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When searching for a skilled lawyer to meet your legal needs, go with an experienced firm that cares about protecting your rights. With more than 30 years of passionate service in bankruptcy law, family law, and real estate transactions, Bristol Law Office offers a wide range of solutions for clients across Roswell, NM, and the surrounding area. Attorney R. Matthew Bristol is dedicated to exceeding your expectations with detailed advice.
For a dependable attorney to protect your best interests, reach out to R. Matthew Bristol at Bristol Law Office. Call him today at (800) 300-1111 to schedule a consultation or visit him online for more information.
Mr. Bristol was a pleasure to work with. And that is rare encounter when considering we are talking about attorneys!
NC
Nelson Chadwick
Sep 21, 2020
5.0
I use Bristol for oil and gas legal services in Eddie County. I have had very good experiences with this law firm. They are responsive and professional and have been extremely helpful to me even though I live out of town. I highly recommend them for any legal counsel needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bristol Law Office
Why do I need to form a business entity? and
What is the difference between the LLC and a Corporation?
We form business entities, like an LLC or Corporation to protect us individually from the debts of the business.
A corporation has lots of annual paper work that most people fail to keep up with. An LLC, Limited Liability Company, has none of that paperwork. It is a much easier business entity.
When should I consider estate planning?
What is ‘estate planning’ anyway?
You should consider estate planning as soon as you have children. Who is going to raise them if something happens to you? In your Will you decide who raises your children, not some judge.
It means giving medical or financial powers of attorney to someone. It can mean making a Will or amending a Will.
What is “Community Property”?
A marriage creates a ‘community’ between a husband and wife. They are considered to be equal partners in the marriage. Generally, any asset gained or debt incurred during the marriage is owned 50-50. Equal ownership of community property means equal ownership regardless of whose name is on it.
Do I need a Will? Can't I just put my child's name on my house?
The problem is, a deed to a married child makes the property presumptively community property of that child AND the child’s spouse.
My neighbor says I cannot include medical bills in a bankruptcy. Can I include them?
Absolutely you can include medical bills in a bankruptcy.
I can get a deed from the printer or internet, why should I pay an attorney to do one?
Because you are likely to do it wrong.
Did you remember to recite the marital status of the party receiving the deed? This is a community property state and if you left off the marital status, that is a mistake.
A deed to two or more people can be written to where they can give away their share under their will or written to where the last surviving person gets it all. Not sure how to do that? Then you probably did it wrong.
My credit report says a credit card company ‘charged off’ my past due account. Does that mean they can’t collect it anymore?
No, it does not mean that. That is only an internal accounting move. It removes it as a liability off of their books. They can still try to collect it from you. They can sell it to a collection agency to collect from you.
How are assets divided in a divorce?
Any asset owned pre-marriage, or received after marriage by gift or inheritance, belongs only to that person. Any asset (or debt) received after marriage is owned 50-50 and is therefore usually split 50-50, regardless of whose name is on it.
Why is it important to form a business entity like an LLC or Corporation?
Forming a business entity like an LLC or Corporation protects you individually from the business's debts. An LLC requires less paperwork than a Corporation, making it easier to manage.
When should I consider estate planning and what does it involve?
Consider estate planning as soon as you have children to decide guardianship and grant medical or financial powers of attorney. It often includes making or amending a Will.
What does 'Community Property' mean in marriage?
In marriage, community property means both partners equally own assets and debts acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on them.
Do I need a Will to protect my property or can I just put my child’s name on the house?
Simply putting your child's name on the house can make it community property with their spouse. A Will properly addresses property inheritance and guardianship.
Can medical bills be included in a bankruptcy?
Yes, medical bills can absolutely be included in a bankruptcy filing.
Why should I hire an attorney to prepare a deed instead of using a printer or online template?
An attorney ensures the deed correctly states marital status and ownership terms to avoid legal mistakes, which generic forms often miss.
Does a 'charged off' status on my credit report mean the debt can't be collected?
No, 'charged off' is an accounting term; the creditor can still collect the debt or sell it to a collection agency.
How are assets divided during a divorce?
Assets owned before marriage or received as gifts/inheritance belong to that individual. Assets/debts acquired during marriage are usually split 50-50.
Where is Bristol Law Office located and what are its service areas?
Bristol Law Office is located at 105 W 3rd St, Ste 414, Roswell, NM 88201, serving Roswell, Chaves County, Eddy County, Lea County, and Lincoln County in New Mexico.
What nearby places can I visit around Bristol Law Office in Roswell?
Nearby you can visit MainStreet Roswell for arts and entertainment, the Alien Zone museum for unique souvenirs, or enjoy shopping at Casa Bella Boutique and She's a Dandy.
How can nearby services like C and C Escrow Services or RE/MAX First Place Realtors help me in legal or property transactions?
These nearby professional services assist with property management, escrow, and real estate transactions, which complement Bristol Law Office's real estate legal services.
Can local banks like Bank of the Southwest assist with financial services near Bristol Law Office?
Yes, Bank of the Southwest, located nearby, offers banking and investing services that can support your financial needs in conjunction with legal advice from Bristol Law Office.