When To Seek Legal Advice
M
ost people think that they only need a lawyer in an extreme situation. You were the last person to leave work the night before and police are at your door because that boss who didn’t give you the promotion was found slouched over his desk from a bullet wound to the heart. Or you go for carpal tunnel surgery, and the hospital makes a mistake and you end up with a triple bypass. Other than such extreme situations, you figure that you can do without legal representation. There are, however, plenty of reasons you may need a lawyer and most of them are not extreme in the least. There are areas of life that involve legalities where a lawyer isn’t called for, like dealing with a parking ticket or paying a fine for not shoveling the snow on your sidewalk. However there are many things that involve severe consequences and could result in broken agreements, loss of income and even jail time. HERE IS A LIST OF SOME COMMON REASONS TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE: Injuries: Auto accident, defective product, or a medical practitioner.
Administrative Problems: A zoning variance, workman’s compensation, regulatory violations that carry a stiff fine or other penalties. Financial: Bankruptcy, business indebtedness, selling a business, business collections, law suits by employees, not being paid for services, not getting settlement from insurance company. Criminal: DUI, domestic violence, possession of illegal substance, juvenile offences. Family Problems: Divorce, child support, child custody. Trusts: Wills, powers of attorney, advance directives. A competent attorney can navigate the complexities of our legal system as your advocate and can make sure that you get the best results depending for your situation. The Website www.hire alawyer.findlaw.com lists 10 reasons to hire a lawyer instead of trying to act on your on behalf.
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WE CARE WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES • MEDICAL MALPRACTICE • WRONGFUL DEATH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY • PREMISES LIABILITY OUR
DECADES OF EXPERIENCE TRANSLATES INTO EFFECTIVE
&
POWERFUL RESOLUTION FOR YOUR CASE.
If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury, we understand that your life has likely been turned upside down. Your normal life patterns have been disrupted, and the future you had envisioned could be permanently altered. We are sensitive to the highly personal and emotional nature of serious injuries, and provide an understanding ear as well as strong legal representation. This could be the most important fight of your life. We respect what you're going through and look forward to learning how we can help you prevail in this difficult time.
After a serious injuiry, you need the strongest legal help you can get as soon as possible. Carol A. Shelly is a seasoned trial lawyer with a reputation for aggressive representation.
70 West Oakland Ave., Doylestown, PA • 267-454-7940 • www.shelly-law.com
Shelly Law Offices, LLC And Car Insurance Options
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ptions, options, options. Once you seek out insurance from one of the many auto insurance companies out there, you will be presented with many options to protect yourself and your family. First, you will need to choose monetary amounts which will cover you if you’re found legally accountable for an accident which causes bodily injury or property damage to another. Second, you will need to decide if you want or need comprehensive or collision coverage for physical damage to your own motor vehicle, regardless of fault. Third, you will need to choose from the many insurance options available if you are injured. You have the option to choose the amount of benefits you want for medical expenses, funeral benefits and wage loss benefits. You also have the option to select one of
the most important forms of coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits, which will protect you if you’re involved in an accident where the at fault party is either uninsured or doesn’t carry enough insurance to cover the costs related to your bodily injury (or property damage). You will be presented with the option to choose from limited or full tort coverage. Limited tort coverage may be less expensive, but it limits your rights to seek financial compensation for pain and suffering due to injury from an accident. Selecting the full tort option allows you retain unrestricted rights. At Shelly Law Offices, LLC we have the experience and the knowledge to help you interpret your auto insurance policy after you are involved in an accident and to secure for you the compensation you deserve. Even better, we know how important it is for you to consider your options carefully before that accident
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happens. Shelly Law Offices, LLC, 70 West Oakland Ave., Doylestown, PA; 267-454-7940; www.shelly-law.com.
