May 16, 2018: Why is estate planning so important?
Posted on May 17, 2018 by Colleen Quinn
Why is Estate Planning Important?
Attorney Jeremy Pryor of Carrell Blanton Ferris talks about estate planning and why it is so important.
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- About UsFirm Overview Our Richmond, Virginia, law firm provides client-oriented legal services and solutions to important family law and personal injury matters. When you hire an attorney from our firm, you will meet and work directly with your attorney. We listen to our clients’ concerns and objectives to form ideas and strategies to achieve positive outcomes. Our attorneys represent civilians and military personnel in courts that handle family law matters. In addition, we represent people injured by someone else’s negligence. Our Attorneys Paralegals and Staff Locations
- About UsFirm Overview Our Richmond, Virginia, law firm provides client-oriented legal services and solutions to important family law and personal injury matters. When you hire an attorney from our firm, you will meet and work directly with your attorney. We listen to our clients’ concerns and objectives to form ideas and strategies to achieve positive outcomes. Our attorneys represent civilians and military personnel in courts that handle family law matters. In addition, we represent people injured by someone else’s negligence. Our Attorneys Paralegals and Staff Locations
- Our AttorneysOur Attorneys The attorneys at Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn offer effective legal services to their clients throughout the central Virginia and Greater Richmond area. Our team of experienced attorneys provides client-oriented services as we work towards the optimal solutions to your legal problems. Our Practice Areas include: divorce, equitable distribution, spousal support/alimony, family law issues involving children (custody, visitation, and child support), adoption and surrogacy law, donor agreements, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, LGBT issues, personal injury, women’s injury, employment law and civil rights, wrongful death, estate planning, and commercial litigation. We consist of lawyers who hold many honors and accolades including attorneys who are “av-rated” by Martindale Hubbell, voted “Super Lawyers” by Richmond magazine and voted “Legal Elite” by Virginia Business magazine.
- Paralegals & StaffParalegals and Staff CharSalle “Charli” Charles CharSalle is a Paralegal for Colleen M. Quinn at LPDQ on adoption and surrogacy matters. Charli worked as a Deputy Clerk at the Richmond Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court for five years prior to joining Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn in 2011. She received her B.A. from the University of Richmond in 2006 and received her MA at University of Phoenix in 2011. Aimee Craig Aimee Craig is a Legal Assistant at Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn. She has been with the firm since November 1, 2006. She graduated from Dayton School of Court Reporting in 1996 as a freelance Court Reporter. Carol Hassett Carol Hassett has been a paralegal at Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn since 2007. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Richmond with a B.A. in Liberal Arts, and summa cum laude from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science, major in Legal Assisting. For many years she has been a guest speaker for the U of R Paralegal Studies program sharing her knowledge and experience as a paralegal. Carol’s career in law began in 1979, most of which has been primarily in…
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- InternshipsInternships Since 2005, Colleen M. Quinn has offered internships and externships to over fifty students including students in law school, college, paralegal studies and high school. These internships and externships generally are non-paying but may be for academic credit. The internships include full-time and part-time summer internships as well as part-time internships during the school year. Scheduling is flexible. Ms. Quinn serves as an Externship Supervisor for both the Marshall Wythe Law School at the College of William & Mary and the Washington & Lee Law School. Both schools offer externship opportunities for academic credit. Ms. Quinn also serves as an Internship Supervisor for the J. Sargeant Reynolds Paralegal Studies program through instructor Susan Brewer, Esquire. Students also have come from local area high schools and from local and other colleges (University of Richmond, VCU, Hollins, Christopher Newport), You do not have to be in an externship or internship program to apply for an internship with Ms. Quinn and the Quinn Law Centers. Our internships are very flexible – interns can work full-time or part-time (either half-days or part of a week) as well as the full summer or part of the summer. At present there are no paid intern…
