Brian J. Cali & Associates

- 103 E Drinker St, Dunmore, PA 18512

Divorce Lawyer

Our firm handles all aspects of the custody process, from establishing paternity to fighting for physical and legal custody and creating a parenting plan and visitation schedule that meet your needs, as well as issues such as a parent withholding visitation or violating the custody agreement.

Legally, both parents are responsible for caring for their child financially. Generally, the parent who does not have physical custody will be required to make payments. The amount of support that must be paid generally depends on the non-custodial parent's income and any special needs of the child.

Collaborative divorce allows spouses to mutually agree on the terms of their divorce without stepping foot in a courtroom. A couple can negotiate the terms and then submit it to the court for approval. This significantly reduces the amount of time spent in court, as well as the cost of the divorce.

If you are pursuing a divorce, you are likely to face a number of legal issues, particularly if you have shared children, high assets, a complex estate, or a business. Regardless of your circumstances, our lawyers can develop a strategy to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.

A parenting plan is a document that governs the relationship between separated parents and their child, covering things like visitation, custody, and parental responsibilities. Parents can decide on the terms of the plan on their own and ask the court for approval, or the court can decide.

While laws vary from state to state, generally an unmarried father does not have a right to visitation and custody with his child until paternity is established. Once that is achieved, the court can move forward with determining child support payments and a visitation and/or custody plan.

If your spouse concealed assets or debts, or did not present complete and accurate information during the negotiations for your divorce decree, or if your ex is currently violating the agreed-upon terms, our lawyers can help you move for a post-divorce modification.

You have likely heard of a prenuptial agreement, which a couple enters into prior to marriage to protect ownership of individual assets and govern other financial aspects of the relationship. Postnuptial agreements achieve the same end and can be entered into at any time following a marriage.

A divorce dissolves more than a marriage, it also requires breaking down all the assets and liabilities that you acquired as a couple. Division of property is the process by which a couples' shared assets and debts are allocated during a divorce.

Many same-sex couples were together long before same-sex marriage was legalized and may be joined by a civil union. Dissolving a civil union is similar to ending a marriage, but can pose challenges that a standard divorce does not. It is important to have an experienced lawyer help you.

Our firm understands the challenges that same-sex couples face when they divorce. For instance, many same-sex couples were together long before they were legally able to get married, which can affect equitable distribution of assets as well as eligibility for spousal support and other benefits.

Spousal support, previously known as alimony, are payments made from a high-earning spouse to a lower-earning spouse during divorce proceedings and/or for some period of time after. The amount is determined based on a number of factors, including the length of the marriage and their contributions.

Not all divorces have to end up in court. A lawyer can help you and your spouse arrive at amicable outcomes with regard to assets, custody, spousal support payments, and all other aspects of the divorce. Your agreement is then submitted to the court for approval and enforced just like any other.

Business attorney

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is a term encapsulating various means of resolving a legal conflict without setting foot in a courtroom. If you need to resolve a legal matter but want to avoid litigation, consider a form of Alternative Dispute Resolution, such as mediation or arbitration.

Contracts that outline the terms of a business buying or selling specific assets (rather than shares).

Guiding clients through the purchase or sale of an existing business, including due diligence and deal structuring.

Helping clients choose and establish legal entities such as LLCs, corporations, or partnerships.

Business litigation involves representing businesses in civil law matters, such as breach-of-contract matters and employment disputes. If you own a company that will be arguing a legal matter in court, you will need an experienced business litigation attorney on your side.

Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements between businesses, such as service agreements, NDAs, or vendor contracts.

Whether you are a business involved in a legal matter or you are involved in a legal matter with a business, our commercial litigation lawyers can help you get the compensation that you are entitled to, from slip-and-fall accidents in a store to breach-of-contract and employment disputes.

If you are involved in a business dispute over a contract, you may need to bring the matter to court so that it can be litigated in front of a judge. If this happens, you will need an experienced contract litigation attorney to make sure your rights and interests are protected and advocated for.

Sometimes, financial damages are not enough to remedy a party who has been harmed by a breach of contract. In those cases, courts can compel the other party to comply with the terms of the contract by ordering an equitable remedy.

If your workers' compensation claim has been denied based on NCCI data or recommendations, you may be feeling like you have hit a wall, however, there is still a path forward. Contact an NCCI dispute attorney to learn how to start the approved NCCI approved dispute process in your state.

Disputes between partners can quickly ruin a business, so it's important to resolve them as quickly and cleanly as possible. A business litigation attorney can help you through this process and protect the interests of you and your business while working toward a resolution.

