MUNICIPAL ZONING AND PLANNING BOARD MATTERS
Whenever you are trying to build or change a commercial use whether already approved or not, you will probably need legal assistance to efficiently complete your plan. Commercial development and site modifications almost always need site plan approval from the locak government and may need special exceptions to existing rules and laws that restrict or hinder your plans. Our firm is expert at working through the myriad of complex and confusing often conflicting rule and regulation, local, county and state, that can cause your project to flounder and fail or become exorbitantly expensive. We have 30 plus years representing private clients and municipal boards of adjustment and planning boards, have written entrie land-use ordinances and understand and work within this process frequently and successfully.
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REAL ESTATE BUY/SELL/LEASE/MORTGAGE
We have been representing both commercial and residential buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants in various transactions for more than 30 years. Our firm has been recognised by real estate clients and realtor referral agents as a firm that gets you to the closing table or the final form of lease. We will take you through the process step by step whether you are a first time home buyer or an experienced investor, explaining the process and anwereing your questions to enable you to make an informed decision on each issue that come's up. To help resildentail clients, we have developed an information letter that clarifies many issues that will come up and helps you remember what your responsibilties are. We will coordinate your matter with your realtor, guide you through the inspection phase and mortgage phase, bringing you to finality of your transaction quickly and simply. Our fees are fully disclosed in writing and accompany our information statement and, of course, we are available for your questions.
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REAL ESTATE PROPERTY TAX APPEALS
Everyone who owns real estate and many who lease it have to pay real proerty taxes as a result of budgetary needs of municipal and county governments and community educations expenses. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your property. All property similarly situated is required to be assessed in the same manner. All assessments are as of October 1 of the year prior to the tax year in question. Soemtimes the assessment is based on incorrect information, a mistake by the Assessor or a judgement of value that is no longer valid or was wrong to begin with. Tax payers have a right to appeal to the County Board of Taxation and the New Jersey Tax Court for review of the assessment. If the assessment is reduced, your tax bill will also be reduced. Generally, typical appeals have to be filed on or before April 1 of the tax year in question. All property taxes due and owing as of the filing of the appeal must be paid prior to filing the appeal. All financial requests for information from the tax assessor must be answered and returned promptly. You should not refuse an inspection by the Assessor provided proper identification is offered and there is a reason for the inpsection. If you have questions the accuracy of your assessment, speak first with your assessor. If you have a deserving case, we can help you get the relief you are entitle to.
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WILLS AND ESTATES
Often overlooked, providing directions for the disposition of your personal and real property is an important, often inexpensive and simple way to be certain that your loved ones will receive what you want them to receive after your death. Where there is a proper will, the process of Probate is quite easy and inexpenssive, often taking only 15 minutes to complete at the Surrogate's Offices. Failure to have a proper will with clear directions, can result in a stranger being appointed to hanndle your affairs, delays and dispositions of your property that you would not want, as well as expensive Court proceedings to resolve any conflicts. If you have property of any value or if you have children, it is important to be properly prepared. We will handle all you planning needs in this regard.
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FAMILY/DIVORCE MEDIATION
Involved with the representation of divorcing couples for more than 30 years has led us to conclude that a more positive approach to this often difficult and emotional time is through voluntary mediation where both parties are counselled and guided to an agreed resolution of their disputes through open and honest disclosure and communication. Cost is far less than litigation and results are far better. We offer a program designed to review all the issues and reslove each one to the couples mutual satsifaction, ending with a signed memorandum of agreement which may be used in Court if you wish. We will meet with you after hours on week nights or on a weekend day if necessary.
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DISCIPLINARY HEARING OFFICER - MUNICIPALITES AND COUNTIES
Edward M. Dunne is uniquely educated and has the right experience to assist municipal and county non-civil service governments resolve disputed employee disciplinary matters. Having served as a municipal attorney for multiple municipalities as well a municipal court judge, has provided the legal knowledge and judgement to quckly and objectively resolve such disputes. Being independent of the entity avoids the appearance of prejudice and possible conflicts of interest and lends a level of credability and respectability that may not be available if a supervisor or other employee acts in this capacity. The likelihood of appeals based on favoritism, prejudice and conflict of interest as well as failure to properly weigh the evidence are reduced, saving tax dollars in the long run.
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MUNICIPAL COURT MATTERS
From minor traffic infractions to driving under the influence, from dog at large to zoning violation or shoplifting to drug possession, we have repesented clients in municpal courts thoughout north and central New Jersey. The consequences available for violations of law at the municipal level are seriouis including fines up to one thousand dollars, loss of license for 10 years and 180 days in jail, with additional surcharges and fees added on. Do not face these consequences alone. Mr. Dunne has served as both a prosecutor and municipal court judge in multiple municipalities and has thousands of cases of experience to get you matter resolved in the best possible way for you under your circumstances.
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