Trusted and Innovative Full-Service Law Firm in Houlton, Maine

Dedicated to protecting your rights and interests

For 44 years, David J. Edgar, Attorney at Law has dedicated his neighborhood full-service law firm to meeting the legal needs of individuals and small businesses in Houlton, Maine in a focused, friendly and professional manner.

Mr. Edgar cares about the people who come to him for legal help — whether they are drowning in debt and seek to file for bankruptcy or want to protect family and assets with a valid estate plan. Mr. Edgar strives to resolve your legal issues quickly, no matter how complex they are. He guides you through every step of the legal process until your case is resolved.

In addition its focus on compassionate and highly personal representation, the firm utilizes state-of-the-art technology and legal software to help resolve your issues to your satisfaction efficiently and cost-effectively.

David J. Edgar, Attorney at Law offers diligent representation in the following areas:

• Consumer bankruptcy― Mr. Edgar helps to determine if bankruptcy is the best route for you. If so, he helps you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code. Bankruptcy law requires you to get credit counseling and take a financial management course as part of your filing. He can recommend where you can get these courses.
• Estate planning and probate― Regardless of the size or complexity of your estate, Mr. Edgar can assist with wills, trusts, irrevocable trusts, guardianships, living wills, powers of attorney, estate planning, estate tax planning and all probate matters.

Proudly serving clients in Aroostook, Washington and Penobscot Counties
David J. Edgar, Attorney at Law represents individuals and small businesses in Houlton and throughout Aroostook, Washington and Penobscot Counties in Maine.

Contact a strong legal advocate in Houlton, Maine.
For help with your legal issues, call David J. Edgar, Attorney at Law at 207-532-2255 or contact Mr. Edgar online.

What Happens When You Call the Office

Every call to the Houlton office is answered by a person during business hours, not by a phone tree. You will be asked for your name, a number where you can be reached, and a sentence or two about the problem. Nobody expects you to explain the whole case on that first call; the goal is simply to put your matter in front of the right person.

Most matters are scheduled for a short consultation within a few business days. If you are facing a court date, a foreclosure notice, a bankruptcy filing deadline, or a denial letter with a date to appeal, say so at the start of the call. Those dates move to the front of the calendar, because missing them usually costs more than the legal fee.

Documents to Bring to the First Meeting

Mr. Edgar asks clients to bring the paperwork that describes the situation. With the papers on the table, the first meeting is spent answering questions instead of taking notes about things that could have been copied in advance.

• Photo identification and, when the matter involves a filing, a Social Security number.
• Court documents, letters, notices, and collection letters, including the envelopes when the postmark date matters.
• For a bankruptcy review: recent pay stubs, two years of tax returns, and statements for every bank account, loan, and credit card.
• For a real estate matter: the purchase and sale agreement, the deed, any title or mortgage documents, and the current tax bill.
• For estate planning: existing wills, trusts, deeds, life insurance policies, and a list of the people you want to include and how they are related to you.

How Fees Are Handled

Fee arrangements differ by type of work. Bankruptcy and Social Security matters are usually quoted as a flat fee so there is no ambiguity about the cost. Real estate closings and title work are billed at a set closing fee, with recording costs itemized separately. Estate planning is quoted once the scope of the documents is known. The fee is explained before work begins, in writing when the matter allows it.

Common Questions

Does the office handle matters outside Houlton?

The practice covers Aroostook, Washington, and Penobscot Counties, and the office regularly accepts matters from elsewhere in northern Maine when the travel is reasonable.

Can the first consultation be held by telephone?

Yes, for most matters. Documents can be mailed, dropped off, or scanned ahead of time and the meeting held by telephone. Real estate closings, and any matter that requires a signature in front of a notary, still need a visit.

What if I have already spoken with another lawyer?

Bring the name of the attorney and the current status of the case. Changing counsel is common enough, but the ethical rules require that the prior lawyer be notified, and that step is handled at the beginning.