Professional liability coverage is a kind of insurance that covers negligence, accidents, and other issues that may arise in the course of doing business. If your business is struggling to get the liability coverage that you pay for, a business attorney can help by bringing a lawsuit.

If someone has taken specific property of yours, you are not limited to receiving financial damages. Replevin is a remedy that gives you the ability to recover the specific property that was taken, as well as financial damages for the harm that occurred as a result of the theft or removal.

Before you buy real estate or sign an employment contract that includes restrictive covenants or sign a confidentiality or nondisclosure agreement, it's important to consult with a business attorney who can assess the impact and negotiate the terms.

Legal agreements among a company's shareholders outlining their rights, responsibilities, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Law Firm

In real estate disputes, as in other matters, you have the right to file an appeal if you disagree with a judge’s decision. The appeals court can decide to uphold the lower court’s decision or reverse it. If you disagree with the appeals court’s decision, you can go to the state Supreme Court.

Real estate brokerages often have to be the bearers of bad news when problems arise in real estate transactions. A real estate brokerage may need legal representation in the event of complaints by buyers, sellers, settlement companies, or government regulators.

Business real estate involves properties designated for commercial use. This includes restaurants, shopping centers, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, office buildings, and hotels. Residential buildings with more than four housing units also qualify as business real estate.

You need a lawyer if you are getting started in commercial real estate. You are considered a commercial landlord if you rent out commercial spaces such as retail stores and also if you rent out residential buildings with four or more apartment units.

Leasing commercial real estate properties can be lucrative, but many disputes can arise over rent payment, misuse of rented property, and liability for violations of legal regulations and for accidents that occur on the property. Lawyers can help you draft contracts and resolve disputes.

Rent is one of the biggest overhead expenses for a business. You should hire a lawyer to review a commercial lease agreement before you sign it or to help you resolve disputes with your landlord that arise from the lease agreement or accidents on the property.

A condominium and cooperative lawyer represents a condominium association, homeowners’ association (HOA), or townhome association in legal disputes. The other party in the dispute might be a board member, a tenant, a vendor, or even the city or county.

Many legal issues can arise in the course of a construction project. Disputes can occur between landowners and construction companies. Real estate developers might also need a real estate lawyer’s help to get the necessary permits from the city or if a construction accident occurs.

Mortgage foreclosure is when the mortgage lender takes possession of a real estate property placed as collateral for the loan. If you are behind on mortgage payments, a lawyer can help you negotiate with the lender to avoid losing your house through foreclosure.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race and gender. If you get accused of housing discrimination, you need a lawyer because the complaints can harm your reputation even if the court rules in your favor.

Real estate lawyers can represent developers involved in disputes regarding their proposed projects. These include zoning disputes, disagreements with government authorities over fees and environmental safety, and issues related to historical preservation.

Companies that rent out commercial real estate have attorneys on staff. Landlords who own small properties may need to hire a lawyer in case of tenant disputes, allegations of housing discrimination, investigations by HUD and similar agencies, or tax audits.

With a life estate deed, you name a family member as a transfer on death beneficiary on your house, and you need the beneficiary’s consent to sell or mortgage the house. Some states allow ladybird deeds, where you can sell or mortgage the house without the beneficiary’s consent.

When you are building a new house or real estate development, a lawyer can help you ensure that you are complying with all the relevant laws. Your lawyer can also help you enter contracts with business partners and vendors and resolve disputes arising from your contracts.

A real estate purchase agreement is a legally binding contract between the buyer and the seller to transfer property ownership for a specific price. The parties must agree on a purchase price before signing the agreement, but the sale is not final until closing.

Most consumers hire a real estate agent when buying a house to serve as their primary residence and do not need a lawyer. Real estate lawyers might be involved with the process of closing, where the real estate title and the money for the transaction change hands.

A quit claim deed is a signed statement where the grantor (the old owner) certifies that they are giving up their ownership interest in a real estate property and giving it to the grantee (the new owner). They are usually used in gifting and divorce but not in real estate sales.

Real estate brokerage firms and real estate agencies can find themselves in the middle of disputes when a real estate transaction runs into problems. They can face complaints from buyers, sellers, title companies, or even other real estate brokerage firms.

A real estate closing is a meeting where the seller formally and legally transfers ownership of the property to the buyers. It involves a title company in addition to the buyer, the seller, and their real estate agents and lawyers, as well as a title company and, if applicable, a mortgage lender.

Real estate litigation is any kind of lawsuit or court dispute related to the ownership, purchase, sale, or rental of commercial or residential real estate properties. Examples include breach of contract over sales, rental, or construction, encroachments, title disputes, and condominium disputes.

