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.
- 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
-
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. -
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
Consultations offered online and by phone. A portion of consultation fees are applied to legal services fees if you hire the law firm.
- District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Bar
-
- New York
- New York State Office of Court Administration
-
- Virginia
- Virginia State Bar
-
- English: Spoken, Written
- 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.
- American University Washington College of Law
- J.D. | Juris Doctor
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude
-
- San Francisco State University
- MBA | finance
- Honors: Beta Sigma Kappa- High Honors
- Activities: International Exchange at Arnhem Business School- Holland
-
- University of Maryland - College Park
- B.S. | Biology and Molecular Genetics
-
- National Association of Elder Law Attorneys
- Current
-
- Virginia Association of Elder Law Attorneys
- Current
-
- Washington DC/Maryland Association of Elder Law Attorneys
- Current
-
- Women's Bar Association of D.C.
- Member
- - Current
-
- Q. Good day, thank you! Is it possible to say if probate is required for a revocable living trust in VA, US? Details below.
- A: My condolences on the passing of your friend or family member. One of the primary purposes of creating a revocable living trust is that the trustmaker can dispose of assets upon his/her death and avoid probate. In order to successfully by pass probate, (1) the trust must have been valid and (2) the title to property must have been transferred to the trustee of the trust during the trustmaker's lifetime. When assets are found that were not properly transferred to the trustee during the trustmaker's lifetime, then those assets pass through probate. Most people create a "pour over will", such that the assets that do go through probate are "poured" into the trust. ... Read More
- Q. Can i have a tenant assessment removed from record?
- A: Your terminology "tenant assessment" does not have meaning in Virginia. Do you mean an Unlawful Detainer? If you had an unlawful detainer that was dismissed, then you had a good outcome. You can file for expungement of a dismissed unlawful detainer 30 days after the date of dismissal.
- Q. I rented a room from a friend,he kicked me out, no warning,his gf kept all my belongings what can I do to get it back?
- A: I'm sorry this happened to you. If you lived in Virginia, it sounds like you have been "Unlawfully Excluded" from your residence, which is unlawful under Section 55.1-1243.1 of the Code of Virginia. If a judge finds that you have been unlawfully excluded, the judge can award you numerous remedies, including (i) statutory damages of the greater of $5,000 or 4 months rent; (ii) actual damages (iii) possession of the premises (iv) attorney fees (v) court costs (vi) termination of the lease. Many judges will also take actions for you to recover your personal belongings.
Virginia General District Court is form driven, and a Petition for Unlawful Exclusion is commenced by ... Read More
