Melissa Totaro

The law firm of Houston & Totaro represents consumers across the state of New Jersey in cases involving consumer fraud, unconscionable conduct and unfair business practices by automobile dealers and other types of businesses; predatory lending; mortgage servicing abuse, and violations of federal and state consumer protection laws. We use a combination of telephone conferences and e-mail communications, as well as face to face meetings, to obtain the information needed to make informed decisions about a case, in order to accommodate clients from all counties, and appear in courts throughout the state of New Jersey, state and federal. We take the vast majority of our cases on a contingency basis, so that consumers who could otherwise not afford to do so can seek redress for their losses.

Consumer Law

Class Action, Lemon Law

• Contingent Fees

New Jersey

Since 1993

Partner

Houston & Totaro, Attorneys-at-Law

1999 - Current

Staff Attorney - Consumer Law Unit

Passaic County Legal Aid Society

1994 - 1998

Judicial Law Clerk

Superior Court of New Jersey

1993 - 1994

Rutgers School of Law-Newark

J.D. (1993) | Law

1989 - 1993

Honors: Degree awarded with Honors. Elected to the Order of the Coif. Awarded one of four West Publishing Co. Scholarship Awards given to four graduates who distinguished themselves in an area of scholarly achievement.

Rutgers University - Newark

B.A. (1988) | English

1984 - 1988

Honors: Awarded degree with High Honors

National Association of Consumer Advocates

Member

2002 - Current

New Jersey State Bar  # 019461993

Member

1993 - Current

Q. I purchased life insurance from Colonial Penn a few months ago. Last week a rep called me and tried to get me to upgrade

November 3, 2020

A: Selling you coverage you did not want and did not ask for is not permissible. You should call the company and try to get the change reversed and the coverage that you want reinstated at the original premium that you were happy with. If the company refuses to do it, you should contact a consumer law attorney.

Q. Can I cancel my wedding in NJ in 11/2020 under the impossibility clause for a full refund due to COVID?

August 13, 2020

A: In addition to whatever the terms are in your contract, there are principals of general contract law regarding unforeseeable intervening events, impossibility and frustration of purpose that may apply to your situation. In addition, if the venue refuses to allow you to cancel and return your deposit, its actions may be considered unconscionable under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which provides a prevailing consumer with triple damages and attorneys fees. You should ask a consumer law attorney to review your contract and the facts of your case. You may want an attorney to write a letter on your behalf in an effort to secure the return of your deposit. If the venue still refuses, or if you believe a letter would be futile and prefer to consider litigation, a consumer law attorney will assess the strength of your case and may offer representation in litigation at a low cost to you. ... Read More

Q. Can our wedding venue ignore us and go silent on our refund request?

August 10, 2020

A: Based on the information in your question it appears clear that the venue is unwilling to refund your money voluntarily. You should contact an attorney that practices consumer law and provide them with your contract and the facts of your situation. If there is a strong case that the venue is acting in bad faith or deceptively, and if the venue is financially viable, a consumer law attorney may be willing to represent you at limited cost to you.