The Law Firm of Widmer & Associates
Over 30 Years
EXPERIENCE
The law firm of Widmer & Associates maintains a general civil practice, with an emphasis on adoption law and wills, successions, probate, and powers of attorney. We also handle collections and real estate matters. Our goal is to protect you, your family and your business and to quickly and effectively resolve your legal issues.
We aim to provide superior client services and treat each client with respect and dignity.
Our Practice Areas
The law firm of Widmer & Associates specializes in adoptions, real estate, wills, probate, successions, and collections.
The circumstances surrounding each adoption case are unique and require an in-depth understanding of adoption law and related matters. At the law firm of Widmer & Associates, we understand that the adoption process can be emotional, complex, and at times stressful. We are here to guide all parties through the legal process with compassion, understanding, and an extensive knowledge of the law.
Real Estate law is a complex process that can affect buyers and sellers alike, for years to come. When you need experience and trustworthy advice, call the law office Widmer & Associates. Whether buying or selling your home or investment properties, you will need a knowledgeable representative. The law practice of Widmer & Associates handles closings as well as foreclosures. Mr. Widmer has represented the VA, and many other local and national banks and mortgage companies for over 30 years.
Mr. Widmer, President of Clear Title, Inc., a Louisiana title insurance agency, is a registered agent with WFG National Title Insurance Company and can assist in procuring title insurance and providing quotes.
Probate is the legal process whereby a will is “proved” in a court and accepted as a valid public document that is the true last testament of the deceased. The granting of probate is the first step in the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person, resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person’s property under a will. A probate also officially appoints the executor, generally named in the will, as having legal power to dispose of the testator’s assets in the manner specified in the testator’s will. However, through the probate process, a will may be contested.
If you need help with the following contact our Law Office Today to schedule a free consultation
- Probate
- Estate Planning
- Wills and Trusts
- Formal Administration
- Summary Administration
- Disposition
Over the past thirty years, Jay has developed a successful collections practice. He has represented diverse clients from doctor’s practices to industrial corporations. Mr. Widmer handles secured and unsecured debt, including bank collections for real estate foreclosures. You can expect quality advice and guidance from the law office of Widmer & Associates.
Our law firm represents creditors as aggressively as the law allows in matters of judgment enforcement and recovery, as well as general collections and creditor’s rights matters. When you have not been paid for a debt that is owed, it can adversely affect your cash flow and financials. Call the law office of Widmer & Associates today to find out how we can assist you in recovering what you are owed.
The law firm of Widmer & Associates also represents clients in the areas of commercial litigation, contracts, personal injury and other related matters. We provide assistance in negotiation, formation, and preparation of contracts. If you have been injured in an accident or if you are defending an accident claim, the law firm of Widmer & Associates is available to answer your questions. We are here to help you navigate civil proceedings and achieve the best possible outcome.
Please call us today for a free consultation
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Frequently
Asked Questions
The firm has handled 100’s of adoptions, for a combined total of more than 50 years of experience.
Jay Widmer alone has handled hundreds of adoptions, over the past 35 years, including agency adoptions for the Adoption Services of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, private interstate adoptions through American Adoptions and other out-of-state agencies, local private adoptions, intrafamily adoptions, recognitions of foreign adoptions and adoptions of foreign orphans.
Yes. Jay has been a fellow of the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys for more than five years.
The Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys is an Academy of approximately 460 members throughout the U.S. and Canada who are experts in the complexities of adoption law and the variety of interstate and international regulations surrounding adoption.
Membership is invitational. Fellows must be licensed for at least five years and have acted as lead counsel in at least 50 adoption proceedings, including ten interstate (ICPC) placements in the two years prior to being invited to join the Academy.
There are many reasons, including the following:
A Will allows you to decide how your estate will be distributed. Having a Will helps minimize any family fights about your estate that may arise.
A Will allows you to decide who should take care of your minor children. Absent a Will, the court will take it upon itself to choose among family members or a state-appointed guardian.
Contrary to common belief, all estates must go through the probate process, with or without a Will.
Having a Will, however, speeds up the probate process and informs the court how you would like your estate divided.
Executors make sure all your affairs are in order, so you will want to be sure to appoint someone who is honest, trustworthy and organized.
Most people do not realize they can disinherit individuals out of their Will. Absent a Will, your estate may end up in the hands of someone you did not intend.
The ability to make gifts.
To avoid the added stress on families during an already emotional time, it may be wise to have an attorney draw up your Will before it is too late.
Since the adoption process can take up to a year from placement to finalization, the child you are adopting is not your legal child until the finalization is granted. During that interim period, should you die, the child you are adopting will not inherit from you, unless you designate him or her as your heir in your Will.
Experienced Lawyers Get You Best Results
Our Attorneys
When you retain the legal services of Widmer & Associates, you are retaining the brightest legal minds. Each of our Attorneys are highly skilled in their fields, and bring valuable background experience to your particular case.
ALBERT F. “JAY” WIDMER, JR.
Attorney
MELISSA W. BERNIARD
Attorney
My husband and I used Jay Widmer for the adoption of our son, Aaron.
Jay was honest and compassionate not only to us, but to our son’s
birthmother as well. We felt like he was ethical, and that was very
important to us.
He not only took care legal side of adoption, but also helped us navigate
what our relationship would look like with the birth family after
adoption.
Adoption can be a tedious process, and it can sometimes seem
overwhelming. We knew what to expect every step of the way.
We would highly recommend him to anyone hoping to grow their family
through adoption.
What can’t I say about working with Albert “Jay” Widmer, Jay was invaluable in helping to complete a lifelong dream of becoming a mother. After a medical issue removed my ability to conceive and have children, Jay gave me hope again that motherhood was possible. Finding an attorney or adoption agency that works diligently to place children with families seems like an easy task, but many of those agencies can’t or won’t look beyond the fact that a person is single. I believe that God played an instrumental part in putting Jay and I together. The adoption of my first child was smooth. I didn’t know much about the process but Jay walked me through every step. He was both informative and comforting. During the process, I began to understand his passion and commitment to the birth family, the child, and the adoptive family. I had the privilege to work with Jay twice. My second adoption was a little more difficult, but Jay was very diligent and assured me that everything went per the law. I must say that Albert “Jay” Widmer is living his purpose. He is an amazing attorney with a passion for placing children who need a loving family and a home with individuals who have a strong desire and calling to be parents. I call it a blessing and honor to have worked with Albert “Jay” Widmer.
We have had the privilege of working with Jay for many years in regard to adoption legal services,
including birth parent surrenders, adoption oppositions and adoption finalizations.
Over the last year we have had the opportunity to work more closely with Courtney and her
experience is also greatly appreciated! Jay and Courtney offer incredible flexibility and expertise
in regard to adoption legal services.
Danna P. Cousins, MSW, LCSW
PrograDD Director
Adoption Services
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
Jay Widmer is a trusted adoption attorney in Louisiana with vast experience and knowledge. American Adoptions appreciates working with Jay and often refers clients to him for legal services because we know they will be in good hands.
Megan Kautio, Assistant Executive Director, American Adoptions.
If you have any legal problem in your life …
We are available
Email Us Directly By Clicking Below:
Jay Widmer:
afwidmerjr@afwidmerjr.com
Melissa Berniard:
mberniard@afwidmerjr.com