Family Law

• Divorce
  Post-divorce modifications of judgments are not always simple affairs. The divorce may have been recent or several years ago but situations change and sometimes the parties need to make adjustments to their divorce agreement. Other times, one or both parties cannot let go and want to continue to use the court system to vent their emotions. If you have a divorce judgment, and circumstances have changed that require addressing, contact our attorneys so that we can meet with you and help you restructure an existing agreement or judgment to fit the new landscape of your situation.
• Child Support
  Relationships sometimes go bad without a marriage involved but with children involved. In this situation, both parents have rights and responsibilities to their children. Sometimes it is necessary to involve the courts to resolve disputes between the parents or to make a parent accept their share of responsibility. In plain language known as “child support” and/or “custody”, parental rights and responsibilities are determined by the Court, or by agreement of the parties, and create the binding structure for all matters related to raising your child or children. Naturally, these determinations are frequently a contentious area. We have the experience and professionalism to help you work with your former partner and the Court in a constructive and productive manner in order to reach the best possible resolution. We know your highest priority is the well-being of your child or children, so call us today and let us aid you in ensuring their best interests are met and your rights are protected.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  Attorney Chris Leddy has been invited to present at the 2023 Family Law Institute on Monday, March 27th by the Maine State Bar Association! There he will go over the essentials of appointing a Guardian ad Litem, or GAL, in a child custody litigation matter to legal professionals from all over the state of Maine. With several appointments as a Guardian ad Litem, and currently serving on the Guardian Ad Litem Review Board, Attorney Leddy will be putting his vast experience to use as he covers the purpose and methodology of a GAL in such legal cases.
• Adoption
• Guardianship
  When a loved one passes on, the attorneys at Ainsworth, Thelin & Raftice stand ready to help guide surviving family members through the probate process. This includes administration of large and small estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Our professional, knowledgeable staff will ensure that all required documents including inventories, accountings, and tax forms are completed and filed on a timely basis. We administer trusts, assist with name changes in the probate court, and represent the estate or beneficiaries in probate litigation.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  If you have been accused of a crime in Maine, the criminal defense attorneys at Ainsworth, Thelin & Raftice, P.A. have the experience and know-how to navigate the legal system and resolve the matter efficiently, professionally, and discretely.
• Wrongful Death
  Attorney Gamache believes an attorney dealing with a personal injury or wrongful death case needs a special kind of compassion. “What sets us apart from other firms are the ongoing and long-lasting relationships we have with clients. It’s a partnership,” he says. “We have to believe in each other. In the case of any significant life event – like an injury – it’s important to work with someone in whom you have confidence.”
• Traffic Violations
  Speeding, criminal speeding, and all moving violations can have lasting effects on your license status and your insurance. Make sure you avoid unnecessarily harsh results by contacting our team.
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  It is common for misdemeanor theft cases to be resolved with a small fine at arraignment. The “offer” from the District Attorney may sound attractive, the fine is small, and you do not have to return to court. However, misdemeanor theft convictions can “add up” to a felony. That means that old theft cases, even those you resolved with a small fine, can lead to a simple shoplifting arrest being charged as a felony! ALL CRIMINAL CHARGES need to be taken seriously and with your future in mind. A “simple” resolution today can lead to Felony charges in years to come. Be certain your situation is assessed fairly and that your future is protected, get our team on board quickly.
• Drug Crimes
  Compliance is going to control the industry.  Given the anticipated demand for licenses, one slip by you or a business partner could find  you sitting on the sidelines.  Does your ownership group have the right makeup?  Are there any "disqualifying drug offenses"?  Are all your officers "Residents" as defined by the rules?
• Assault
• Probation Violation
  A probationer is subject to arrest and detention for much less proof than is the general public. Probation conditions can be violated by non-criminal conduct and any violation can result in jail time, perhaps even the imposition of the full sentence underlying the probation term. Quite simply, the rules for probation violations are different, and they do NOT favor the Defendant. Our counsel can guide you to a just result by assuring that all relevant facts are brought before the Court.
• Shoplifting

