Leonard J. Coates
I have a concentration in probate and estate matters. I enjoy assisting clients with their estate planning needs. I usually am involved in the active settlement of approximately 30 estates. I have also participated in thousands of real estate related matters ranging from straight forward residential real estate closings to contested land use matters involving site plans variances and waivers. I also have long experience in matrimonial matters and have helped to resolve hundreds of divorces. My goal is to advance my clients’ interests in a fair and evenhanded approach to solving problems.
My Areas of Practice
Wills & Estates including will preparation, probate, trusts, estates, taxes, estate planning & powers of attorney, Probate Court litigation including will contests, court approved guardianships; guardian ad litem appointments,
Real Estate Law including residential and commercial real estate closings
Land Use Law including appearances before planning and zoning boards throughout NJ for site plan approvals, major and minor sub division approvals, use variances, bulk variances and waivers.
Landlord Representation including notice cases and non-payment of rent.
Condemnation including representation of owners of land in contested condemnation proceedings, numerous court appointments as Condemnation Commissioner including Presiding Commissioner.
Family Law including divorce, marital settlement agreements, custody and child support, pre-nuptial agreements. Served as an early settlement panelist in Mercer County for 17 years.
Corporate & Partnership Law including formations and LLCs.
Criminal & Municipal Court including housing violations, disorderly persons, felonies and indictable offenses, misdemeanors, domestic violence, juvenile matters, traffic violations, DUI.
Bar Admissions
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey Bar, 1979
Education
J.D., University of Miami School of Law, Miami, FL
B.A., Bucknell University
Peddie School
Professional Associations and Memberships
New Jersey State Bar Association
Mercer County Bar Association
Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 2004
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