Family Law

• Adoption
  Adoptions are a complex and emotional process. Unexpected issues often arise. At the law firm of Widmer & Associates, we are here to help this process go as smoothly as possible for the adoptive parents and birth parents. Our firm can assist you every step of the way, from  establishing a supportive relationship between the adoptive parent(s) and birth mother, to finalizing the adoption. We have assisted adopting families, as well as birth mothers in Louisiana and across the country. We are here to help you avoid the pitfalls that can take place without proper legal representation. At the law firm of Widmer & Associates, we can facilitate: open, closed, and semi-open adoptions, private or agency adoptions, interstate adoptions, same sex adoptions, intra-family adoptions, international adoptions. We also work closely with several social workers who are licensed to complete home studies and/or provide mental health counseling to both adoptive parent(s) and birth parents. We also provide referrals for doctors.

Criminal Law

• Juvenile Crimes
  Melissa Wilson Berniard graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies in 2001. She graduated from Loyola School of Law in New Orleans in 2004. After law school she continued to live in New Orleans where she has been practicing law for the past 15 years. Melissa has spent all of her years practicing family and juvenile law. She was a court attorney to the Honorable Ann Murry Keller in Jefferson Parish Juvenile Court. She was then a Jefferson Parish Public Defender where she represented both juveniles and adults. She is very passionate about helping individuals and families through the practice of law. She loves working with families through the  adoption process and helping people fulfill their dreams of creating a family. She is also very sensitive and understanding when working with birth mothers and wants them to feel comfortable during the process. She is married to an attorney, Jeff Berniard, who also practices law in Louisiana. She has two children, Birdie, 9 years old, and Banks, 11 years old. Melissa is an advocate for animal rescue and also enjoys riding horses in her free time.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Real Estate law is a complex process that can affect buyers and sellers alike, for years to come. When you need experience and trustworthy advice, call the law office Widmer & Associates. Whether buying or selling your home or investment properties, you will need a knowledgeable representative. The law practice of Widmer & Associates handles closings as well as foreclosures. Mr. Widmer has represented the VA, and many other local and national banks and mortgage companies for over 30 years.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  The law firm of Widmer & Associates also represents clients in the areas of commercial litigation, contracts, personal injury and other related matters. We provide assistance in negotiation, formation, and preparation of contracts. If you have been injured in an accident or if you are defending an accident claim, the law firm of Widmer & Associates is available to answer your questions. We are here to help you navigate civil proceedings and achieve the best possible outcome.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
• Wills
• Trusts
• Power of Attorney
  The law firm of Widmer & Associates maintains a general civil practice, with an emphasis on adoption law and wills, successions, probate, and powers of attorney. We also handle collections and real estate matters. Our goal is to protect you, your family and your business and to quickly and effectively resolve your legal issues.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Foreclosure
  Over the past thirty years, Jay has developed a successful collections practice. He has represented diverse clients from doctor’s practices to industrial corporations. Mr. Widmer handles secured and unsecured debt, including bank collections for real estate foreclosures. You can expect quality advice and guidance from the law office of Widmer & Associates.