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Patrick D. McBurney — Attorney at Law

Patrick D. McBurney — Attorney at Law

6855 W. Clearwater Avenue
Suite A103
Kennewick, WA 99336
Map

Phone: (509) 374-8996  |  Fax: (509) 374-1298
http://www.PatrickMcBurney.com

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Effective legal representation during difficult times

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Sub-Topics

Debt Relief

Foreclosure

Legal Topic

Divorce

Sub-Topics

Child Support

Collaborative Law

Divorce Mediation

Legal Topic

Family Law

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

Washington

Firm Focus

My practice emphasizes Domestic Relations & Family Law, Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, Wills and Probate.

Firm History

Since 1995 the Patrick McBurney has been helping people navigate the Justice system. Mr. McBurney's practice emphasizes Domestic Relations and Family Law, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense. Mr. McBurney is presently a contractor for Benton County Superior Court providing indigent defense in child support contempt proceedings. From 2003 to 2011 he was a public defender for Franklin County District Court, handling felony and misdemeanor cases.

Activities and Awards

Mr. McBurney is a member of the Washington Defender Association, and accepts pro bono referrals from and supports Benton-Franklin County legal aid.

Example Cases

Information coming soon.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

The more a client knows about their case, the better they understand the attorney’s role in creating a successful outcome. While it is possible for an individual to successfully represent themself in an agreed divorce, or small claims matter. It is usually unwise to represent oneself in a contested divorce, custody, or paternity matter. Divorce in Washington and Bankruptcy cases are specifically very form driven types of law. It is possible for an individual to download these forms and fill them out. However, most people will seek the advice and expertise of an attorney, because there is more to just checking a box and filling in blanks. More than once have unintended consequences visited harm upon clients I later came to represent. Why, because they attempted to represent themselves. For those who might be tempted represent themselves I would suggest that they look at pro se representation, the same way they look at filing a tax return. We usually know when we can do it ourselves. However, when we become uncomfortable and unsure about whether or not we are right, most people choose to benefit from the advice and expertise of a professional at that point. When you are facing a financial crisis, some feel that the only answer is an immediate bankruptcy filing. However, bankruptcy should be a last resort, after other options have been exhausted. Patrick McBurney is an experienced bankruptcy attorney he can help stop harassing creditor calls, restructure debt, stop foreclosure, modify mortgages, and stop repossessions, garnishments and lawsuits; sometimes by filing a bankruptcy petition and sometimes by finding alternatives to bankruptcy. Bankruptcy is an extremely complex area of the law; self-help should never be attempted without first consulting an experienced bankruptcy professional. Finally, when you are accused of a crime and are facing the possibility of going to jail, it is always unwise to represent yourself. If you are charged with a crime, seek legal advice immediately. Mr. McBurney’s legal philosophy is that “Outcomes you can control, are always better than outcomes you can’t control.”

Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes, I am always willing to review documents as part of an initial consultation.

Are your attorneys willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

Yes, to the extent that I believe that the client has the capability of representing themselves.

Are your attorneys willing to help a client with one discrete part of a case, without taking on the whole case?

Yes, Patrick McBurney attorney at law, among other matters, offers unbundled legal services

What are your policies about dividing work among the firm's partners, associates, and paralegals to make the process most cost-effective for the client?

Patrick McBurney often takes cases on a flat fee basis to reduce costs to the client.

How frequently does your firm use mediation, arbitration, or collaborative law to resolve cases?

Mediation is routinely used in Divorce and Family Law matters.

Does your firm provide pro bono legal services or otherwise participate in your community?

Yes, we take pro bono referals from legal aid, and I am a member of Richland Rotary.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

Information coming soon.

Office Manager/Assistant

Debra D. Glover & Kimberly Wenrick

Fax

(509) 374-1298

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (we close for lunch at 12:00 for one hour); Friday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; Saturday by appointment only.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

None.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Customers who mention Nolo will receive a $50.00 discount off this list of services. Bankruptcy Cases start at $725.00 plus the filing fee (the filing fee is $306.00 for chapter 7 cases); chapter 13 cases require $781.00 retainer to start. After confirmation of the payment plan the attorney will receive from the plan payments a flat fee of $2,100.00 over the life of the 36 month repayment plan. Uncontested Divorce cases are done on a flat fee basis: $750.00 for a short term marriage, no children and no assets; uncontested cases which involve children start at $1,000.00; other divorce cases require an initial $1,500.00 retainer with no children or a $2,000.00 retainer if children are involved. Criminal Misdemeanor cases start at $800.00 with an additional $1,500.00 for trial. Felonies start at $2,000.00 with a trial retainer to be determined. Criminal cases are done on a flat fee basis.

Hourly Rates

$200.00 per hour; Nolo customers get a discounted hourly rate of $175.00 per hour.

Free Initial Consultation?

Typically, we offer a free 30 minute consultation. Thereafter it is $75 for the next half-hour.

Typical Retainer

Typical retainers are as follows: Divorce is $1080.00 with filing fee; Bankruptcy $1006.00; and criminal misdemeanor cases $800.00 - $1,500.00; and simple Felonies $1,500.00 to $2,000.00.

Understanding Fees

Nolo's Licensing Check

Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.