Real estate lawyers can also represent people who do not own any real estate. If you rent an apartment, house, or commercial space, a real estate lawyer can represent you in a dispute with your landlord or stop your landlord from evicting you from your residence or workplace.

Criminal Justice Attorney

Arson is a very serious crime that involves intentionally setting fire to a property. Arson can carry extremely harsh penalties, including five years to life in prison, and fines up to $100,000. Due to the nature of the charges, it is important to have an experienced defense attorney on your side.

If you were arrested and charged with the crimes of assault, aggravated assault, or simple assault, your future is on the line. You need an experienced assault crime lawyer to zealously defend you against these charges.

Bail allows you to be released from jail leading up until your trial, because your trial will often be months away from your arrest. A bail attorney can fight to get you released on bail and may help you to secure the funds required for release. This can give you time to prepare a strong defense.

Battery is charged when physical harm has been caused to another individual. Battery laws vary by state, but can generally be punished by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine, as well as restitution paid to the victim. A defense attorney can help ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

Burglary involves entering a home, business, or other structure, with the intent to commit a crime. It is important to understand that breaking and entering is not required for burglary to occur. Additionally, no victim needs to have been present. This crime can have serious penalties including jail

Child Sexual Assault Material (CSAM) charges can result in severe penalties that will ruin your life. Even mere allegations can ruin professional, social, and family lives. You need a child pornography crime lawyer on your side to protect your reputation and keep you out of prison.

Possessing cocaine is a class 5 felony. This is a very serious offense which can result in one to ten years in jail. Additionally, you may be charged up to a $2,500 fine. If you are facing charges for cocaine possession, there are defenses you can use to overcome the charges. Contact an attorney.

If you are a contractor and have been charged with a DUI, your career may be in jeopardy. The best way to avoid a negative impact on your career is to fight the charges against you with the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney so that you are able to secure a dismissal.

There were nearly 65,000 cases of crack cocaine possession referred for sentencing last year alone. The average sentence given for the possession of crack cocaine was 74 months in prison, over six years. The government takes these charges seriously, and you should too, by getting an attorney.

Credit card fraud is any fraud that is committed with the use of a credit card. A skilled credit card fraud crime lawyer understands how fraud cases are prosecuted and what approach to take with your defense to ensure your rights are protected.

An appeal in a criminal conviction is possible when there is a likelihood that a court decision is flawed. The appeals process is not something every attorney can do. It is meticulous and demands precision, and is best undertaken by an experienced appellate law firm.

A criminal conviction can have a long-lasting impact on your life. It can result in incarceration and steep fines, and it can impact your ability to get a job or find housing. If you are facing charges, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.

A DUI change can upend your life and put you behind bars. If you are arrested for DUI, do not face the criminal justice process alone. An experienced DUI defense lawyer can help you fight the charges and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.

Doctors have a high standard of care, so it is taken very seriously when they have substance abuse problems or are charged with crimes like DUI. If doctors fail to report these crimes or fully cooperate with the medical board's investigation, they risk losing their license to practice medicine.

Although we love our spouses and family members, disagreements still occur. However, when an argument evolves into a fight and the police are called, you could end up facing criminal charges. You need a domestic violence defense lawyer on your side to ensure your rights are protected.

Being arrested for drug crimes is followed by harsh penalties for those who are convicted. If you are facing time behind bars and steep fines, you need an experienced Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer to help you navigate the criminal courts and put together a strong defense.

If you have been charged with drug trafficking, you may be facing state or federal charges, penalties starting at five years in jail, as well as high fines. The government is committed to harshly penalizing drug trafficking crimes, so it is important that you do all you can to defend yourself.

If you have a criminal conviction on your record, and you have served your sentence, you may be able to wipe your record clean. An expungement lawyer can help you file your petition and assist you with the court hearing, helping you move forward in life with a fresh start.

A felony DUI is triggered when a defendant has multiple prior DUI convictions. You will need the best criminal defense lawyer you can get if you are facing Felony DUI charges. A conviction will negatively impact you for the rest of your life.

If you are facing felony drug crime charges and/or prosecution for delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to deliver, criminal use of a communications facility, or any other felony charge related to illegal drugs, contact a felony drug crime lawyer today.

Fraud crimes involve deception that injures another individual, corporation, or entity. 99% of fraud crimes are committed for the defendant's financial gain. The rest involve damage to a citizen or business entity's reputation. A fraud crimes defense lawyer can help you prove your innocence.

Heroin falls into the most serious category of drugs to possess under federal scheduling guidelines, which are also adopted by most states. This means that heroin is a Schedule 1 substance, and that even a simple possession charge can result in a 12-month jail sentence and a $2,500 fine.

