AREAS OF PRACTICE
We offer a variety of legal services to meet your needs.
LANDLORD & TENANT
Montana's landlord-tenant laws give rights to landlords and tenants and can be difficult to understand. One thing is clear: whether you are a landlord or a tenant, failing to follow the law can lead to significant consequences. If you have questions about something your landlord has done, received a notice to vacate, or were charged for cleaning or damages you don't believe you caused, we can work with you to ensure your rights are protected. We also work with private landlords and like-minded property managers who want to protect their investments while ensuring they comply with the law.
MEDIATION
Litigation is expensive, time consuming, and often causes lasting damage to relationships. Mediation may allow you to resolve a dispute faster and for less money than litigation. Through mediation, parties can explore creative solutions and control the final outcome. In litigation, a judge or jury may impose an outcome that does not work for anyone. Whether you have a dispute with a neighbor, business partner, family member, or stranger, or are involved in a hotly contested lawsuit, we work to reach a solution that everyone can accept so you can avoid the time, cost, and stress of litigation. Like many of our services, we can conduct mediations for a flat-fee so you will know what you will be paying at the beginning.
DUI DEFENSE
A DUI is a serious charge with serious consequences. Fines, court fees, jail time, license suspension, and higher insurance rates are just some of the consequences you will face if you are convicted of DUI. When you hire us, we investigate the evidence against you to determine whether you have defenses that might be grounds for dismissal, a not guilty verdict at trial, or a plea to a lesser charge. After our investigation, we meet with you to discuss your options and the strengths and weaknesses of each. If the evidence against you is strong, we will negotiate a plea agreement that gives you the best outcome under the circumstances. If you have a strong defense, we will take the case to trial. Whatever the outcome, we provide our services for a flat fee so unknown legal fees will not add to your worries.
MISDEMEANOR CRIMINAL OFFENSES
A misdemeanor charge may seem minor, but a misdemeanor conviction can have significant consequences beyond any fine or jail time that is imposed. A misdemeanor conviction can affect your ability to find housing or employment, to drive, and other rights. As your lawyer, we analyze your case and discuss any defenses with you to help you understand your options so you can make an informed decision about what to do. Whether we negotiate a plea agreement, seek a dismissal, or take the case to trial, we ensure your rights are protected every step of the way. And we do this for a flat fee so you will know what you are paying from the beginning.
WILLS & ESTATE PLANNING
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Regardless of your station in life, having an up-to-date estate plan ensures you decide who will inherit money, property, and possessions that are important to you, who will raise your children, and who will make decisions about your health care and finances if you are ever unable to. Without an up-to-date estate plan, these important decisions will be left to a judge who may not make the decisions you would have made. We offer a comprehensive estate planning package that provides the legal documents you need to ensure your wishes are carried out, all for a flat fee.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Running a business is rarely easy, and only gets more stressful when legal issues arise. Most Montana businesses are small businesses without the luxury of an in-house legal department. When legal issues arise, you may not know where to turn. Whether you have questions about your employees, need help negotiating or drafting a contract, or would like a lawyer on speed dial to answer your questions, we can craft a package of services to meet your business' needs and budget.
BUSINESS FORMATION & REGISTERED AGENT SERVICES
If you run a business, it is important to consider forming a legally recognized business entity such as an LLC. Business entities, such as LLCs, can provide important liability protection and tax benefits. For a flat fee, we work with you and your tax professional to determine the business entity that is right for you, prepare all necessary documents, and register the entity with the Montana Secretary of State. For an additional flat fee paid annually, we will serve as the registered agent for your business and ensure that all documents the Montana Secretary of State requires are filed on time so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
DOCUMENT REVIEW & PREPARATION
Whether you are a consumer or a business owner, it is important that your documents comply with Montana law and that you understand the legal consequences of contracts and other documents you may sign. Whether a document is one you use or one you have been asked to sign, we will review it and meet with you to answer your questions and suggest any necessary revisions. If you need us to prepare a contract, agreement, policy, or other document, we can do that, too. All document review and preparation services are provided for a flat fee that we quote you before you hire us.
CIVIL LITIGATION
We named ourselves Missoula Legal Solutions because one of our goals is to help people find solutions to legal problems that will avoid the time and stress that comes with litigation. Unfortunately, avoiding litigation is not always possible or practicable. We offer a range of representation options for individuals and businesses facing civil claims in the court system, including full or limited scope-representation, document drafting and review, and advice-only representation. Whether you have been sued or threatened with a claim, or believe you have a claim against someone, we will work with you to craft a scope of representation that best meets your needs and budget.