Charter Joe Atty

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Welcome to my website, www.JoeCharter.info! My intention with this site to provide you with useful information concerning the type of legal services I am most interested in providing. Even if you do not choose to employ me to provide those services to you, you can find basic, useful information concerning several areas of Oregon law here. Please also read the disclaimer information, however, and talk to an attorney or take whatever steps necessary to preserve your rights in any event. I have lived and practiced law in the Rogue Valley since 1990, and have been blessed to serve many individuals and businesses and community service programs.
The Attorney Profile sets forth my background and areas of concentration. In these troubled economic times, expert advice on options regarding Bankruptcy and the rights of debtors is essential. In general, the order of specialities listed within each area of concentration in the profile reflects a higher degree of interest on my part in those types of cases. As Jackson County s Justice of the Peace since 2004, I have had the privilege of conducting dozens of Marriages each year. You can find the Vows I typically use here. I have been a Mediator since 1996 and believe that Mediation is a much better way to resolve the disputes that arise in family law and Divorce than taking cases to court. In the family law area, I particularly enjoy helping couples complete Adoptions, prenuptial agreements, and domestic partnership agreements for unmarried partners. I have also handled numerous Probate cases, including Guardianships and Conservatorships, and can prepare useful planning documents such as powers of attorney, simple wills and Advance Directives.

I have handled numerous Employment cases, including cases argued on appeal which established injured workers right to future wage loss or front pay damages. I particularly enjoy handling Wage Claims , such as claims for overtime, which can allow you to recover your attorneys fees and double the amount of overtime owed you in damages. Just because you are paid a salary does not mean you are not entitled to overtime -- one of several specific exemptions must apply. The key in these cases is keeping good records of the time you actually work. I have also been successful in negotiating severance packages for employees who are leaving high paying jobs after long periods of employment, in representing claimants for Unemployment Benefits , and in helping workers defeat Non-Competition Agreements .
During this time of economic turmoil and disruption in the lending industry, we are seeing increasing need for legal advice related to potential Foreclosures and Loan Modifications. There may be several options to help homeowners avoid foreclosure or modify the terms of their mortgage so that they can stay in their home.
I have just recently obtained a Real Estate license, and I look forward to helping old friends and new in Buying and Selling Real Estate. Before undertaking one of the most expensive purchases in your life, you may want to have an experienced attorney review agreements to make sure everything is in order. I have handled dozens of cases involving construction defects, leases and Landlord-Tenant matters. Please contact me at Charter@AshlandOregon.org or (541) 779-9330 if I can be of professional service to you in the Rogue Valley area.