Crimes such as fraud and identity theft are often committed through the internet, but not all internet crimes are intentional; it is surprisingly easy to commit a crime online unintentionally. If you are facing charges, an internet crimes defense lawyer can help you defend your innocence.

Childhood is a time of learning the rules, but young people do not always stop to think before they act. Childhood mistakes have serious repercussions. If your child is facing criminal charges, a juvenile defense lawyer can help prevent a conviction from ruining their life.

Kidnapping and child abuse are both very serious charges. While the sentences can vary widely based on factors including the circumstances of the crime, whether state lines were crossed, and past criminal history, in most cases defendants are looking at a possible 10-year jail sentence and fines.

Larceny is a theft charge, which may be a misdemeanor (sometimes known as petit larceny) or a felony (grand larceny). The severity of the penalties depends on the charges you are facing and the amount of money you are alleged to have taken. A lawyer can help to defend you against such charges.

Depending on the classification of the DUI and whether there have been prior offenses, an attorney can suffer serious career repercussions as a result of a DUI conviction, such as sanctions or the revocation or suspension of their license. Talk to an attorney to determine your options.

Murder and manslaughter are serious charges. If you have been charged with causing the death of another person, you will need a highly skilled manslaughter defense lawyer. A conviction of manslaughter or murder could mean a life imprisonment sentence or even a death sentence.

Meth possession almost always results in jail time if left unchallenged. Even a small amount of meth can be charged as a felony in many states, and result in a minimum of 36 months in jail. If you are facing meth-related charges, you need a lawyer to represent you and ensure you get a fair trial.

Some people think that misdemeanors are not that serious, so they do not hesitate to write them off. However, just because a crime is not a felony, it can still carry heavy sentences and consequences. Misdemeanors can result in jail time and serious fines, so talk to a lawyer if charged.

Individuals charged with non-violent crimes still face steep penalties. If you have been charged, you need an experienced defense attorney to help you fight for your freedom and ensure your rights are protected throughout the criminal process.

If you are convicted of a DUI, there may be additional penalties if you are a nurse. A DUI has the potential to cost a nurse their job, or to have serious ramifications with regard to how it is performed. The best way to avoid these risks to your profession is to retain experienced legal counsel.

Possession of Oxycodone is a serious offense. While the specific laws vary from state to state, possession of Oxycodone without a legitimate prescription can result in one to 10 years in jail as well as a $2,500 fine. To avoid these penalties, consult with a defense attorney as soon as possible.

In most cases, a conviction of DUI will actually cost you the ability to be a plumber, even if you have had your license for years. Plumbers can only be professionally licensed in most states if they have not been convicted of a felony or some misdemeanors, and DUI is usually on this list.

The abuse of prescription medication is a major problem, and prescription fraud is taken seriously by law enforcement. Even a first-time offender can wind up with a felony on their record. A prescription fraud defense lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected while you fight the charges.

Following the conditions of your probation can be difficult, but it is crucial to retaining your freedom. If you are convicted of violating your probation, a judge may order you to serve the maximum penalty for your original offense. A probation violation attorney can help you stay out of jail.

If you receive a notice of hearing or you are being investigated because of an allegation about your license validity, you need to call a professional license defense lawyer immediately. Your career, professional reputation, and livelihood are on the line, and they are worth fighting for.

Reckless driving is considered a major moving violation where an individual drives with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other drivers. In most states, reckless driving is classified as a misdemeanor, but can still result in jail time and fines, so it is important to fight the charges.

Robbery is a serious theft crime, which uses violence or threat to take something from another person against their will. Robbery can carry serious penalties, including fines and jail times. You have the right to defend yourself against these charges, and an experienced defense attorney can help.

Because sex crimes carry a severe social stigma, allegations are promptly investigated before an arrest is made. Some of the most effective legal defense work needs to be done while a case is still in the investigation stage. You need a sex crimes defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Theft is the taking of the property of another without permission. Being accused of theft can be a shocking experience. A theft of any property, no matter how small its value, is treated seriously by prosecutors, so you need a theft crimes defense lawyer on your side as soon as you are charged.

Getting ticketed for a traffic violation can be a mere nuisance or a frustrating and lengthy legal battle. If convicted, you are facing fines or even a jail sentence. A traffic offense lawyer will help you put your best defense forward and keep your record clear.

Vehicular manslaughter is the unintentional killing of another person through the use of a motor vehicle. A driver may face a charge of vehicular homicide or manslaughter when reckless driving or DUI (driving under the influence) causes a death. This is a serious charge involving severe penalties.

Law enforcement is determined to reduce violent crime and see perpetrators prosecuted. When officers are pressured to reduce crime, they make mistakes. If you have been charged, you need a violent crimes defense lawyer helping you ensure your rights are preserved while you fight for your freedom.