Williams Family Law Management Team
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illiams Family Law is a premier family law firm in Bucks C o u n t y , Pennsylvania. The firm is built around four core principles: experienced guidance, compassionate advice, powerful advocacy and local knowledge. Our family law attorneys understand the sensitive nature of life-changing circumstances that arise when individuals are faced with divorce, support, custody and related matters. The Williams Family Law team is comprised of leading attorneys who are recognized as being among the best divorce attorneys in Pennsylvania, are skilled in litigation and tactical planning, have years of experience in both private practice and as prosecutors, have earned specialized degrees that foster understanding of the financial
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1. The law is complicated. If you are not a lawyer you probably have no business acting like one in certain instances. Even experienced lawyers typically do not represent themselves in court. A solid case can quickly unravel without the help of a trained and emotionally detached attorney. Similarly, failing to hire a lawyer when starting a business, reviewing a contract or embarking on other endeavors with potential legal ramifications can result in otherwise avoidable pitfalls. 2. Not having a lawyer may actually cost you more. What is at stake? A criminal case may determine whether or not you spend time behind bars, while a civil case could hurt you financially. Besides, many civil attorneys don't collect a dime unless they win your case. Also, you may be able to claim legal fees as a plaintiff in a civil case, so hiring a lawyer can actually
The Williams Family Law Management Team: Robert Salzer, Susan Smith and Jeffrey Williams
and tax implications of divorce and family law, and are, put simply, incredibly well-equipped to help you to succeed. Among our honors and certifications, Williams Family Law is the only law firm in Bucks County with two fellows of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an honor reserved solely for
skilled negotiators and experienced litigators representing individuals in all facets of family law. While we are proud of such honors, it is accolades from our clients that are our highest form of praise. Learn more about the firm at www.bucksfamilylawyers.com.
save or make you money.
obtained or that the testimony of a witness contradicts an earlier statement. And did the crime lab properly handle the evidence every step of the way? Your attorney will find out.
3. Lawyers know how to challenge
Attorneys understand how to properly file court documents and handle other legal procedures. If you're not an attorney, you
4. Attorneys understand how to properly file court documents and handle other legal procedures. If you're not an attorney, you may struggle with the deadlines and protocol for properly filling out and filing certain legal documents. One late or incorrect filing could
may struggle with the deadlines and protocol for
derail your case, delay a given legal procedure or worse—have the case thrown out altogether (and not in your favor).
properly filling out and filing 5. Because you don't know any expert
certain legal documents.
witnesses or private detectives. Attorneys depend on an extended network of pro-
(and sometimes suppress) evidence. You may not even know that a key piece of evidence against you was improperly
fessionals to help their clients' cases. Most continued to page 116
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The only certainty in life is that as time goes by, you and your
family will face new challenges and your plans for the future will change. Whether you have Elder Law, Estate Planning or Long Term Care concerns, you want an experienced Lawyer who can help you understand your options.
Certified Elder Law Attorney
Areas of Practice • Life Care Planning • Asset Protection Planning
At the offices of Bucks County Elder Law, we help families in Pennsylvania and New Jersey face their concerns and plan for their future. From the moment of your complementary, no obligation, initial consultation you are a part of our family and we will do whatever we can to help you and your family.
• Estate Planning
Henry A. Carpenter II, Esq.
• Medicaid Planning
Chairman Emeritus of the Elder Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Recipient of the prestigious 2020 “Excellent in Elder Law Award” as presented by the Elder Law section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association. Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) Masters of Legal Letters in Taxation (LL.M)
• Estate Adminstration
301 OXFORD VALLEY RD, SUITE 101B, YARDLEY, PA 19067 •
215.493.0727
/
• Last Will and Testaments • Trusts • Powers of Attorney • Living Wills
• Special Needs Planning • Guardianship
BCEL@HACIILAW.COM
888.378.8200 / www.buckscountyelderlaw.com
Henry A. Carppenter II, Certified Elder Law Attorney
H
enry A. Carpenter II, Esq. is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) with a Master of Legal Letters in Taxation (LL.M). Ranked in the top 3% of Elder Law Attorneys in the United States; Henry is a Super Lawyer, Chairman Emeritus of the Elder Law Section of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, Top Lawyer as identified by Philadelphia Magazine and the recipient of the prestigious Excellence in Elder Law Award in 2020. Bucks County Elder Law assists families prepare for their futures, using unique and cutting-edge legal techniques. Unlike many other Elder Law practices, Buck County Elder Law is a
Life Care Planning Law Firm, where we look at aging in place with the proper supports, essential for the care and comfort of your loved ones. We are proud of the counsel we provide our clients. Our clients become part of our family and our caring and compassionate staff work tirelessly to provide legal support and guidance to our
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clients. Henry, a resident of Bucks County for 35 years has been in practice in Yardley since 2004. A native of Connecticut, Henry received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, his JD from Syracuse University and his LLM from Villanova University. Bucks County Elder Law offers a complementary, no obligation, initial consultations. Henry is licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Bucks County Elder Law is located at Makefield Executive Quarters, 301 Oxford Valley Road, Suite 101B, Yardley, PA; 215-493-0727; www.buckscountyelderlaw.com.
