Bankruptcy
When consumers are unable to pay their debts and need the protection of bankruptcy, we file Chapter 7 Liquidations and Chapter 13 Reorganizations. We also handle conversions from Chapter 7 bankruptcies to Chapter 13 cases and Chapter 13 case to Chapter 7 bankruptcies. This representation also includes filing proofs of claim for creditors, motions for relief from stay and other motions for creditors.
Business Law—Corporate
We offer all services necessary to the creation of for profit corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and professional limited liability companies. We can also assist with the creation of non-profit corporations and filing of tax exempt status with the IRS. We can also prepare by-laws and operating agreements, file annual reports, serve as a registered agent, and offer dissolutions for all corporate entitles and filing for tax identification numbers with the IRS and North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in civil actions from the Magistrates Court for small claims, to District Court and Superior Court cases for any civil actions. We handle the case from the filing of the complaint for plaintiffs, answers for defendants, mediations, motions practice, limited appearances, trials and appeals.
One example of this type of case is Private Termination of Parental Rights. These cases involve parents of a child or children who have failed to perform their duties as a parent and therefore their rights to that child or children are severed, freeing the child or children for adoption.
Contracts & Notorizations
We can provide contracts for all legal situations, including construction contracts, employment agreements, real estate contracts, timber sales contracts, uniform commercial code agreements, contracts for deed, contracts for sale of goods, non-compete contracts and other general areas of contract law.
Criminal Defense
Being charged with a crime is one of the most stressful and confusing things that can occur in a person’s life, and we are here to provide meaningful counsel and to ensure that your Constitutionally guaranteed rights are protected. Even seemingly minor criminal convictions can have serious and enduring effects on your future, including harm to your reputation, loss of job prospects, and massive financial penalties. As a result, we believe in evaluating all of the angles to your case and zealously advocating on your behalf for the best possible result, rather than pushing you to accept a quick plea bargain. If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime or traffic citation, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with criminal defense attorney Jill M. Dawkins.
Family Law
Any issue that surrounds family law usually involves very emotionally charged circumstances and many clients need help in understanding what to do next when they are faced with separation, child custody, divorce or other difficult family matters. Our firm has been helping clients with these issues for 10 years now. We believe that it is important for our clients to know their legal rights and feel better prepared in dealing with a difficult subject matter. Being prepared and knowing your rights is a great comfort. We strive to make sure each client knows we are here to help and will work tirelessly to resolve the legalities of each situation.
Immigration
Immigration is a nuanced area of law and can affect many areas of your and your family’s life. Our office can help navigate the system. Our services include petitions for Lawful Permanent Resident Status, Naturalization, U-Visas and VAWA, Asylum, and Employment Authorization Documents. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your immigration issues with our experience Immigration Attorney.
Real Estate
We handle all aspects of residential real estate purchases, sales and refinances. We prepare contracts for the purchase of residential real estate, buyers and sellers transactions, loan transactions, 1031 exchanges and handle all closing transaction details. Our office can prepare deeds of trust, notes, contracts for deed, gift deeds, life estate deeds, combination deeds, boundary line agreements, and easements for wells, septic and road right of ways, escrow agreements, subordination agreements and any other aspect of residential real estate transactions.
We also represent homeowner’s associations in their incorporation, creation of by-laws and restrictions and collections of unpaid maintenance dues. We represent landlords or tenants in residential or commercial real estate transactions, draft leases, and also represent both landlords and tenants in eviction (“summary ejectment”) actions. Finally, we negotiate and draft Christmas Tree leases for all parties, represent parties in partitions of real property, and handle foreclosures as substitute trustee for lenders or borrowers.
Social Security Disability
We handle Social Security Disability cases for SSI or SSDI in front of the Social Security Administration, consisting of appeals, reconsiderations and appeals for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge.
Wills, Trusts & Estate Administration
Our firm offers full services for your estate, from preparation of Wills, Durable Power of Attorneys, Living Wills, Health Care Power of Attorneys, and Trusts (revocable & irrevocable). We also provide estate administration services for probate of wills or administration of estates of a decedent. Probate involves preparation of the application for letters testamentary or administration, filing the inventory, annual accountings or final accountings, years allowance, family settlement agreements and serving as resident process agents. We also serve as executors of estates, administrators or trustees of trusts. We also handle guardianship cases for the incompetent person or estate.