We handle private adoptions as well as agency adoptions, both foreign and domestic. We have represented both the mothers who are placing their child for adoption, as well as adoptive parents. We also handle adoptions for step-parents who are adopting their stepchild. Our services include, but are not limited to, preparation of all necessary documentation, communication with the appropriate Court handling adoptions in a given county, appearances in Court, communications with natural parents surrendering their child.

We will represent you during your court appearances, negotiate for a reduction of the charges with the appropriate District Attorney's Office, and assist you in all other matters related to alcohol related offenses, including the alcohol evaluation process.

We handle most general matters that would be heard before a local Justice Court, including Petit Larceny (shoplifting), neighbor disputes, minor criminal offenses, such as possession of illegal substances, vandalism, etc.

This is one of those matters we all have good intentions of doing but put off until, sometimes, it's too late. A few things that a Will does for you:

• Allows you to designate specific property to individual heirs
• Allows you to exclude certain persons from inheriting your assets
• Allows you to appoint a Guardian for your minor children
• Allows you to appoint a person to carry out your wishes (Executor/Executrix)
• Allows you peace of mind that the assets you earned and accumulated during your lifetime will be distributed according to your wishes with as little trouble as possible for those who survive you

The basic difference between a simple Will and a Trust:

A Trust does all the above for you but, in addition, a Trustee, usually a bank, manages your estate over a time period rather than distributing your assets all at once. You designate how and when the proceeds of your estate should be distributed. This becomes extremely important if you have minor children and we firmly believe you should take the time to have the value of a Trust explained in detail.

This should not be confused with a simple Trust or a Living Will. This is a document that places your assets in trust while you are living, with a thought toward preserving the same in the event that you should need extensive hospitalization or nursing home care later in life. This is a highly specialized field of law with many pitfalls that we do not handle.

This is a document that expresses your specific wishes with regard to medical treatment in the event you should become ill and incapacitated to the point where reasonable medical evaluation shows that your survival would continue only with the use of artificial means, such as breathing machines, feeding tubes, etc. Without this document, doctors and hospitals are bound to take whatever procedures are available to sustain your life, with no consideration to the quality of that life, and regardless of whta your loved ones may desire. This document allows you to  designate a proxy, the person who would be able to make the final decision as to what treatment you should or should not receive.

If you are contemplating separation or divorce, you should be fully aware of all matters that will have an impact on your life once your separation or divorce is finalized. New York State has laws and guidelines that differ from other states with regard to divorce. We recognize that this is an extremely emotional and important step to take in a person's life. It is imperative that you seek competent legal advice and guidance for such an important proceeding.

We can assist you in any of the following areas:

We have an extensive practice in the matrimonial/family law field, both in Supreme Court and Family Court, for all matters related to the above issues. While many attorneys avoid this area of law, it is our belief that there are times when marital difficulties can not be overcome and, if that is the case, then it is our goal that a person receive a second chance for contentment in their life. In the case of divorce or separation, it is our office policy to negotiate a fair, equitable and reasonable settlement agreement.  We are aggressive in our resolve to protect our client's interests and to secure for them what they are legally entitled to have out of a marital settlement.

We will assist you in the event that you sustain injuries or damages in an accident or as the result of someone else's negligence. We communicate and negotiate with insurance companies with regard to policy limits and settlement offers. We communicate with your medical care providers with regard to treatment received and evaluations of your injuries.

We can prepare a Power of Attorney for you, designating the person(s) of your choice to whom you wish to give control over all or certain areas of your life, such as banking transactions, insurance matters, etc. This document is helpful if you anticipate being unavailable to handle your routine affairs for a period of time, or in the event that you become ill or incapacitated. You can determine whether it should relate to a specific matter or whether it should give power over all matters to the person you designate. This instrument is only in full force and effect while you are alive and can be terminated at any time by you.

Purchasing a home is probably the most expensive investment you will make during your lifetime and, as such, you should be sure to have competent legal counsel before committing yourself to this kind of obligation. While most contracts are straight forward and routine, you are entitled to have the binding effects of such a document fully explained to you.

We can assist you in any of the following areas:

We offer extensive real estate services, to include but not limited to, representation of buyers, sellers, builders, developers, brokers and lenders. We have one of the largest real estate practices in the Syracuse area and are totally familiar with all types of closings, financing and necessary documentation. In addition, we handle bank closings outside the Syracuse area and have established a network of closing agents throughout New York State. We have a support staff of nine in our real estate closing department, who are trained and experienced in all aspects of real estate matters and who devote all their time to this area of law.

We handle all matters related to traffic tickets, including but not limited to the following:

Once we are retained, we will adjourn your court date and start the process of negotiating a reduction of the charges against you with the appropriate District Attorney's Office, saving you points on your license that could impact your insurance and ultimately, if you continue to accumulate points, your license to drive. Many matters can be resolved without the necessity of you having to appear in Court.