White-collar crimes are non-violent offenses often committed for financial gain. White-collar crimes are investigated by state or federal agencies. Some of these investigations may continue for months, and you need a white collar crimes defense lawyer helping you navigate the criminal process.

Illegally possessing Xanax, buying it, or selling it, can all result in serious legal consequences. While simply possessing Xanax may be a misdemeanor, it is still a crime punishable by up to a year in prison in most places. For this reason, it is important to fight the charges against you.

Estate Planning Attorney

Estate planning is one of the best ways to ensure that your assets are protected, both while you are alive, and in the future, regardless of what may happen. Various tools, such as trusts, and a validly executed will, can be used to protect and maximize your assets and minimize taxes on your estate.

Conservatorship can be a drastic but necessary legal measure in which an individual receives legal authority from the court to make decisions on behalf of another person (their ward), including their financial and medical decisions. The ward must be unable to make such decisions on their own.

There are a number of reasons to contest a will. You can challenge the validity of a will if you believe it was created due to undue influence, is fraudulent, or if it is not the most recent version. Further, if you believe your interest in the will was interfered with you can contest the will.

Estate planning can be particularly important if you or a loved one has a disability. Whether it is planning for your own imminent disability with a long-term care plan or establishing a trust to ensure a disabled loved one always has the resources they need, an estate planning attorney can help.

Elder law covers all legal needs relating to protecting the elderly and their assets, as well as planning for retirement, matters relating to health, and long-term care. Things like creating a will and durable power of attorney can be particularly essential for the elderly, and an attorney can help.

Estate administration is the process by which an estate is settled. It involves tasks such as obtaining a death certificate, notifying relevant government agencies, identifying all assets and debts, paying estate taxes, determining whether a will is valid, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.

Estate planning gives an individual the ability to plan for and protect their physical well-being as well as their assets, personal property, finances, and any businesses they may own. Common estate planning tools include a will, durable power of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives.

Nothing is certain in life except for death and taxes, and with estate taxes, these things collide. Estate taxes are owed to the federal government and may also be owed to the state government depending on where you live. It is important to plan so they do not deplete your assets for beneficiaries.

Generations are often invested in building a strong family business, so it is important to protect it. Proper planning can ensure that even if something happens to you, there will be a succession plan and financial strategies in place to ensure that the business can continue to run and even flourish

Guardianship gives someone the authority to make legal decisions for another person (referred to as their ward) who does not have the age or the physical/mental capacity to do so on their own. The guardian must care for their ward as well as the ward's personal and financial interests.

Same-sex and LGBTQ+ partners can face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning, particularly if they are not married. Estate planning mechanisms such as a healthcare power of attorney and a last will and testament can ensure rights and protections for both you and your partner or partners.

A living will is a legal document allowing you to spell out in advance exactly what medical measures you would or would not want taken in the event that you are seriously injured or incapacitated, such that you cannot communicate for yourself in real time, to ensure that your values are respected.

Long-term care planning involves utilizing multiple techniques, such as trusts, advanced healthcare directives, a valid will, and financial strategies, to ensure that you and your family will have the resources that you need for retirement, as well as situations such as death or incapacitation.

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives an individual the authority to act on the behalf of another. The document can set the limits of this power, whether it is for a specified event (such as handling a business deal or buying/selling a home), or for medical or financial decisions.

All estates must go through probate. Probate court is where a decedent's estate is settled. This involves all taxes being paid, assets being identified, debts being settled, and all remaining assets being distributed either based on a valid will or through the state's intestate succession statutes.

If you are an interested party in a will that is not valid or was created under undue influence, it is critical to get experienced representation so that you can challenge the will in probate court. Likewise, if you are the personal representative, you may need to litigate to defend the will.

Usually, contests to wills are made in probate court. However, if someone has intentionally interfered with your interest in someone else's estate through fraud, undue influence, or other means, you also have the option to sue in civil court for the damages that their interference caused you.

A trust is a critical estate planning tool that can help you reduce your estate taxes, protect your assets, and ensure that your loved ones are cared for. Assets in trusts avoid probate because they fall under the ownership of the trust, rather than remaining your personal property.

Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to predatory behavior from "caregivers" who work their way into their last will and testament, depriving the rightful beneficiaries of their interests in the estate. If this has happened to you, you can challenge the will based on undue influence.

A last will and testament gives an individual the ability to plan for the distribution of their assets after their death. In a will, you can appoint a personal representative and designate assets and personal property to beneficiaries. A lawyer can help you ensure that legal requirements are met.