Legal Services & Lawyers

Firm Focus and History

I established Forghany & Associates with the philosophy of a small firm helping people with their legal dilemmas.

Forghany & Associates focuses on Chapter 7 & 13 Consumer (Debtor) Bankruptcy. Family Law, Criminal Defense. We also handle Personal Injury, Torts, and Products Liability. Check out the website www.forghanylaw.com for a complete list.

Previous Employment Summary
I am no stranger to hard work. During my college years, I was a volunteer EMT. During law school I taught CPR for the American Red Cross, and also was a computer repair technician. Now during my short career as an attorney, I have had numerous cases involving Bankruptcy, Family Law and Divorce, Child Custody, and Criminal Defense.
Activities and Awards

I dedicate some time to Pro Bono projects.

I am dedicated to working with individuals to work through hardships that life sometimes brings. To this end professionally, I handle consumer bankruptcy matters. Many people, through no fault of their own, have debt that overwhelms their life. Bankruptcy is one option that may end this burden.

Additionally, I work with homeless individuals in several volunteer capacities. Monthly, I visit a Worcester County homeless shelter to assess the legal needs of the residence. I handle select cases on a pro bono basis.

I sit on the Worcester County Bar Associationâs Committee on Homelessness. I am also on the Board of Directors for the IHN, a program dedicated to finding both temporary and long term solutions for homeless families.

My family and I live in Auburn, Mass.

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I graduated from Massachusetts School of Law in 1996. Since graduation, I have practiced Bankruptcy almost exclusively. Within the context of Bankruptcy, I also deal with predatory lending, mortgage modifications and similar issues.

On November 6, 2006, I became the first bankruptcy lawyer in Massachusetts in the last twenty years to argue a case before the US Supreme Court.

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champion your rights

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Whether you're struggling with your mortgage, starting a business, you've been unfairly treated, or you're trying to provide for your loved ones, Attorney Josef Culik is a Massachusetts lawyer who can help you.

By building a personal connection with his clients -- just like you -- Attorney Culik works with them to define their goals and then work to achieve them within the legal system.

A creative, forceful, hardworking, and conscientious advocate, Attorney Culik personalizes your legal services to achieve maximum results while ensuring that you are kept up-to-date on your case.

The philosophy is simple: by providing personalized, high-quality, and affordable legal services, you will be satisfied enough to use him again the next time you need a lawyer.


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Loan Modification and Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention

Home is where the heart is -- Attorney Josef Culik understands that, and he will work with you to help you save your house. He is experienced in negotiating with lenders and banks. Don't let the mortgage company take your home.

* Foreclosure prevention
* Loan modification
* Deeds in lieu
* Workouts
* Refinance
* New government programs to help borrowers like you
* Bankruptcy
* Start over - You might be able to get the overdue balance put at the back of your mortgage

Don't waste time. Attorney Culik will fight hard to save your home. Contact him now.


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Services offered include refinancing and loan modification under President Obama's Making Home Affordable program; foreclosure prevention; performing forensic examination of mortgage documents; analysis for Truth In Lending Act and RESPA violations; evaluation for unfair and deceptive practices under M.G.L. Chapter 93A; inspection for predatory lending under M.G.L. Chapter 183C; negotiation with loan lender or servicer for a workout, forbearance, or deed in lieu; budget analysis for implementing a loan modification or workout plan; and lawsuits to enforce your legal rights. This notice complies with 940 CMR 25.03.

