Family Law.  The Law Office of Jamie L. Leighton handles divorces, paternity, child
support modifications and contempts, permission to move out of state, custody, visitation, etc..  Attorney Leighton provides both full representation and limited assistance representation.

Divorce in Massachusetts is "equitable" not necessarily "equal."  The Judge may consider more than 22 separate and distinct factors in issuing a divorce Judgment.  Oftentimes, what is important to a client is not one of the factors that are meaningful to the Judge.  Divorce is a crucial point in someone's life and representation is vital.   Courts are not equipped to handle the large numbers of pro se clients and to review divorce agreements and financial statements thoroughly.  You should beware of going through a divorce without an attorney representating you in some capacity.

Limited assistance representation may allow a client who cannot afford full representation to at least obtain partial representation.

Attorney Leighton has fifteen years of experience as a landlord herself and is able to assist clients with their rental properties.  She has experience with renting to Section 8 clients and has represented both landlords and tenants in Court.  In a recent class she attended, the judge advised landlords not to take a security deposit because landlords don't follow the letter of the law.  Maybe that is the best practice, or maybe you should have an experienced attorney helping you with your documents and practices.  A lot of landlords get in trouble because of lack of education and knowledge about the basics of landlord/tenant law.

Attorney Leighton also has experience with the purchase and sale of real estate.  Attorney Leighton drafted and negotiated real estate offers, drafted and negotiated purchase and sales agreements, advised first time homebuyers about the home buying process and provided real estate representation through the closing.  She has also conducted in home closings and refinances for real estate law firms. 

Are you thinking about putting your home in a realty trust or putting someone else's name on your deed?  Discuss it with an attorney first so you understand the ramifications of your actions.  If you put someone else's name on your deed, this can have unintended negative implications. 

The Homestead Law was changed effective March 16, 2011.  Do you understand what a homestead is and does your homestead offer you maximum protection?  Are you elderly or disabled?  Do you have an elderly or disabled homestead on your property?  
. 

Estate Planning.  The Law Office of Jamie L. Leighton provides estate planning for
smaller estates (less than one million).  If your estate is worth more than one million, she will provide an appropriate referral or will work in conjunction with an expert so that your estate plan meets your needs.

Many clients want to know how much it costs for a "simple" will.  The answer is, unfortunately, most people need more than a simple will.   Estate planning is more than filling in names in a generic document and signing it according to Massachusetts execution of wills requirements.   An attorney needs to understand what your assets are, to educate the client about the various types of estate plans and to discuss and understand the client's goals and objectives with regard to their estate.  I provide clients with a basic questionnaire which should be filled out as much as possible before the appointment.  This allows me to help you efficiently and also reduces the chances of mistakes and errors.

One of Attorney Leighton's favorite activities is working hand in hand with small business owners regarding business matters.  She has the knowledge and expertise to review and draft your business contracts.  She has provided Home Improvement Contractors with appropriate contracts that follow the law, has drafted and negotiated business agreements and has assisted clients in business cases and conflicts.  As a small business owner herself, Attorney Leighton understands the difficulties and concerns of small business owners- especially during a recession. 

She can understand and explain the real life ramifications of contract language to you while you negotiate your contract with the additional knowledge, or she can play a more active role by negotiating the contract for you.   Attorney Leighton has experience in industries as diverse as the construction industry and the creative arts industry.  She has a love of theater, film, creative writing,  poetry, and the ARTS.  She has reviewed artist's contracts and author's contracts.  She loves working hand in hand with small businesses to assist small business owners with their legal needs.  

She is also experienced in business creation for small businesses.  She has formed corporations, LLCs and other business entities.  She loves working with start-up business owners to assist in creating a business entity and then providing legal assistance to that business as it grows.   It's always a good idea to consult with a lawyer with regard to the structure of your business and understand what tools may help protect you from personal liability under what circumstances and how to use them. Attorney Leighton prefers working collaboratively with your accountant.  

The Law Office of Jamie L. Leighton is a debt relief agency and represents individuals who file for bankruptcy under the U.S. Code.  She also works with clients in solving debt problems who do not want to file bankruptcy. Attorney Leighton only represents individuals who are filing bankruptcy; she does not handle business bankruptcies.  She does provide bankruptcy services to individuals who own businesses personally.  Attorney Leighton also provides representation to clients who do not wish to file bankruptcy but need help with debt issues, whether it involves budgeting, payment plans or settling debts.