- Practice AreasDivorce Attorneys, Personal Injury Lawyers & More From our Richmond, Virginia, law office, we represent people in family law, personal injury, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. Our team of experienced attorneys provides client-oriented services as we work for effective solutions to your legal problems. For information about of our practice areas or to schedule a consultation, contact our firm. Divorce Attorneys We represent civilians and military personnel (active duty and retired) with complex divorce issues. We have a great deal of experience dealing with issues such as the division of marital property and debt, spousal support, grounds for divorce, and custody, visitation, and child support issues. An experienced family law attorney will provide client-oriented solutions to your pressing concerns. Family Lawyers Clients rely on Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn to obtain workable solutions to issues involving children. We provide comprehensive services for matters including child support, child custody, visitation, post-decree modifications, paternity, and relocation. LGBT Family Law Given the uncertainty of family law in Virginia for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, it is very important for LGBT individuals in relationships to seek legal counsel and protection. We are experienced in LGBT family law issues and work regularly with gay,…
- Family Law & Divorce AttorneysRichmond Family Law Attorneys Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn offers civilians and military personnel effective legal services in divorce and family law matters. A divorce lawyer from our firm will work for a favorable outcome for you regarding equitable distribution of property, spousal support, child custody, and other issues involving your children. Read more about family law below, and contact a Richmond, Virginia, family law attorney for further information related to your specific concerns. Learn More About Family Law Issues at LPDQ Family Law – An Overview Child Support Divorce Custody and Visitation Marriage Prenuptial Planning Family Law Resource Links Family Law FAQ Children, property, and spousal and child support are generally the main concerns of people who are going through a divorce. Our attorneys represent civilians and military personnel with legal issues that arise regarding your children. The experienced lawyers at Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn provide effective legal services during divorce proceedings and when modifications to court orders are needed. Contact a lawyer from our firm to learn how we can advocate for your rights as a parent. Responsive Legal Assistance for Your Concerns Issues involving children are often emotionally-charged. Each parent typically wants what is best for their child or children,…
- Family Law - An OverviewFamily law is the term applied to the laws and rules developed regarding family relationships. Family law rules define not only the relationships between members of a family but also between a family and society as a whole. More than any other area of the law, family law reflects the values society shares regarding how people who are related should treat each other. When you are faced with an important life decision regarding a key family relationship, the advice and assistance of a family law attorney often proves crucial to your understanding of the issues involved and your satisfaction with the ultimate outcome of your family law matter. Typically, family law attorneys assist people in making and breaking family relationships. Specific areas of representation include marriage and relationship planning, divorce, paternity, child custody, and child support. Some family law attorneys also provide assistance in the area of adoption. Marriage Marriage is a legal and business union as much as it is a romantic one. Because marriage is a legal and business arrangement, it may be wise to consult with an attorney about the advantages of premarital or prenuptial agreements. Many couples find it helpful to work through financial issues and…
- Divorce AttorneysDivorce Attorneys in Richmond, Virginia Money problems, infidelity, and a general breakdown within the marital relationship are leading reasons people choose divorce. Our divorce attorneys represent clients in no-fault and fault divorces. Our clients are civilians and military personnel–both active duty and retired. As a former Marine, attorney Robert Partin has an intimate understanding of military benefits, an issue that becomes important when property includes the division of military pensions. The experienced divorce lawyers at Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn listen to their clients’ needs, goals, and concerns to analyze their client’s goals and develop a strategy. If you are considering divorce, contact our firm to speak with a divorce attorney. Many of our clients are concerned and confused as to the probable outcomes regarding money, property, and children. We offer clients logical explanations of the possible resolutions for their case, given their particular situation. Divorce Law in Virginia Virginia divorce law provides married couples the right to file no-fault and fault complaints for divorce. No-fault divorce is appropriate when a marriage has broken down with no chance of reconciliation. A no-fault divorce can be obtained after a period of separation, regardless of fault. Fault divorce is found when domestic violence, adultery, and other misconduct is present.…
