Practice Areas
The Maples Law Office focuses on the three types of law detailed below. If you have a civil law issue in a different practice area, Mr. Maples would be happy to sit down with you and discuss your options.
Estate Planning
-Individual or Joint Wills: A will is a written and signed document directing the distribution of a persons assets. Everyone needs a will to assure that what they worked hard for will end up in the hands of the ones desired. Eliminate the possibility that the state will determine the allocation of your assets and have a will prepared today.
-Living Will: A living will is a written declaration detailing a person's desires for life sustaining medical procedures should that person have a terminal or irreversible condition. Living wills allow people to make important life sustaining decisions before it is too late.
-Powers of Attorney: In the event somthing happens to you or your loved one, be prepared. Powers of attorney allow the person you select to make medical and financial decisions that will be critical in the time of need.
-Trusts: Trusts can be testamentary which means they are created inside of a will or can also be put into place while you are living. Trusts can be both revocable and irrevocable. Trusts are most commonly used to hold assets from minor children until they are of age, to reduce inheritance tax and to provide for spouses.
-Successions: Successions occur when the assets of the deceased are passed to the heir. Have you been named in a will? If so, you may need an attorney to prepare a petition to probate the will, a petition to appoint an executor, and a petition for possession and a judgement of possession.
Family Law
-Divorce: Divorce is difficult for all parties involved but does not have to deplete your savings or cost you things that are rightfully yours. Whether you are considering your options about filing or you have been filed against, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Divorces can either be contested or uncontested and are most commonly filed as "no fault" divorce. There are two living apart requirments before a divorce can become final: one year if there are minor children and six months if no children are involved. A person seeking divorce can either file before or after the period of separation. There are limited instances in which "fault" based divorces can be achieved quicker. Nevertheless, divorce is a terrible time on everyone and does not need to be a time that your rights are compromised. Please contact our office for an initial consultation. Depending on your specific circumstance will determine the fees, but almost every case can be handled for an inexpensive rate.
-Child Custody: Louisiana's custody arrangements are based on the "best interests of the child." At the difficult time of divorce, an extremely important determination is which party will have legal and physical custody of the child. In many instances, these arrangements may be shared. It is important to discuss your options of child custody with an attorney early in the divorce process.
-Child Support: Child support is governed by a statutory formula. The formula will be explained to you in detail to assure you are either getting the amount you should or not paying more than is required depending on your situation.
-Spousal Support: There are two types of spousal support: interim and final. Both are based on the ability of the other party to pay and your specific needs.
-Community Property Separation: Louisiana is a community property state, and everything you acquired as a married couple must be separated after the divorce. This includes all physical property and all debts. It is very important to discuss property settlement with an attorney.
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-Adoption:
There are four main types of adoption in Louisiana: Private, Agency, International and Intrafamily. As an adoptive parent himself, Mr. Maples loves this area of law, and he would be eager to discuss with you your desires. Mr. Maples will handle your case from the first prayer or dream until the truly joyous conclusion. Adoption is love, and Maples Law Office absolutely would love to embark with you on this journey.
Personal Injury
Personal injury cases can occur from many circumstances. Some causes of injury include car and other vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog and animal injuries and injuries from products. Injuries can be minor such as minor bruising and scratches to the most severe injuries of paralysis and even death. Injuries often include pain and suffering, medical expenses, damage to property and lost wages due to not being able to work. If you have been injured and have suffered loss, do not fight to be rightly compensated alone. The Maples Law Offfice, LLC never charges a fee in a personal injury case until you are compensated for the injury you have received.
-Car or Vehicle Accident: In Louisiana, motorists owe a duty to everyone to maintain their vehicle using care. Drivers must obey traffic laws, pay attention to the speed they are traveling and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Often, negligent drivers cause accidents by rear-ending other drivers, causing collisions at intersections and running other motorists off the roadway. This negligence is often due to texting or talking on a telephone, eating, driving too fast or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you have suffered an injury due to an automobile or another vehicle accident, you may be entitled to money to compensate you for your loss. Many times, insurance companies offer individuals without attorneys settlements that are less money than those offered to individuals with attorneys.
-Product Liability: Any product can be the source of an injury. Product liability cases range from medical supplies and drugs, products you use around your home or business, products associated with your automobile and many common products. Product manufacturers can be found liable for your injuries if your injury occured as the result of a design defect, a manufacturing defect or the failure to provide proper warnings of potential dangers.
-Wrongful Death: The worst injury that can occur is death. When a loved one has lost his or her life due to the negligence of another person or company, no compensation will ever be enough. Nevertheless, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages as well as other loss. Call the Maples Law Office today to schedule a free consultation. You will never be charged by the Maples Law Office for a personal injury claim unless you are compensated for your loss.