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Fait, Wise & DiLima, LLP

Fait, Wise & DiLima, LLP

One Church Street
Suite 800
Rockville, MD 20850-4158

Phone: (301) 251-0100  |  Fax: (301) 424-7865
http://www.faitwisedilima.com/
http://www.faitandwise.com

Contact Fait, Wise & DiLima, LLP

Respect, Courtesy, Integrity and Justice

Legal Topic

Family Law

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Name Changes
  • Restraining Orders
  • Enforcement Actions
Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
Children
  • Child Support
  • Children's Rights
  • Custody
  • Paternity
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Number of Attorneys

4

State Licensed In

Maryland and the District of Columbia

Firm Focus

All aspects of Family Law including divorce, child custody and visitation, child support and alimony, marital property distribution, same sex couples' rights, domestic partnership rights, domestic violence, settlement agreements, pre and post nuptial agreements, post divorce actions, retirement asset distribution, divorce tax issues, litigation and appeals.

Firm History

Dorothy R. Fait is the founding partner of the firm, which has had the sole focus of family law for last 20 years. Brian Wise became an associate of the firm in 1990 and partner in 2000. Marjorie DiLima joined the firm in 2003 and became managing partner in 2006. Jillian DiLaura became our associate in 2007.

Activities and Awards

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers; several Pro Bono awards; Top 100 Women (Dorothy Fait was named twice); Super Lawyers, in 2007 and 2008; named Bar Leaders.

Example Cases

We represented a military doctor whose wife was a stay at home mom and he was stationed in Iraq. The parties had 3 children, the youngest under the age of 2. His wife filed for divorce while he was on a tour of duty and alleged sexual inappropriate behavior with the children. During the pendency of trial, our client had supervised visitation and both parties and the children participated in mental health evaluations. Our client was going to be stationed in Hawaii, and we were fighting for custody. After several days of trial, and expert testimony as to the mental evaluations of the parties and that no such inappropriate sexual behavior had ever occurred, we won full custody of the children and our client moved his three children to Hawaii. Afterwards, the mother moved to Hawaii to be near the children and the parties ultimately shared custody.

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

We think that knowledge is power. The more the client understands about the legal issues, the more help that client can provide in his or her own case.

Are your attorneys willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Yes.

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

Yes, we would refer them to the pro se clinic where experienced attorneys assist those persons who wish to represent themselves.

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

As long as the court allows it, we are willing to clearly define our roles in each case that may require services for only part of the case.

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?

We work hard to ensure that our client's needs are met while keeping a watchful eye on costs. Our associate and law clerk work on most of our cases, providing needed assistance as to different aspects of the case, as the partners will often work together on a case, providing their legal expertise and input.

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

Most, if not all, of our cases use mediation and/or arbitration. Two of our attorneys are specifically trained in collaborative law and use it when it is appropriate and agreeable to the parties.

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

Yes, we take pro bono referrals from the Montgomery County Bar Association, Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Violence (JACADA); Catholic Charities and the like.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

We are a small firm and able to give personal attention to each client. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience and we offer personal service and a caring compassionate approach that we feel is most effective when dealing with often emotional family law matters. Our attorneys have received numerous commendations for both our legal work and our service to the community. The firm has achieved the honor of being placed on the prestigious Martindale Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers for several years running.

Office Manager/Assistant

Michelle Garcia

Fax

(301) 424-7865

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

None.

Additional Offices

Frederick, MD
233 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 251-0100

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

No.

Hourly Rates

Dorothy Fait $400; Brian Wise $350; Marjorie DiLima $325; Jillian DiLaura $200.

Free Initial Consultation?

No. We charge our hourly rate.

Typical Retainer

Depends upon the issues in the case, for example whether limited issues or many issues such as Pendente Light issues, custody issues, property issues, support issues, business valuations, distribution of assets, and the like.

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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.

Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.