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Locations

Proudly serving the Boston, Massachusetts area, the North Shore, Cape Ann, Essex County, Suffolk County, and Middlesex County, including Amesbury, Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Byfield, Danvers, Essex, Georgetown, Gloucester, Groveland, Hamilton, Hathorne, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Magnolia, Manchester, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Nahant, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Pigeon Cove, Prides Crossing, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, South Hamilton, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham, West Boxford, West Newbury, Acton, Arlington, Ashby, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Belmont, Billerica, Boxborough, Burlington, Cambridge, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dracut, Dunstable, Everett, Framingham, Groton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Lowell, Malden, Marlborough, Maynard, Medford, Melrose, Natick, Newton, North Reading, Pepperell, Reading, Sherborn, Shirley, Somerville, Stoneham, Stow, Sudbury, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Westford, Weston, Wilmington, Winchester, Woburn, Aberdeen, Allston, Ashmont, Back Bay, Beachmont, Bellevue, Brighton, Cedar Grove, Charlestown, Chelsea, City Point, Clarendon Hills, Cottage Hill, Cottage Park, Court Park, Crescent Beach, Dorchester, Dorchester Center, Dorchester Heights, East Boston, Egypt Beach, Fairmount, Faneuil, Fields Corner, Forest Hills, Fort Dawes, Fort Independence, Fort Warren, Franklin Park, Germantown, Grove Hall, Highland, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Jeffries Point, Lower Mills, Meeting House Hill, Mount Bowdoin, Mount Hope, Mount Ida, Neponset, North Brighton, Oak Island, Orient Heights, Point of Pines, Point Shirley, Readville, Revere, Roslindale, Roxbury, Roxbury Crossing, Savin Hill, South Boston, Stonybrook Village, Suffolk Downs Station, Uphams Corner, West Roxbury, Winthrop, Winthrop Beach, Winthrop Highlands and beyond.

Attorney Nicholas T. Nashawaty Jr. and Attorney Lindsay P. Rand founded the bankruptcy and real estate law firm of Nashawaty & Rand in 1983. With a main office in Braintree, the firm has remained committed to the aggressive pursuit of outstanding results for its clients for over 25 years.

Website: http://www.GreaterBostonLaw.com

I established my own practice in October of 2007, after spending several years working for firms in and out of the Worcester area. I grew up in Clinton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts.

I am currently pursuing my L.L.M. (Masters in Law) in Elder Law and Estate Planning, from Western New England College, School of Law. I also received his J.D. from WNEC in 2000. Less than 5% of attorneys go on to receive a L.L.M. degree.

I practice in several areas:

Residential Real Estate- I have represented banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, lenders, buyers, brokers and sellers over the past several years. I have personally been involved in over 1000 real estate transactions.

Elder Law and Estate Planning- I currently have less than one year left in my studies for my L.L.M (Masters in Law) in the areas of Estate Planning and Elder Law. While one does not need this degree to practice in these areas, I feel like this degree provides me more knowledge in this area, and will make me an expert in these fields.

Personal Injury- I take all personal injury cases, whether they be auto accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and medical malpractice cases. I have been involved in million dollar judgments in the past.

Bankruptcy-I represent debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases.

Animal Law- I am beginning to accept clients in this area. This area can run from providing trusts to provide for pets upon their owners death, to vet malpractice, to representing families at dangerous dog hearings.

I also accept clients on a limited basis in these areas:

Landlord/Tenant cases- I have represented both the landlord and the tenant in these cases.

Divorce-I have been involved in both contested and uncontested divorces here in Massachusetts.

Attorney L. Jed Berliner has practiced in bankruptcy, commercial litigation, creditors' rights and debtor's remedies since 1982, having generally practiced since 1976. He has headed Berliner Law Firm of Springfield, Massachusetts since 1988, which operated a satellite office in Northampton, Massachusetts from 1990 to 2007.

Attorney Berliner received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cornell University in 1972 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas in 1977. He now practices exclusively in consumer bankruptcy law and related consumer protection areas.

Professional memberships include the American Bankruptcy Institute, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (conference speaker), The National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees (associate member) and the National Association of Consumer Advocates. Civic duties include participation in the 2007 Financial Literacy Program at South Hadley High School, South Hadley, MA, and serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals for his hometown of Hampden, Massachusetts since 1987 (Chair 1990-2000).

