Practice Areas

  • 3rd Party Ruling
  • Mediation
  • Family Law
  • Civil Litigation
  • Business / Commercial
  • Property
  • Estate Planning / Surrogate Matters

3rd Party Ruling

There are alternatives to taking a dispute to court, and this is one of them. Mr. Barone offers his years of experience as a judge to settle disputes of all kinds in a private, non-courtroom setting. After hearing all perspectives and receiving all pertinent information, Mr. Barone will rule in favor of one side or the other, which prior to beginning, will have been contractually agreed upon by all parties that this ruling may not be further disputed.

Additionally, Mr. Barone can also provide mediation, which affords the parties involved to find a resolution themselves. In this case, Mr. Barone will simply provide his legal experience and mediation skill to facilitate discussion. While there is no guarantee that mediation sessions will not go to trial, it is worth the time and money to consider this option first. Furthermore, attempting mediation in the beginning can make trials (if necessary) move along faster than normal because a framework for resolution will have already been established.

Mediation

If you are considering mediation, here is a guide to help you select the right mediator.
  • What are your qualifications?
  • How long have you been mediating?
  • What is the cost for each session? How long is a session? How many sessions will I need?
  • What is the cost for preparing an agreement? Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
  • What percent of clients complete mediation?
  • Have any agreements been rejected by the courts?
  • How long will the mediation process take? How long will it take to prepare any documents?
  • Will I need an attorney?
    • Be careful here. Some mediators will say you can file documents on your own. Know that this is difficult, and these documents are often rejected by the court. More importantly, you should always obtain legal advice before signing any documents that could potentially alter your life. Once the documents are filed it can be very difficult and expensive to undue.
  • When asking about price, make sure you know what you are getting quotes for. There are often separate prices for the mediation, the drafting of the agreement by the mediator (called a Memorandum of Understanding or "MOU"), the review of the MOU, and various attorney fees.
  • Ask what limitations the mediator has if any. For example, if you're entering mediation for a divorce, ask if the mediation for child custody and child support is possible.
  • Also, be sure to ask for references.

Family Law

There is an unquestioned level of difficulty surrounding issues of this kind of sensitivity. At times like these, when emotions can get the better of you, we can assist you in making the decisions that are in your best interests, and the best interests of your children, whether it is a litigated divorce or an amicable resolution.
  • Divorce (Contested or Uncontested)
  • Legal separation
  • Annulment
  • Post-Divorce Modifications and Enforcement
  • Custody and Visitation
  • Child Support (Modification and/or Enforcement)
  • Paternity
  • Grandparent Rights
  • Domestic Violence (order of protection)
  • Adoption (private or step-parent)
  • Prenuptial Agreements and Postnuptial Agreements
  • Drafting of Quit Claim Deeds
  • Drafting of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders ("QDRO")

QUALIFIED DOMESTIC RELATIONS ORDER ("QDRO")

Our office has experience negotiating and drafting a variety of QDRO's and DRO's. We can help you understand the complex detail that can significantly impact your retirement benefits.

Civil Litigation

Knowing how to proceed is half the battle in cases such as these, and our experience gives us the ability to determine the best course of action. Whether you choose to settle (if possible) or try the case in court, you need representation that can deliver the results you deserve.
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Wrongful Death
  • Medical/Dental Malpractice
  • Negligence
  • Product Liability
  • Property Rights
  • Fraud Claims
  • Personal Injury
  • Dog Bites

Business / Commercial

Whether you are an individual thinking about starting your own company or an existing business in need of legal assistance, our office can provide you with transaction and litigated services.
  • Creation of Corporations / LLCs / PLLCs / Partnerships/DBAs
  • Employee Contracts
  • Non-Compete Agreements
  • Business Planning
  • Maintaining Corporate Books
  • Dissolutions
  • Purchase and Sale of Business
  • Contract Disputed
  • Collection Issues
  • Unfair Competition

Property

Let us take the stress out of your real estate transactions.
  • Purchase and Sale of Residential and/or Commercial Property
  • Leases Agreements
  • Easements
  • Landlord/Tenant Disputes

Estate Planning / Surrogate Matters

We simply don't know what tomorrow holds, giving you all the more reason to have your affairs in order. Whatever happens, you want know that your finals wishes will be carried out, and more importantly, that your family will be taken care of. Protect yourself, your family, and your assets by sitting down with us, and preparing for the future.
  • Last Will and Testament
  • Health Care Proxy
  • Living Will
  • Power of Attorney
  • Trusts
  • Medicaid Planning
  • Guardianship Proceedings
  • Estate and Trust Administration
  • Estate and Trust Litigation