Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Wills, Trusts & Estates lawyers serving Fairfield County, CT >
Craig R. Bartolomei
Back to Search Results
Craig R. Bartolomei
The Law Office of Craig R. Bartolomei
518 Monroe Turnpike
Floor 2
Monroe, CT 06468
Phone: (203) 261-8531 | Fax: (203) 567-8091
http://www.bartolomeilaw.com
Fairfield/New Haven Wills, Trust & Estate Planning
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
I am willing to represent people who have a real need for a lawyer in bankruptcies as well as estate planning to protect these clients and their assets.
Sub-Categories
Wills, Trusts & Estates
- Nolo Document Review
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Power of Attorney
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
- Power of Attorney
- Special Needs Trust
- Supplemental Needs Trust
- Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
I am willing to represent people who have a real need for a lawyer in bankruptcies as well as estate planning to protect these clients and their assets.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 7
- Collections & Repossessions
- Debt Relief
- Garnishments
- Chapter 11
- Business Bankruptcy
- Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12
- Personal Bankruptcy
Bar Admissions
CT, Sep 2008
Bar Number: 427475
DC, Jun 2001
Bar Number: 472477
MA, Dec 1999
Bar Number: 645017
Other Court Admissions
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington DC, Connecticut and Massachusetts Federal District Courts.
Association Memberships
The Connecticut State Bar and the Washington DC Bar.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars as well as taking online courses on bankruptcy, estate planning, wills, trusts and appellate advocacy.
Example Cases
I handle numerous Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies and the preparation of wills and pour over trusts for clients with children. My past cases have included assisting clients in difficult financial situations due to medical emergencies. I have also assisted in preparing wills and trusts for clients with special needs children.
Education
Degree:
B.S.
School:
University of Massachusetts
City:
Amherst
State:
MA
Year:
1993
Focus and Accomplishments:
Sports Management
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Western New England College School of Law
City:
Springfield
State:
MA
Year:
1999
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Connecticut, District of Columbia and Massachusetts
Firm Focus and History
I worked as a lawyer in a small firm after graduating from law school in 1999. In 2002, I established my own solo practice. From 2002 until 2007, my office was located in Somerville, Massachusetts, just outside of Boston. I relocated with my family to Southern Connecticut in 2007 where I have since opened an office and continued my practice, representing clients in both Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Our law office's focus is to make the legal process as easy and simple as possible. Whether the issue involves a bankruptcy, probating estates, or estate planning, including wills, trusts, health care proxies, living wills or powers of attorney, we provide our clients with excellent legal advice and service at a reasonable price.
Previous Employment Summary
I worked for the American Hockey League while attending law school part-time. My responsibilities included assisting in the creation of marketing plans and reports for corporate sponsors. I also oversaw the work of interns and created a weekly statistical package for fans and the media.
Activities and Awards
I do work as a bar advocate representing indigent clients on appeal in Massachusetts.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe that clients should be as knowledgeable as possible about legal matters in their lives. I find it actually assists me in aiding my clients because they are able to make better decisions. My clients can also better understand and decipher the information I am providing regarding their legal situation.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing and available to review documents prepared by clients. It is important, though, for such clients to understand the difference between reviewing documents and preparing documents. It is also important to understand that I have to charge a fee to review documents and it can take time for me to make sure I fully understand the situation. I also limit my reviews to wills and similar documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
There are too many potential negative consequences involved with situations where clients represent themselves, including liability, business and ethical considerations. I have no problem discussing a matter with a person for a few minutes, but anything more than that raises future liability issues.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I found that being a lawyer is the best way for me to help improve people's lives. I also enjoy the complexity and challenge of the adversarial process involved with practicing law.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My upbringing had a large impact on how and why I enjoy helping others as an attorney. As a product of a broken home when I was just an infant in a blue collar city, things did not come easily to me or my siblings. My experience helps drive me to help others in similar situations, whether they are protecting themselves and their assets so that they may be passed on to their children, are attempting to get out of debt, or dealing with problems related to their debt.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
As stated above, my current areas of practice allow me to help many different clients by protecting them and their assets, or by protecting them from the system and creditors in tough times. In the end, I feel these are the most important opportunities to help people.
What do you like best about your career?
I like seeing clients resolve tough financial situations. Helping people avoid collection agencies, or get their debt under control after they had a stroke, for instance, is rewarding. I also enjoy assisting my clients in creating estate plans to protect their assets so that they can be passed on to their loved ones.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, which allows my clients to deal directly with me.
What are your strengths and style?
My logical reasoning and ability to explain concepts in terms my clients can understand are very important strengths. I am easy for my clients to deal with, and easy-going. I do not hide the fact that I will be very aggressive in protecting my clients to ensure they are treated with the respect they deserve whether that is by a judge, another lawyer, or a creditor.
Personal Interests:
My family is my greatest personal interest. I also enjoy watching sports (Red Sox, Celtics and Steelers) and playing volleyball. I also spend time with my pets and out in nature, frequenting zoos and aquariums, or taking hikes and photos.
Fax
(203) 567-8091
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Weekends, evenings and emergency after hours by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Fees on any given case depend on the circumstances of that case. It is difficult to put a value or cost on a case without having met with the client to fully understand the legal matter.
Hourly Rates
$150 per hour, although it can depend on the circumstances of the case and other variables. Some cases are also charged as flat fees, such as most bankruptcies.
WillMaker Document Review:
For document review, I generally charge $100, but this is variable depending on particulars of the case.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, we offer a free initial consultation for the first hour.
Typical Retainer
I do not have a typical retainer. Once again, it depends on the specific case and other variables.
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.