- Child SupportChild Support Attorneys There are millions of divorced parents who pay or receive child support. Federal legislation and uniform state laws exist to make enforcement and collection of child support easier for America’s single parents. Because every state uses its own guidelines for establishing child support and each has various methods to set support amounts and recover support when it is overdue, it is often important to consult with a family law attorney who is familiar with the child support guidelines and child support enforcement laws in your state. If you have questions about the child support laws in your state, the rules for child support collection and enforcement that apply to your particular situation, or the process to establish paternity, contact a family law attorney at our firm to schedule a consultation. Child Support Basics In general, parents owe their children a legal duty of financial support until the child reaches the age of majority (usually 18 or 21 years old) or becomes self-supporting. When only one parent has primary custody of the child, the other parent’s obligation for financial support is usually fulfilled through the payment of child support. Child support is owed whether the child lives with…
- Spousal SupportSpousal Support Alimony, also known as spousal support or maintenance, is financial support paid by one spouse to the other. Because each state determines alimony differently, it is important to consult with a spousal support attorney in your state to determine what factors the court considers when deciding if, how much, and to whom alimony will be paid. Types of Spousal Support There are essentially three types of alimony: Permanent alimony Reimbursement alimony, and Rehabilitative alimony Permanent alimony is an allowance for support and maintenance (such as food, clothing, housing, and other necessities) of a spouse. When a party requests permanent alimony, he or she must establish his or her need for support and that his or her spouse has the ability to provide for part or all of the need. Reimbursement and rehabilitative alimony are paid for a shorter period and most likely provide less than the standard of living during the marriage. Rehabilitative alimony is designed to provide the means necessary to enable a spouse to refresh or enhance job skills necessary to become self-sufficient and to provide financial support while the spouse is obtaining necessary training. Factors in Alimony Awards The types of factors the courts consider…
- Custody and VisitationChild Custody & Child Visitation Attorneys in Richmond When parents divorce, it is important to learn about the child custody and visitation options that are available and the legal standards that apply. In many cases, divorcing couples can ultimately agree on custody and visitation issues without the need for a court order. When an agreement cannot be reached, knowledgeable advice and representation from a family law attorney can often make the difference. Custody Basics The duty to provide day-to-day care of a child and the right to direct the child’s daily activities is known legally as physical custody. Legal custody means the rights and responsibilities associated with decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. Many options regarding the division of custody rights and responsibilities between divorcing parents exist. More and more, courts are encouraging parents to continue working together to raise their children even after their marriage has ended. Custody arrangements commonly include the following: Sole Custody. Sole physical custody occurs when one parent retains the exclusive, primary right to have the child live with him or her. Sole legal custody occurs when one parent has the exclusive right to control the child’s upbringing. The most common type of sole custody is…
- Marriage & Prenuptial PlanningMarriage is a voluntary, private contract between two adults. While it is a personal and emotional commitment, it is also a legal relationship that changes the legal status of both parties. A family law attorney at our firm can help you to understand the legal technicalities of marriage. The legal rights and obligations associated with marriage have evolved with our society and today are the same for both spouses. Each state has its own rules about marriage, but there are some uniform principles, including: Who Can Marry Whom. Each state prohibits marriage between brothers and sisters, parent and child, and some prohibit marriage between aunt or uncle and niece or nephew. Most states will not issue a marriage license to a same-sex couple. Age Requirements. Each state has a minimum age requirement, typically 18 years. Many states permit marriage at a younger age if parental consent is given. Residency. Most states require one or both of the parties to reside in the state for a specific period of time before issuing a marriage license. Medical Exam and Licensing. Some states require the completion of a medical exam and blood test before issuing a marriage license. The blood test screens for venereal…
- Filing for DivorceFiling for Divorce in Virginia The process for bringing divorce proceedings in Virginia requires several steps. First, a party must meet certain jurisdictional requirements to bring a divorce action in Virginia. In order for a Virginia court to have jurisdiction to grant parties a divorce, one of the parties must have been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of Virginia for at least six months prior to commencing the suit for divorce. Additional jurisdictional requirements need to be satisfied in order for a Virginia court, as part of the divorce proceeding, to resolve issues such as equitable distribution of the marital estate, custody, visitation, spousal support, and child support. Once the jurisdictional elements are satisfied, a party can bring the divorce action in any Circuit Court in Virginia. However, the preferred venue for the divorce action is in the city or county in which the parties last cohabitated as husband and wife or the city or county in which the defendant spouse resides. Grounds for Divorce Second, a party must have grounds for a divorce. Virginia recognizes both fault and no fault grounds for divorce. Fault grounds for divorce include desertion, cruelty, conviction of a felony, adultery, sodomy and buggery. …