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  Shareholder Agreements are useful tools that can be used to effectuate corporate governance with more flexibility and increased privacy than relying on the constitutional documents of the business entity. As the name suggests, these agreements are among a corporation’s shareholders and will govern the rights and responsibilities of the shareholders and how the company will be run. As is it a private law contract, it is not open to public inspection as generally are constitutional documents.
• Mergers and Acquisitions
  Broadly speaking, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are terms that are used when more than one business decides to either join together to form a new company (merger), or one company buys and/or takes over another company (acquisition). Acquisition of a target business can be either by a Stock Purchase or an Asset Purchase. The type of purchase the acquiring business wants to undertake will depend on a variety of factors that should be discussed with an experienced business attorney in order to maximize the value of the purchase and protect the acquiring business from potential liabilities down the road. Mergers generally require the creation of a new entity formed by the merging companies. Likewise, Maine has its own merger statute which must be complied with if a merger is to be legally effectuated, requiring a variety of intricate legal technicalities to be followed.
• Business Formation
  With the new recreational marijuana laws comes new business opportunity.  Like any regulated business, entrepreneurs will face many regulatory hurdles. These issues include criminal background checks, licensing, police oversight, advertising and much more.  Here, at Ainsworth, Thelin and Raftice, we can help with all aspects of business formation, compliance, and analysis of the laws, but that is just step one.
• Business Disputes
  Attorney Donald A. Fowler, Jr. is retiring after practicing law for 57 years. ATR will continue his law practice located at 243 Main Street in Kingfield with a focus in real estate, estate planning, probate, business law and OUI. This provides an opportunity for local access to high quality legal services in the Kingfield area. ATR is excited to begin this adventure. Feel free to stop by between 7:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday and meet our newest staff member Sheri! We would like to extend our congratulations to Don Fowler in his retirement!
• Business Transactions
  Jerome handles a wide variety of simple and complex residential and commercial transactions.  From single family homes to multi-million dollar bed and breakfast’s, Jerome will work to help you reach your desired outcome.
• Limited Liability Companies
  Jake is a shareholder of the firm and practices in ATR’s Real Estate, Commercial and Business, and Construction groups. He works with business clients of all kinds, from sole proprietors to closely-held limited liability companies and corporations from entity formation, to acquisitions and sales, operational and transactional financing, and commercial leasing and general contract work. Jake’s real estate practice involves representing clients in all aspects of commercial real estate matters such as acquisitions and sales, institutional and private financing transactions, real estate development, construction, and commercial and residential leasing. Leveraging his experience with business and real estate transactional matters, Jake also has a focused construction practice working with contractors and construction managers, owners, and subcontractors on various litigation matters and resolution of mechanic’s lien and other construction disputes, as well as negotiating and drafting construction agreements of all kinds for owners, developers, and construction industry professionals.
• Construction Contracts
  It is really a soup-to-nuts package that ATR offers to landlords for legal services. They can help you create an entity to purchase the property or navigate the labyrinth of construction contracts, resolve property disputes, prepare and enforce leases, and evict tenants when necessary. Maine law regularly changes in this area and the firm’s attorneys stay as proactive as possible with those changes.

Employment Law

• Employment Contract
  Employment matters is a broad category that can encompass many legal issues. Whether your business is hiring employees on the front end, and needs employment contracts or, conversely, your business is thinking of terminating employees and chooses to use severance agreements, professional advice will serve your business well by ensuring applicable laws are followed and agreements are fair. Should you have a claim filed against you with the Maine Human Rights Commission, call us for professional advice.
• Employment Litigation
  Litigation of any kind is stressful on a client, and even more so when the litigation affects the client’s business and livelihood. At ATR, our attorneys understand and respect the time, funds and effort you have put into building, growing and maintaining your business, and want to help you protect that investment. Our attorneys have extensive experience in navigating the litigation process surrounding business disputes related to everything from breach of contract claims, employment issues, disputes over employment agreements and non-compete clauses, to lease and landlord tenant issues and construction law matters. Whether you have a claim against another party or you and/or your business is being sued, you can rest assured the attorneys of ATR are ready to assist you from inception of a lawsuit to judgment, and even in enforcing your judgment and ensuring you receive what you are owed. Business owners know they can rely on the expertise and skill of the ATR attorneys to secure and to protect their business interests.
• Severance Agreement

