- DivorceInvolved with the representation of divorcing couples for more than 30 years has led us to conclude that a more positive approach to this often difficult and emotional time is through voluntary mediation where both parties are counselled and guided to an agreed resolution of their disputes through open and honest disclosure and communication. Cost is far less than litigation and results are far better. We offer a program designed to review all the issues and reslove each one to the couples mutual satsifaction, ending with a signed memorandum of agreement which may be used in Court if you wish. We will meet with you after hours on week nights or on a weekend day if necessary.
- Drug CrimesFrom minor traffic infractions to driving under the influence, from dog at large to zoning violation or shoplifting to drug possession, we have repesented clients in municpal courts thoughout north and central New Jersey. The consequences available for violations of law at the municipal level are seriouis including fines up to one thousand dollars, loss of license for 10 years and 180 days in jail, with additional surcharges and fees added on. Do not face these consequences alone. Mr. Dunne has served as both a prosecutor and municipal court judge in multiple municipalities and has thousands of cases of experience to get you matter resolved in the best possible way for you under your circumstances.
- Shoplifting
- Business TransactionsEdward M. Dunne, Esq. is the primary attorney in this office and has been practicing law in New Jersey since 1974 after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law, Newark, New Jersey. He is a life-long resident of New Jersey where has served in both private and government related capacities. While attending law school, Mr. Dunne was certified as a County Probation Officer and worked in for Courts in New Jersey supervising and assisting juvenile convicted offenders and their families comply with Court ordered sanctions and rehabilitation requirements. After graduating from law school, he was fortunate to be selected to serve as judicial law clerk for the Honorable Reginald Stanton in Morris County. He joined his present law firm then under a different name, later became a partner and is now the sole owner of the firm. Over the years he has served as Prosecutor for Roxbury Township, Chester Borough, Netcong Borough and Mount Arlington Borough, Municipal Court Judge of Roxbury Township and Mount Arlingotn Borugh and Municipal Attorney of Roxbury Township and Mansfield Township. He is also the Attorney for the Nectong Borough Land Use Board and has acted as temporay Planning Board or Board of Adjustment Attorney for Allamuchy Township, Kinnelon Borough, Denville Township and Rockaway Borough. He also serves as a hearing officer for municipal employee disciplionary hearings in contested disciplinary matters. In serving private clients, he has represented individuals and companies in various matters, concentrating now on residential and commercial real estate and business transactions, zoning and planning matters, local property tax appeals, mediation of family law disputes, assisting the elderly, and preparation of wills, trusts and representing estates.
- Real Estate TransactionsWE ARE A GENERAL PRACTICE FIRM WITH CONCENTRATIONS IN BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS, MUNICIPAL ZONING AND PLANNING LAND USE APPLICATIONS BEFORE LOCAL PLANNING AND ZONING BOARDS, REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX APPEALS, LANDLORD/TENANT MATTERS, MUNICIPAL LAW, MUNICIPAL COURT MATTERS, ESTATES AND TRUSTS, MEDIATION OF FAMILY LAW DISPUTES AND SERVICE TO MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENTS AS INDEPENDENT HEARING OFFICER FOR RESOLVING MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINARY CASES.
- Land Use and Zoning
- Estate PlanningOften overlooked, providing directions for the disposition of your personal and real property is an important, often inexpensive and simple way to be certain that your loved ones will receive what you want them to receive after your death. Where there is a proper will, the process of Probate is quite easy and inexpenssive, often taking only 15 minutes to complete at the Surrogate's Offices. Failure to have a proper will with clear directions, can result in a stranger being appointed to hanndle your affairs, delays and dispositions of your property that you would not want, as well as expensive Court proceedings to resolve any conflicts. If you have property of any value or if you have children, it is important to be properly prepared. We will handle all you planning needs in this regard.
- Wills
- Tax LawEveryone who owns real estate and many who lease it have to pay real proerty taxes as a result of budgetary needs of municipal and county governments and community educations expenses. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property. All property similarly situated is required to be assessed in the same manner. All assessments are as of October 1 of the year prior to the tax year in question. Soemtimes the assessment is based on incorrect information, a mistake by the Assessor or a judgement of value that is no longer valid or was wrong to begin with. Tax payers have a right to appeal to the County Board of Taxation and the New Jersey Tax Court for review of the assessment. If the assessment is reduced, your tax bill will also be reduced. Generally, typical appeals have to be filed on or before April 1 of the tax year in question. All property taxes due and owing as of the filing of the appeal must be paid prior to filing the appeal. All financial requests for information from the tax assessor must be answered and returned promptly. You should not refuse an inspection by the Assessor provided proper identification is offered and there is a reason for the inpsection. If you have questions the accuracy of your assessment, speak first with your assessor. If you have a deserving case, we can help you get the relief you are entitle to.