Carolyn B. Harris, Attorney at Law
(831) 372-3058

Realistic, Compassionate Monterey Bay Attorney

Family Law and Divorce ° Business and Corporate Law ° Property Issues

At the law office of Carolyn B. Harris, Attorney at Law, my practice is founded on communication and effective representation. Contact me for a consultation.

While I focus on family law and divorce, I have a background in a variety of legal issues. Whether in negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, or trial, I advocate effectively for your immediate and long-term interests. 

Family Law

Collaborative Law

An alternative to a divorce trial, collaborative law is an out-of-court approach where you and your spouse work together in a carefully controlled environment to reach an agreement without the direct involvement of a judge. With collaborative law, options become possible that would not be if the case were handed down by a judge. The working relationship you need to make decisions about education, faith, medical treatment, and upbringing later on can be built and preserved. Costs can be kept much lower. While not all cases are suited for collaborative law, when there is a possibility spouses can work together, it is a very effective option.
 
Limited-Scope Representation (Unbundling)

Divorce is not only emotional, but financially draining. If you and your ex-spouse can resolve most of your issues together, you may need representation for only a few points—such as your parenting time (visitation) arrangements. I am happy to help you keep your legal fees down by representing you on a limited scope.

Move-Away Issues

When one parent wants or needs to move away from Monterey County, visitation and child support issues immediately become critical. There are options to help you preserve the relationship between you and your child. Let me help you find them.

Paternity Disestablishment

On Sept. 28, 2004 a bill was enacted granting alleged fathers a two-year period in which to request blood tests or DNA paternity testing to prove their lack of paternity. This law only applies to Department of Child Support Services Title IV-D (welfare) cases, and it does not matter how old your child was when the default paternity judgment was entered. The two year period expires Sept. 28, 2006.

Commercial and Residential Landlord - Tenant Issues

I draft and review clear, enforceable leases, negotiate with property owners, help resolve disputes, process evictions, perform collections for property damage or unreturned deposits, and more.

Business Contracts and Disputes

Whether you need an attorney to incorporate your company, draw up your partnership agreement, negotiate, draft, or review a contract, or handle any dispute, I have the experience, acumen, and skill to effectively represent your business interests.

Personal Injury

• Injured because of someone else’s negligence in a car accident, truck wreck, motorcycle collision, commercial vehicle crash, SUV rollover, or boating accident?
• Hurt in a slip and fall due to a broken sidewalk, wet floor, damaged sidewalk or staircase? Were you injured in an unsupervised pool or assaulted due to a lack of security?
• Did you sustain a back, neck, or head injury in a construction accident caused by dangerous or defective equipment, a scaffolding collapse, a broken ladder, or lack of safety equipment?

As your personal injury lawyer, I can help you recoverdoctor or hospital bills, ambulance charges, costs for rehabilitation, home care, nursing, long-term care, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Property Disputes

If you need to negotiate an easement, obtain a zoning variance, or resolve a spite fence dispute, my experience and realism is a real benefit.

Construction Defects

A home, business property, or investment real estate purchase is a major financial outlay. Improperly installed stucco, leaking windows, cracking roofs, poor ventilation, or lack of drainage can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. If faulty construction causes mold, leakage, shifting, or other damage, I can help you obtain compensation through a negotiated settlement or litigation.

If you need quality legal representation in any of these areas, hire an aggressive personal injury lawyer to negotiate your settlement or try your claim. Contact me for a consultation.

Visa and MasterCard accepted

Carolyn B. Harris
 Attorney at Law
494 Alvarado Street, Suite F
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (831) 372-3058
Fax: (831) 372- 3069

Located in Monterey, California, lawyer Carolyn B. Harris serves clients throughout Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties, including the communities of Salinas, Marina, King City, Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Soledad, Monterey Bay, and the Monterey Peninsula.