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Carl J. Minster III
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Carl J. Minster III
Minster & Facciolo, LLC
521 South Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 627-8200 | Fax: (215) 928-0215
http://www.minsterandfacciolo.com/
Partners in Law, Partners in Life
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle divorce, support, custody, adoption, gay and lesbian issues.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Name Changes
- Enforcement Actions
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Powers of Attorney
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Grandparent Rights
Bar Admissions
PA, Mar 1998
Bar Number: 81401
Other Court Admissions
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Association Memberships
Philadelphia Bar Association, Family Law Section, Gay and Lesbian Lawyers of Philadelphia, and Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity.
Continuing Education
I fulfill my continuing legal education by attending seminars on the areas of law that I practice.
I have taught a course on the formation and protection of lesbian and gay families.
Example Cases
Most recently I defended the right of a young father to have primary custody of his son. Originally the mother had primary custody, but the father felt he would be a better primary parent for his son. I prepared the father for the case by suggesting that he find a better residence where he could raise his son. In preparation for the custody of his son, the client also looked into schools for his son to present to the court. We prepared our evidence for over a year. While preparing our case, we were in and out of court for custody hearings. We convinced the court to order home inspections and, based on their recommendations and the preparation of the father, the court decided that it was in the best interest of the child that the father had primary custody.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
School:
Drexel University
City:
Philadelphia
State:
PA
Year:
1981
Focus and Accomplishments:
Manpower and Operations Management.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Widener University School of Law
City:
Wilmington Delaware
State:
DE
Year:
1997
Focus and Accomplishments:
Moot Court Honor Society.
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Firm Focus and History
The firm was established in 1999 with its first location in the Society Hill section of Philadelphia. The office in Wilmington, Delaware was opened within six months of the Philadelphia office.
The firm focus is on family law, including issues such as divorce, custody, support and adoption. We also handle pre-nuptial and co-habitation agreements.
Other practice areas of the firm include wills, estate planning, real estate, lesbian and gay issues, small business counseling and employment discrimination.
Previous Employment Summary
Before Law School, I was employed by the Department of the Navy as a Senior Management Analyst for 10 years and by the Internal Revenue Service as a Project Manager/Consultant for 3 years.
Activities and Awards
I am the class representative for my law school class. I participate in a mentoring program for law students and am a member of the Steering Committee for the Delaware Liberty Fund.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is fine for clients to educate themselves on the law, but they should remember that the things they read online may not pertain to their jurisdiction. Clients should keep in mind that the law changes on a daily basis due to court rulings, and what they may read one day may already be inaccurate.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I enjoy reviewing documents prepared by clients. However, clients should be willing to accept suggestions I make and not be offended by them.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Many times during the consultation I will explain to clients that they can represent themselves during certain times within a case. When it is appropriate for them to represent themselves, I explain what they should do in court and how to do it. Often times I explain how they can save money by doing some of the legal tasks required on their own.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer because I wanted to help others with problems they might have, including issues like discrimination.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I did not graduate law school until I was 39 years old. I worked my way up in the federal government to a GM-13 when I was 30 years old. I was terminated from that position as a result of discrimination, and therefore filed a lawsuit against the federal government. Today, I share an office with the attorney that I hired to represent me in that case 17 years ago.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I like practicing family law because it allows me to help people overcome the problems that arise in their daily lives.
What do you like best about your career?
To be honest, the best thing about my job is that I get to be my own boss.
Tell us about your law firm:
Most times when a client calls he or she will be dealing directly with me. Occasionally, my secretary might answer the phone. In that event I will return the call when I am available. I have a personal rule that dictates all calls need to be returned by the end of the day or at most within 24 hours.
What are your strengths and style?
My major strength is that I am very well organized. I do not procrastinate, so all my work is planned out in advance. There is no last minute running around trying to file paperwork or find the client to sign needed documents when I am handling a case.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy spending time at home with my family and friends.
Fax
(215) 928-0215
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Additional Offices
Wilmington, DE
521 West Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 777-2201
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I only offer fixed prices for preparing estate documents.
A will package is $500 for a single person and $850 for a couple.
Hourly Rates
$250 per hour for an attorney. Other rates are available for support staff.
Free Initial Consultation?
No, I do not offer free consultations. A consultation is $250 with no defined time limit.
Typical Retainer
The typical retainer depends on the details and circumstances of the case.
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.