Attorney Berliner is a contributor to LETTERS FOR BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS: ESSENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR CLIENTS, CREDITORS, OPPOSING COUNSEL, AND OTHERS edited by Marc S. Stern and Joel Pelofsky (American Bar Association 2006). He is a founding member of the Bankruptcy Law Network (www.bankruptcylawnetwork.com) and is a regular contributor to the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the Bankruptcy Roundtable, two specialized bankruptcy forums on the Internet. Attorney Berliner is a mentor to bankruptcy practitioners throughout the Commonwealth. He contributed to the local rules on electronic filing rules through his past membership on the initial ad hoc committee, and is recognized by his peers as an expert in consumer bankruptcy issues. He enjoys universally being rated ?excellent” in his client surveys. Among his successes in litigation are the prohibition of foreclosure deficiency notices without an inapplicable-in-bankruptcy legend from Silva v. Harmon, D MA 2003 (CA 01-30140-MAP), and the prohibition of an out-of-state law firm controlling in-state bankruptcy litigation from MBNA v. Steele, Bankr D MA 2003 (02-4137). He changed local practice in 1996 when he successfully argued against payment of a Chapter 7 trustee's fees as a prerequisite for conversion to Chapter 13, and also has successfully challenged (1) the practice of Chapter 13 meetings of creditors being held in Worcester, MA for Springfield, MA cases, (2) Chapter 13 trustee objections to plans having a liquidation analysis with assets valued at a liquidation standard, instead of the higher replacement value standard, and (3) Chapter 13 trustee objections to liquidation analyses using estimated fees of a hypothetical Chapter 7 trustee. Attorney Berliner is at the cutting edge in his region for mortgage defense litigation. He takes his greatest pride in avoiding needless, costly litigation and risks for his clients by successful pre-filing planning.

John Pendleton has been a lawyer for more than 15 years. He has an active consumer bankruptcy practice. Attorney Pendleton is a former felony prosecutor, who today as a criminal defense lawyer works in federal and state courts throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts. John is an effective DWI defense lawyer and is certified in the National Highway Safety Administration's standardized field sobriety test.

Attorney Pendleton also practices in the areas of water law, public utility law before the NH Public Utility Commission, business, land use, personal injury and toxic waste and oil spill matters. His clients include water companies, such as Pennichuck Corporation, municipal water and sewer districts, developers and individuals relative to land use, water and environmental issues.

Attorney Pendleton is a past recipient of the Robert Kirby Award, recognizing a member of the New Hampshire Bar Association as an outstanding attorney, 35 years old or younger, demonstrating excellent advocacy and personal characteristics.

Attorney Pendleton received his B.A. degree from Trinity College and his J.D. degree from the University of Richmond. Attorney Pendleton has twice been on the NH Bar Association's Board of Governor's and served a number of years on the New Hampshire Bar Association's Ethics Committee. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for NH Legal Assistance, as a member of the Steering Committee for the Campaign for Legal Services, and on the NH Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission. Attorney Pendleton has served the State of New Hampshire over the past ten years as Vice Chairman of the New Hampshire Plumbers Licensing Board. He currently serves his community as the Vice President of Seacoast Mental Health's Board of Directors. He has previously served on the Governor's Domestic Violence Fatality Review Commission and the Board of Bridges, Rape & Assault Support Services of Nashua, New Hampshire.

Please feel free to contact Attorney Pendleton by email at jpendleton@granitestatelawyers.com or by telephone at (603) 433-7105

My law firm partner and I operate a practice on the West End of Portland, Maine. We have a different philosophy than other law firms - we believe that the client should be the focus, instead of the billable hour.

We provide services to clients in the following areas:

Cumberland County, Maine
York County, Maine
Androscoggin County, Maine
Sagadahoc County, Maine

Including the cities and towns of:

Portland, ME
South Portland, ME
Westbrook, ME
Scarborough, ME
Cumberland, ME
Falmouth, ME
Gorham, ME
Yarmouth, ME
Buxton, ME
Hollis, ME
Standish, ME
Windham, ME
Freeport, ME
Biddeford, ME
Saco, ME
Old Orchard Beach, ME
Wells, ME
Cornish, ME
Berwick, ME
Lebanon, ME
Sanford, ME
Springvale, ME
Kennebunk, ME
Brunswick, ME
Bath, ME
Harpswell, ME
Lewiston, ME
Auburn, ME

And we handle cases in the following practice areas:

