate. A title search and the title insurance that follows such a search/ ensures that you are purchasing a property with clear title and no hidden legal issues.
-
Title insurance protects buyers from potential legal issues related to property ownership by covering claims or disputes over the title. It ensures the buyer has a clear and marketable title, safeguarding their investment and covering legal costs if ownership issues arise.
-
Costs can include real estate agent commissions, attorney fees, closing costs, and real estate transfer taxes. We will help you understand and prepare for these expenses.