- Divorce RelocationDivorce Relocation Can I take the kids and move to another state? Divorce and child custody disputes are, understandably, very emotional and can be overwhelmingly stressful. This, along with factors such as parental job re-location and availability of child-care elsewhere, a parent to desire to simply take the kids and move out of state. Is this possible in Virginia? Yes, but it’s not as simple as sounds, and the answer depends not only on the specific facts and circumstances of each case, but also on where in the process of separation and/or divorce the parents are. Does it matter if I have an order providing for custody and visitation? Yes. Until there is a court order regarding custody and visitation for their children, each parent is presumed to be acting in the child’s best interests, including when making decisions regarding where to live. Once an order with respect to custody and visitation has been entered, relocation may be violation of the court order and may result in a the relocating parent being held in contempt of court or make them subject to criminal proceedings. Although every custody order is different, after an order has been entered, to be safe, the…
- Same-Sex Divorce
- Military DivorceMilitary Divorce Military families are different from other families – deployments, base housing, base schools, post exchanges and commissaries. Naturally then, separation and divorce are different for military families, too. Divorce, property division, support, custody and visitation are usually entirely governed by state law, but when one or both spouses are in the military, certain federal laws and military regulations affect those issues. In addition, many individual states have enacted laws that treat military families different, at least in the area of custody and visitation. Division of Military Pension While similar in many respects to division of civilian retirement benefits, there are significant differences. Military pensions are administered by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS). The division of a military retirement in divorce cases is a matter of state law, but DFAS requires language in a divorce decree, property settlement agreement or Military Retired Pay Order it deems necessary to divide a military pension. If you are the spouse of a service member, there are several potential traps to be wary of. For example, if you are entitled to a percent of your spouse’s military retirement and your spouse takes disability pay for a service related disability, the member’s…
- Family Law Resource LinksUnderstanding Your Domestic Relations Rights in Virginia Click here to download this helpful brochure, published by the Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association “to help the public understand the general legal circumstances that you may face in resolving domestic relations problems under Virginia law. American Bar Association – Family Law Section The ABA’s Section of Family Law’s Web site is designed for general use by the public. The Web site contains tables and summaries addressing differences in state laws and requirements for divorce, child support, and other important family law issues. The Legal Information Institute – Family Law The Legal Information Institute (LII) is known internationally as a leading provider of public legal information. The LII’s Family Law section contains statutes, case law, and articles covering a variety of family law topics. Office of Child Support Enforcement The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) is the division of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) responsible for administering the Child Support Enforcement Program (CSE). The CSE is a federal/state/local partnership to help families by promoting family self-sufficiency and child well-being. The CSE offers services related to locating non-custodial parents, establishing paternity, establishing support orders, and collecting support payments. The CSE also…
- Family Law FAQQ: What is the legal definition of marriage? A: Most states define marriage as a civil contract between a man and a woman to become husband and wife. The standard way to marry is to get a marriage license from a state-authorized official and participate in a formal civil or religious wedding ceremony. While most states will not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the laws regarding same-sex marriage continue to evolve. Contact an attorney at our firm to learn more about the marriage laws in our state. Q: What are the legal effects of marriage? A: There are several federal and state laws that benefit married couples. Some examples include the right to file joint income tax returns, create a family limited partnership (FLP) under federal tax laws, create a marital life estate trust, receive survivor benefits, receive a share of your deceased spouse’s estate under intestate succession laws, and claim the estate tax marital deduction. Q: What is a legal divorce? A: A divorce is a method of terminating a marriage contract between two individuals. From a legal standpoint, divorce will give each person the legal right to marry someone else, legally divide the couple’s assets and debts,…