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  I am not surprised to see Portland come out on top.  With an abundance of cultural and culinary destinations there is a reason young professionals, families, and retirees are flocking to the state. Jerome Gamache, Jake Bowie, and I have worked with clients on real estate matters all over Maine.  With a median home price of $301,000, Portland offers affordability that cities like Boston cannot.
• Construction Litigation
  Maine’s mechanic lien statutory law, as well as related statutes pertaining to late construction payments and the Home Construction Contract Act, serve to alter the landscape between litigants. In order to be made whole on delinquent payments for construction services, Mechanic’s Liens are an effective tool for enforcing and protecting your rights. However, there are certain formalities and strict timelines that apply. If you miss one of the deadlines, you very likely miss out on taking an interest in the property you worked on as collateral. As such, it is important you speak with someone with experience in these matters. If you are a commercial or residential contractor seeking to protect your rights to be paid, or if your litigation dispute involves construction, call us today and let our attorneys make sure your hard work is rewarded.
• Real Estate Transactions
  Attorney Eleanor Dominguez assisted Multivision Investments LLC and Capital Properties LLC to purchase 49 properties, incorporating 204 residential units, in Augusta in an expansion of their investment portfolio. Eleanor was joined by the other ATR real estate team members, Attorneys Jerome Gamache and Jake Bowie, who also assisted with the title and closing and corporate issues related to large-scale multi-unit ownership. Their combined involvement highlights the fact that our firm can assist with all aspects of your commercial real estate transaction, and the ongoing legal matters related to your business thereafter, guided by years of experience and knowledge by the team of attorneys here at Ainsworth, Thelin & Raftice, P.A.
• Easement
• Land Use and Zoning
  "Jerome Gamache and his team provided excellent support for a recent real estate transaction in an unorganized township in Maine. Jerome took the time needed to understand the details of the property, pending Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC) subdivision permits, prior subdivision and deed requirements, covenants and easements. He has a solid understanding of LUPC rules, requirements and processes, which was invaluable to navigate through the multitude of barriers that needed to be resolved prior to the property being ready to close. Jerome was instrumental in making the deal come to fruition as he effectively became the project manager to get alignment of all parties (LUPC, Soils contractor, Surveyor, Seller representatives, etc.) to obtain required approvals and allow the deal to close. He kept me very well informed throughout the process and was responsive to my questions and needs. In short, Jerome and his team provided excellent service at a very reasonable cost. I will definitely use their services again in the future." -JS
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  When a person dies from injuries received as a result of another’s actions, they cannot file for personal injury litigation. However, their estate or surviving family members can file a Wrongful Death claim. Medical and funeral expense, loss of companionship, love and nurturing as well as loss of financial support may be awarded in a wrongful death claim. Although it is neither pleasant or easy to put a financial claim on a loved one’s life, it is the job of courts and juries in wrongful death cases.
• Medical Malpractice
  Whether it is from any type of motor vehicle accident; automobile, truck, aviation, motorcycle, or boat, dealing with an injury can be stressful and overwhelming. The same is true if you are injured due to a pedestrian accident or medical malpractice. Our personal injury attorneys are dedicated to lifting that burden from your shoulders by offering extensive legal experience to guide you through the legal process that otherwise can be taxing and confusing. Our firm is small enough to provide exceptional, personalized service, yet large enough to offer the quality expected from more than 100 years of combined legal experience. The firm’s team-based approach means you get the committed services of the attorney you hire while benefitting from the collective institutional knowledge of all the attorneys. Our experienced team has the knowledge to investigate complex cases, negotiate with insurance companies and the at-fault parties, and reach a resolution through settlement or trial. Read More
• Auto Accidents

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  Attorney Dominguez often finds herself working with military members and their families. Coming from a military family herself, Elly has firsthand experience of family sacrifices for those who serve our country. Her father served with the United States Navy for 20 years and her brother is currently serving in the United States Navy, so she is very excited to assist military families with their legal needs. Working with seniors and veterans allows her to focus on the whole individual and not just a specific area so that she can help with long-term care planning, estate planning or any of the many other aspects of life past age 65.
• Wills
• Trusts
  If you have a person in your life with special needs, advance planning to care for them is critical. You will want to discuss with your attorney options, whether that be incorporating a Special Needs Trust or otherwise providing sufficient financial and care protections for that person.
• Power of Attorney
  A Financial Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone you choose to act on your behalf. It can be used for a single transaction or to make all decisions and transactions on your behalf. Because a Financial Power of Attorney gives the named person considerable access over your financial affairs, it is not to be taken lightly. Read More
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
• Foreclosure
  If you are contemplating foreclosing on a property, it is likely the case that you are losing money by the day from missed payments and/or property waste. Time, therefore, is of the essence. Ainsworth, Thelin & Raftice, P.A.’s foreclosure group has helped numerous local and national lenders and mortgage portfolio servicers efficiently process their foreclosure needs in accordance with all customary VA, FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac time and fee schedules. Our attorneys have extensive experience dealing with the rigorous legal procedural requirements associated with foreclosing on a property and collecting what is owed.
• Tax Law
  A trust is a legal entity under which one person holds legal title to property for the benefit of others. Trusts are often used for tax planning, to provide for someone with expertise to manage assets, or to shelter assets to protect them from creditors or long-term care planning. There are several types of trusts. Read More