The laws touch everyone's life, but not everyone feels like they can access the law when they have problems. Almost everyone has an encounter with housing issues, aging and elder law, special needs, estate planning or probate, but not everyone feels like they can find the right attorney. I focus on making the law accessible to people who need help vindicating their rights and benefiting from the legal system.
As a Virginia licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience, I have represented and successfully counseled and advocated for a diverse group of clients, ranging from successful businesses to vulnerable individuals.
My legal education at the American University Washington College of Law and business education at the San Francisco State University Master of Business Administration program provided me with the education and skills to provide services for others. My education in the school of life provided me with diverse work experiences and the ability to relate to people on a personal level. It is my goal to invite people into the legal system to protect their rights, prosperity, and peace of mind.
The Law Office of Maria T Patente PLLC strives to promote economic development for individuals and the community through counseling entrepreneurs and small businesses and assisting individuals and families with life and estate plans. Whether you are seeking legal solutions in an emergency or strategizing to protect and grow your prosperity or protect a beloved person, I will put the law to work for you.
I am an active member of numerous bar associations and community organizations including the Women's Bar Association of Washington DC, the Fairfax Bar Association, the Academy of Special Needs Planners, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Women in Film and Video, and the Veg Society of Washington DC. I also work as a Guardian Ad Litem for children in Virginia.
- American University Washington College of Law
- J.D. | Juris Doctor
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude
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- San Francisco State University
- MBA | finance
- Honors: Beta Sigma Kappa- High Honors
- Activities: International Exchange at Arnhem Business School- Holland
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- University of Maryland - College Park
- B.S. | Biology and Molecular Genetics
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- Owner/Attorney
- The Law Office of Maria T. Patente PLLC
- - Current
- Represented thousands of clients in General District Courts and Circuit Courts in civil matters in Virginia.
- National Association of Elder Law Attorneys
- Current
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- Virginia Association of Elder Law Attorneys
- Current
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- Washington DC/Maryland Association of Elder Law Attorneys
- Current
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- Women's Bar Association of D.C.
- Member
- - Current
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- District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Bar
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- New York
- New York State Office of Court Administration
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- Virginia
- Virginia State Bar
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Free Consultation
Initial consultations are at a substantially reduced rate, and 50% of the fee is credited to your account if you hire the firm in your matter. -
Credit Cards Accepted
All major credit cards and debit cards are accepted. Wireless transfers and interbank transfers are accepted. We also accept money orders, checks, and cash. -
Contingent Fees
Contingent fees depend on the nature of the case.
- Landlord Tenant
- Evictions, Housing Discrimination, Landlord Rights, Rent Control, Tenants' Rights
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Probate
- Probate Administration, Probate Litigation, Will Contests
- Elder Law
- Real Estate Law
- Condominiums, Easements, Homeowners Association, Land Use & Zoning, Mortgages, Neighbor Disputes, Residential Real Estate
- Domestic Violence
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Victims Rights
- Special Needs Law, Mental Health/Civil Commitment Law
- English: Spoken, Written
- Q. Is a change in power of attorney valid if it was done within 90 days of being diagnosed in dementia?
- A: A diagnosis alone does is not complete proof that a person lacked capacity to execute a valid Power of Attorney. In addition, "dementia" is a general term and can include varying degrees of inability to process information accurately. However, for a Power of Attorney to be valid, the Principal--the person signing the instrument--must have the capacity to understand the instrument, its contents, and its significance. An estate planning attorney will not draft a Power of Attorney for a person who lacks capacity. Sometimes, if the attorney has unresolved doubts, the attorney may send the Principal to a specialist to evaluate capacity to understand the document. This is different from a general diagnosis of dementia.
- Q. I have a legal question about someone vacating my residence
- A: I advise against taking "self-help". The Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act creates a high penalty for landlords who evict a tenant without obtaining a Judgement of Possession and Writ of Eviction through a Court. The penalty can exceed $5,000 plus attorney fees for the tenant. Additionally, if you go to Court, then the Judge will decide whether or not the Notices you provided to the tenant were legally sufficient. I recommend hiring an attorney, as it can be faster and cheaper than making mistakes in an eviction matter.
- Q. salemans modified cancelled contract, forged name, then file with collections agency..what options to stop collections
- A: Yes, your son could pursue a private right of action under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. In these cases, any intentional or willful actions that violate the act enable the Plaintiff to recover treble (triple) the damages and attorney fees. The Virginia Consumer Protection Act creates a cause of action for forgery and fraud, among many others. Issues about evidence would likely be the most complicated aspect of developing the case.