Areas of Practice
Understand the Realities of Legal Proceedings
How often has one of your friends told you they have never been to court? Then they follow that statement up with, “Well, I was in divorce court, but not real court.” Or you may have heard people say they have never been in criminal court but add they were charged with a crime and have been acquitted or the case was dismissed. These statements show a lack of understanding of the legal system and how it impacts everyone.
Most people who find themselves in court are there on a criminal or family law matter. The multi-million dollar lawsuits that occupy the headlines are a rarity. The class action suits we all read about are even rarer. What is much more common and what impacts most people’s lives are the areas of law involving alleged crimes or family disagreements.
Family Law
Family law can be divided into several subdivisions: divorce, guardianship, adoption, child custody, paternity, and victims’ rights. Each of these areas has one thing in common: personal impact. Whether it is the joyful creation of new families through adoption, the serious and careful supervision of an adult or child by a guardian, or the heart-wrenching dissolution of a marriage, it is part of family law. The areas of law that impact many people’s lives involve crimes or families.
Divorce
Deciding to end a marriage is a difficult and emotional decision. Once the decision is made, it is critical you have attorneys on your side that you trust. When our client’s come through our doors we are committed to gaining that trust and building a relationship.
Paternity
Having a child out of wedlock can be difficult. Paternity does not necessarily mean there is a dispute as to who the father is, but rather how to deal with issues regarding a minor child born to unmarried parents. Navigating custody, visitation and child support is stressful. We are committed to assisting our clients in this navigation.
Guardianships and Adoptions
Navigating the legal complexities of guardianship and adoption requires expertise and compassion. Our firm has over 30 years of combined experience in these areas and we will guide you through these emotional journeys every step of the way, ensuring the best outcomes for you and your loved ones.
Guardian Ad Litem
As GAL, we advocate for those who need their own voice in court. We prioritize the best interest of minors or incapacitated adults, in providing crucial advice and recommendations when parties cannot agree. From divorce to guardianship, we ensure their voice is heard and considered.
Criminal Law
Phillips Patten Law will zealously defend your rights when law enforcement alleges you have committed a crime.
State Criminal Law
Crimes at the state level typically begin with an arrest. This can cause anxiety and fear. Having an experienced attorney on your side early on is extremely important. Having a combined 30 plus years of experience, our attorneys can guide you, advise you and protect your rights to ensure the best possible outcome with the least amount of negative impact.
Federal Criminal Law
Crimes at the Federal level can start with an arrest, but typically are initiated by an indictment through a Grand Jury. This means the investigation has already been completed and charges presented prior to arrest. Federal prosecutions precede at a much faster pace than State prosecutions. Attorney representation is critical from the start, to ensure release, review discovery and prepare for trial, typically within 70 days.