Keith J. Williams, Esq., Bucks County Defense Attorney
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ith 38 years of experience, Bucks County attorney, Keith J. Williams, Esq., is dedicated to defending and protecting the rights of the accused and their presumption of innocence through aggressive, award-winning criminal defense. “I believe everyone deserves the best possible representation available regardless of age, race, sexual orientation or economic circumstance. Providing aggressive, effective and reasonably-priced advice, counsel and representation to all my clients, I’m always here to help in your time of need.” Located in the heart of Doylestown, Keith’s practice focuses on representing individuals in a variety of legal matters including Criminal Defense, DUI Defense, Juvenile Defense, and Traffic Violations Defense.
In addition, Keith has received accolades from the Bucks County Bar Association for overall outstanding legal representation efforts and successful litigation skills, earning him two Bucks County Lawyer of the Year Awards: The Justice Award and The Star of the Year Award. Keith is distinguished for working closely with his clients throughout the entire legal process, including court proceedings, negotiations, hearings, and trials. When you need an experienced defense attorney, call Keith J. Williams at 215-3401134 for aggressive, strategic, and affordable representation from an award-winning lawyer who will fight passionately for you and treat you
with respect. For more information, visit www.KeithJWilliamsLaw.com.
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We emphasize mediation instead of expensive litigation!
WoosleyNaragon.com
Dave Woosley
Welcome to the Woosley Naragon law group! Prepare to have your expectations exceeded by our experienced legal team. We’ll guide you in an empathetic, highly-effective, expeditious & ethical manner to help you regain your peace of mind even though you’re dealing with challenging situations and unpredictable life events. Our law offices are located right next to the Justice Center, on Main Street, in beautiful Bucks County Pennsylvania.
We help you identify solutions that meet your needs. • Mediation & Arbitration • Business Matters • Divorce done deliciously • LGBTQA+ and Civil Rights
• Wills and Trusts • Drone Law • Bankruptcy • DUI
Woosley Naragon, LLC, the Finish Up Experts
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e've earned our reputation as the "finish-up" experts; many of our clients contact us, frustrated and discouraged, after they've become disheartened
that their case has not advanced as they had reasonably hoped. Our reputation is based upon commitment to personal service and we work individually and personally to help identify solutions that will meet your needs. Although we stress mediation instead of expensive litigation, if we need to go to court we will diligently, vigorously and aggressively pursue and protect your interests. We specialize in business matters and divorce done right. Woosley Naragon LLC is located at 72 North Main
A veteran-owed business–all veterans 20% off
Street, Doylestown, PA 18901. Visit www.woosley-
Call for a free phone consultation 72 N. Main Street • Doylestown, PA 215.230.7776
naragon.com or call us for a free initial phone consultation.
non-attorneys do not personally know
8. A good lawyer can strike up a good
about how it might resolve at trial.
the types of professionals who can help
settlement offer or plea bargain, if neces-
Sometimes a settlement is the best choice,
with discovery or challenge evidence or
Because it is probably
testimony by the opposing party.
better to avoid problems in
6. You're not sure how to plead—or what a 'pleading' is? Pleading guilty is not the only choice, even if there is evi-
the first place rather than try
dence pointing directly at you. An attor-
to fix them once they arise.
see your case through to trial. 9. The other party has legal representation. Non-attorneys are generally at a disadvantage when squaring off against opposing counsel or doing business with another party that has legal counsel. As explained above, the law is complicated
ney who understands the law will be best situated to explain your options and can
while other times it makes more sense to
You may have heard the saying
help you avoid potentially severe penal-
"an ounce of prevention is
ties even before a criminal trial begins.
worth a pound of cure?" Well,
and an attorney representing your adversary (or even a non-adversarial party entering into a legal agreement with you) will take advantage of this inequity.
7. Because it is probably better to
hiring a lawyer in many
avoid problems in the first place rather than try to fix them once they arise. You
instances will help you avoid
may have heard the saying "an ounce of
potential legal headaches
prevention is worth a pound of cure?" Well, hiring a lawyer in many instances
down the road.
will help you avoid potential legal headaches down the road. Do you really understand the fine print of that contract
sary. An experienced lawyer probably
you are signing? A lawyer will.
has seen cases similar to yours or at least knows enough to make a calculated guess
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10. Lawyers often provide a free initial consultation. Since many attorneys will meet with you for free during a faceto-face consultation, there is really no harm in talking with one. Not only will a free consultation give you an idea of the type of case you have, it will help you decide whether you actually need to hire a lawyer.