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Karli S. Fernandez-Fontaine
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Karli S. Fernandez-Fontaine
The Law Office of Karli S. Fernandez-Fontaine
305 Whitney Street
Leominster, MA 01453
Phone: (978) 870-4045
Representation with Results
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
I will take on almost any case including district court matters.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Environmental Violations
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Robbery
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I will work with any client with a family law/divorce issue.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Colleges & Universities
- Individualized Education Plans
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Student Rights
- Teacher Abuse
- Title IX
- Trade & Technical Schools
- Special Education
- Age Discrimination
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care
- Nursing Homes
- Powers of Attorney
- Medicaid & Medicare Planning
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I will work with any client with a family law/divorce issue.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Bar Admissions
MA, Jan 2002
Bar Number: 652693
Other Court Admissions
Massachusetts District Court.
Association Memberships
Volunteer Lawyers of Worcester County, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), Women's Bar Association.
Continuing Education
In Massachusetts, continuing education hours are not required. However, I feel it is important to stay current on the law and attend frequent legal education seminars focusing on family law, divorce and criminal law.
Example Cases
I had a client who had been allowed minimal visitation at best with his daughter. I was able to negotiate a fairer visitation schedule, doubling visitation time and succeeding in helping him achieve a divorce agreement he was happy with.
On a contract dispute, I had a client who was being assessed in excess of $5,000 in fees. I advised my client of the best approach to his situation and he ended up paying nothing.
On a charge of possession with intent to distribute: Result: Not Guilty
On a divorce matter where issues centered on division of assets and end date of marriage: Result: Settled, payment to client $24,000
On a divorce where I represented the Defendant, Plaintiff sought to have as a condition of Defendant remaining in the marital home, Defendant assume full responsibility for the mortgage: Result: Court ordered Defendant to pay one-half of the mortgage while the Plaintiff resided in the marital home.
Education
Degree:
B.A. English
School:
Chaminade University of Honolulu
City:
Honolulu
State:
HI
Year:
1998
Honors:
Cum Laude; English Honor Society
Focus and Accomplishments:
Editor-in-Chief, Silversword Student Newspaper.
Degree:
J.D.
School:
California Western School of Law
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
2001
Honors:
Student Ambassador
Focus and Accomplishments:
President, Women's Law Caucus, Editor-in-Chief.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Massachusetts
Firm Focus and History
At my law office, we are client-centered. Every client is our most important client, and we do our best to meet the legal needs of each and every one. Whether someone walks into my office needing legal counsel on a family law or criminal matter, that person is assured that I will personally handle their claim and give them personalized attention.
After working for and with other attorneys in Massachusetts, I decided to break off and start my own firm in 2007. By establishing my own firm, I am able to provide clients with one-on-one legal advice outside of the typical Monday through Friday, 9-5 work week.
Previous Employment Summary
Not only am I a licensed attorney, but also a Professor of Criminal Justice. I have taught criminal justice classes for the past six years in addition to my pro bono work at Volunteer Lawyer Services of Worcester County.
Activities and Awards
Bar Advocate, Worcester County, Panel Attorney, Volunteer Legal Services, Worcester County, Gafford Trial Team Member 2000.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should educate themselves on legal issues but must also be mindful of the fact that each case has specific details upon which cases can turn. Clients should feel free to approach me on legal issues they are curious about and I can advise them where appropriate.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am more than happy to review documents prepared by clients.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am happy to review client documents and help clients represent themselves where appropriate. I have experience doing this through my work at Volunteer Lawyer Services as well as with my personal clients.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a lawyer. I loved not only the academic aspect of it, but the positive effect it can have on someone's life. Especially in the worlds of criminal defense and divorce where emotions run high and there is a lot at stake, a lawyer's direction and advice can make someone's life exponentially better than what they might face without legal expertise by their side. I love being a lawyer, a counselor and someone who can effect change one client at a time.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
What makes me a good lawyer is the fact that I practice law because I have a passion for it. This isn't just a job or a career. I work for each and every client with the same vigor and determination because being a lawyer is its own reward, one that I have worked for from a very young age.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose family law/divorce and criminal law as my primary areas of practice because I have always felt that people with these types of cases can benefit the most from an attorney's guidance. Not only do these cases have lasting effects on a client's life, but in the lives of their families. It is important for clients with these types of cases to hire an attorney who is familiar with family, divorce and criminal law to work to achieve the best outcome.
What do you like best about your career?
I like that I can help people achieve positive results and that in every case lies the possibility to make someone's situation better. I also like that I have come across more than a few cases where people feel they have no options or are being taken advantage of, and I am able to level the playing field and/or provide them with some viable remedies.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. When clients retain my firm, they retain me. They aren't assigned a new attorney or an unfamiliar face. Clients deal with me and only me. This way, my clients and I establish and maintain constant and open communication without information being lost along the way.
What are your strengths and style?
I feel my strength is that I use a common sense approach. In my opinion, the best results are gained through being reasonable. I have seen many cases where people lose sight of what is important. This is especially true in family law and divorce cases. By being reasonable, not only are my clients assured the best representation with their interests at heart, they often end up with results that are better than they anticipated for them and their children.
In terms of criminal cases, the reasonable approach allows my clients and I to look at best case scenarios and strive for them. My personal style and treatment of all clients as individuals and not numbers or dollar signs lends to the treatment of clients and cases with dignity.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy reading, researching and technological advances, especially concerning music.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Both my in-court and out of court rates are the same, $175 per hour.
Hourly Rates
$195 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, I offer a free consultation. They generally run about 30 minutes to one hour, depending upon the nature of the case.
Typical Retainer
Retainers depend upon the type of case. Retainers range from $0 to $2,500.
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.