- Family Law & Divorce AttorneysRichmond Family Law Attorneys Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn offers civilians and military personnel effective legal services in divorce and family law matters. A divorce lawyer from our firm will work for a favorable outcome for you regarding equitable distribution of property, spousal support, child custody, and other issues involving your children. Read more about family law below, and contact a Richmond, Virginia, family law attorney for further information related to your specific concerns. Learn More About Family Law Issues at LPDQ Family Law – An Overview Child Support Divorce Custody and Visitation Marriage Prenuptial Planning Family Law Resource Links Family Law FAQ Children, property, and spousal and child support are generally the main concerns of people who are going through a divorce. Our attorneys represent civilians and military personnel with legal issues that arise regarding your children. The experienced lawyers at Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn provide effective legal services during divorce proceedings and when modifications to court orders are needed. Contact a lawyer from our firm to learn how we can advocate for your rights as a parent. Responsive Legal Assistance for Your Concerns Issues involving children are often emotionally-charged. Each parent typically wants what is best for their child or children,…
- Personal InjuryRichmond, Virginia, Personal Injury Law Firm Injuries caused by the negligence of another person or entity happen suddenly and without warning. These injuries require individuals and families to rearrange their lives, pay large medical bills, lose time from work, or lose their jobs entirely. Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn represents individuals who sustain injuries from occurrences such as auto accidents, trucking accidents, dangerous products, and dangerous properties. Contact Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn to speak to a Richmond, Virginia, personal injury lawyer. In personal injury cases, we offer free consultations and no attorney’s fees until we recover. When someone has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, many questions arise. Call Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn and we will answer your questions, including: Who will pay my medical bills? How do insurance companies value cases? How much will this case cost me? Will I have to go to court? How long will this process take? I already have a lawyer – Can I change? Can I get a rental car and who will pay for it? Personal Injury Handled Personally An attorney will primarily handle your claim – not support staff. We work directly with our clients to understand…
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- Women's Injury IssuesLocke Partin DeBoer & Quinn is home to the Women’s Injury Law Center which provides sophisticated, experienced and aggressive representation of severely injured persons rendered with compassion. The Women’s Injury Law Center, directed by Colleen M. Quinn provides legal services for: Women who want to be represented by women. Men who want to be represented by women. Children who benefit from female representation. Women Who Want Female Representation In the world of personal injury, women who sustain injuries often prefer to be represented by other women who can relate to female specific issues. Sometimes it takes a woman to understand the concerns of an injured woman and to understand the exact nature of a woman’s injury. Some female specific issues include: Assault, sexual assault and rape cases (see brochure) Brain injuries affecting multi-tasking abilities Injuries involving post traumatic stress disorder, depression and other mental and emotional disorders Malpractice cases involving breast, ovarian, cervical, uterine and other cancers Cases against obstetricians or gynecologists Cases involving injuries to private parts of a women’s anatomy Injuries involving facial scars and other disfigurements Cases involving stay-at-home moms who need women who can quantify the loss of service to the household Cases involving working moms…
- Medical Malpractice
- Daycare Injuries
- Guardian ad Litem
- What is Contributory Negligence?
- Components of a Personal Injury Lawsuit
- Dangerous Food ProductsForeign Objects in Food Products and Dangerous Food Products Injuries often times can occur from foreign objects in food products as well as certain food products being dangerous. Sometimes the object actually is not so foreign. For example, a piece of bone in hamburger meat or a chicken bone in a chicken tender. However, sometimes the object is one that a person would not anticipate. Recently, a woman in Michigan discovered a black widow spider in her grapes. Fortunately, The spider did not bite her. Also some products actually can become dangerous. For example, carbonated beverages when they are subject to extreme cold or heat can actually explode. When injuries happen from dangerous food products or foreign objects into product, it is essential to preserve the evidence immediately. Examples of such cases handled by Locke & Quinn and the Women’s Injury Law Center include: A piece of glass swallowed by a client when drinking from a soda can. A dead mouse found at the bottom of a potato chip bag. A used Band-Aid found in a sandwich purchased from a fast food restaurant. A soda bottle that exploded when left out on the carport causing blindness in one eye.