PORTLAND MAINE AREA BANKRUPTCY

Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Chapter 12 bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy
Adversary actions
Debtor audits
Reaffirmation agreements
Business bankruptcy

PORTLAND MAINE AREA BUSINESS AND CORPORATE LAW

Americans with Disabilities Act
Asset protection
Business financing
Business operations
Business regulations
Buy/Sell agreements
Bylaws
Business closing
Business and Corporate Real Estate Matters
Confidentiality agreements
Contracts
Corporations
Employment agreements
Employment Discrimination
Family partnersips
Forms
Incorporation
Independent contractor agreements
Joint ventures
Employment law
Limited Liability Companies
Limited Liability Partnerships
Litigation
Maine Human Rights Commission
Non-Profit Corporations
Noncompete agreements
Severance agreements
Severance pay
Shareholder agreeements
Sole proprietorships
Starting a business
Wage and hour laws

PORTLAND MAINE AREA CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Operating under the Influence (OUI)
Operating after Suspension (OAS)
Fleeing and eluding
Reckless driving
Juvenile charges and arrests
Assault and battery
Criminal mischief
Disorderly conduct
Loitering and Cruising
Obstructing justice
Theft
Shoplifting
Trespass
Portland Maine Area Felony Crimes

PORTLAND MAINE AREA DIVORCE and FAMILY LAW

Adoption
Alimony
Annulments
Child abuse
Child custody
Child support
Child support enforcement
Conservatorship
De Facto Parents
Divorce
Domestic partnerships
Family Court proceedings
Family law
Foster care
Guardian ad Litem services
GLBT family law
Grandparent custody and visitation rights
Grandparent rights
Guardianship
Name change
Parental Rights and Responsibilities
Parenting Agreements
Paternity
Postnuptial agreements
Protection from Abuse
Protection from Harassment
Prenuptial agreements
Separation

PORTLAND AREA ELDER LAW, ESTATE PLANNING, TRUSTS, PROBATE and WILLS

Administering estates and trusts
Advanced directives
Assisted Living
Court representation for executors, trustees, creditors or beneficiaries
Elder Abuse
Estate and trust accountings
Estate administration and settlement
Estate litigation - Contested estates and trusts
Estate real estate sales
Financial Power of Attorney
Guardianships
Health Care Power of Attorney
Intestacy
Life estates
Living trusts or Intervivos trusts
Living wills
Nursing home abuse
Nursing home negligence
Power of Attorney
Probate of wills
Representation of executors and trustees
Representation of out-of-state beneficiaries
Social Security Disability
Spousal inheritance disputes
Wills
Will Contests

PORTLAND MAINE AREA PERSONAL INJURY and ACCIDENTS

Auto accident and injuries
Automobile accident
Bicycle or bike accident
Car accident
Construction accident
Dog bite injury
Drunk driving accident
Farming accident
Highway accident
Industrial accident
Workplace accident
Boat accident
Motorcycle accident
Snowmobile accident
Motor vehicle defect
Pedestrian accident
Products liability
Defective products
Truck accident
Slip and fall
Toxic mold exposure
Wrongful death

PORTLAND MAINE RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

Adjustable rate mortgage guidance
Adverse possession
Boundary disputes
Breach of warranty under title insurance
Condemnation help
Condominiums
Construction contracts
Covenants
Deeds
Easements
Foreclosure
Foreclosure Short Sales
Foreclosure Assistance
Homeowners Associations
Housing Discrimination
Lease
Lease with Option to Buy
Liens
Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage Law
Maine Real Estate Leases
Maine Real Estate Advice
Maine Real Estate Litigation
Options to purchase
Predatory lending
Probate
Promissory notes
Property law
Quiet title
Quit Claim Deeds
Real estate agent malpractice
Refinancing
Residential closings
Commercial closings
Rights of way
Stop foreclosure
Subdivisions
Title insurance
Violations of the Fair Housing Act
Zoning

MAINE LGBT LAW

Co-parenting Agreements
De Facto Parents
Same-sex Adoption
Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation
Discrimination based on Gender Identity
Transgender Issues