- Salon and Spa InjuriesSalon and Spa Injuries Most individuals making appointments with beauty or hair salons or spas do not anticipate the risk of injury associated with these businesses. However, it is essential to do your homework before making an appointment and sign up with only licensed, bonded, insured and well-qualified establishments. And in the unfortunate event of injury, it is important to associate experienced legal counsel in this area. By way of example, cases we have handled at Locke & Quinn and the Women’s Injury Law Center include: A client getting light therapy treatments to reduce a little tummy fat contracting hepatitis C A client having a hair weave or braid performed so tightly that it opened up her pores to infection including contracting MERSA and spending eight days in the hospital on intravenous antibiotics. A client who went in to have her hair colored by, unknown to her, an unlicensed beautician and having all of her hair burnt off. Most unfortunately, her hair never grew back other then fuzzy little tufts of hair. A client suffering burns to her neck from a curling iron dropped by a stylist. A client whose nerves were accidentally sutured during a face (chin) lift.
- Wrongful DeathWrongful Death How is a Wrongful Death Case Different from other Personal Injury Cases? Aside from the obvious answer that the personal injury caused by someone else’s negligence resulted in the death of the person injured, there are several differences. The differences arise because suing someone for wrongful death is permitted by statute. Prior to enactment of state wrongful death statutes, which became more common as automobiles and automobile accidents became more common, no one could recover if a loved one was killed by the negligence of someone else. This is because, under the common law, a personal injury action was just that – personal – and the ability to sue for compensation was personal to the injured person. If they died, the ability to sue died with them. Virginia’s wrongful death statute, Virginia Code § 8.01-50 et seq., provides that if someone is killed through another’s negligence, wrongful act, or default, if that person could have brought an action for just compensation if they had survived, then their personal representative can bring an action for compensation for the wrongful death. The personal representative is ordinarily the administrator or executor of the deceased person’s estate. Damages are also different in…
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- Head Injuries
- Personal InjuryRichmond, Virginia, Personal Injury Law Firm Injuries caused by the negligence of another person or entity happen suddenly and without warning. These injuries require individuals and families to rearrange their lives, pay large medical bills, lose time from work, or lose their jobs entirely. Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn represents individuals who sustain injuries from occurrences such as auto accidents, trucking accidents, dangerous products, and dangerous properties. Contact Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn to speak to a Richmond, Virginia, personal injury lawyer. In personal injury cases, we offer free consultations and no attorney’s fees until we recover. When someone has been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, many questions arise. Call Locke Partin DeBoer & Quinn and we will answer your questions, including: Who will pay my medical bills? How do insurance companies value cases? How much will this case cost me? Will I have to go to court? How long will this process take? I already have a lawyer – Can I change? Can I get a rental car and who will pay for it? Personal Injury Handled Personally An attorney will primarily handle your claim – not support staff. We work directly with our clients to understand…
- Adoption & SurrogacyLocke, Partin, DeBoer & Quinn is home to the Adoption and Surrogacy Law Center – A Practice Devoted to Building Families. In today’s world, family building is occurring not just through adoption, but through assisted reproductive technologies including the use of egg and sperm donors, donated embryos and gestational carriers or surrogate. Unfortunately the search processes, the legalities, and the costs of adoption and surrogacy can be somewhat confusing. At the Adoption and Surrogacy Law Center, Director Colleen M. Quinn is one of the foremost authorities on adoption and surrogacy law and handles the following services: General advice and overview of adoption and surrogacy options and the search processes. Full service adoption legal counsel for: Adopting parent(s) Birth parent(s) Adoption agencies Children and infants Handling all types of adoption matters: Parental (private or directed) placements Agency (public and private) placements and finalizations Domestication and re-adoptions of international adoptions Step-parent adoptions Relative adoptions Contested matters Adult adoptions Full service surrogacy counsel: Surrogacy and Gestational Carrier Agreements Egg Donor Agreements Sperm Donor Agreements Pre-birth and Parentage Orders Birth Certificate Amendment Assisted Reproductive Technology Consultation Review and drafting of Medical Provider Agreements Experienced trial lawyer in contested adoption and surrogacy matters.…
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