Attorney Profile                               Practice Expanded

Richard G. Fontana is focused on client satisfaction.

Richard G. FontanaFor over thirty-five years, Richard G. Fontana has obtained the experience and knowledge necessary to assist clients with legal issues and problems in real estate, construction projects, accidents, injuries and estate matters. His representation will make a difference. You will receive personal attention in all civil matters.

As a New York accident and personal injury lawyer, Mr. Fontana has established a reputation for results in helping people with serious injuries. From auto, construction and slip-and-fall accidents to negligence, defective products, medical and dental malpractice, and wrongful death he has a proven record of recovering the maximum financial compensation for clients' losses. He is dedicated to obtaining the highest monetary awards and settlements. Every case is prepared with the medical knowledge and formation and the expert testimony necessary for a successful conclusion.

This is a lawyer you can talk to, and a lawyer who listens. He will roll up his sleeves and go to work for you. He will personally handle your matter from the beginning to its successful conclusion. Consultations are free, confidential and at your convenience – home or office visits will be made. Professional fees are fair and reasonable. All accidents cases are handled on a contingency fee basis so that there is no fee for professional services unless there has been a recovery for you.

Practice Expanded - OLDER, MORE EXPERIENCED & WISER

Over the span of the last decade the scope of my practice of law has expanded. This expansion is very satisfying and enjoyable. I now find myself helping clients and friends resolve their many common but sometimes thorny issues. It is a pleasure to help them accomplish what they want and to avoid future problems.

Some examples:
For ten years now my estate practice has deepened as I have worked on many estate issues. These estates have been large and small, from a modest $100,000.00 to $3,500,000.00 or more.
For one estate, DSS pressed a lien or claim for more than the value of the entire estate. Through examination of Social Service law and regulations a basis to object to the DSS lien was found and a happy compromise was reached after litigation in Surrogate’s Court. As a result the beneficiary was able to receive a fair share.

In another estate, my client was a tradesman who had unpaid bills exceeding $350,000.00. His customer died. An action was brought to foreclose a mechanic’s lien and a claim was made in Surrogate’s Court for payment. Again, a fair compromise was reached.

I have been an executor to estates of $500,000.00 and over $1,000,000.00. I have assisted executors in administering many estates and trusts in collecting and liquidating assets, paying bills, filing estate tax returns and making preliminary and final distributions according to the will or trust agreement. I have handled contested probate proceedings, guardian matters, and acted as guardian ad litem for missing or disabled heirs in Westchester County and Bronx County.

In the real estate field, I have been asked to negotiate complex and simple lease for commercial tenants and landlords. I have handled two §1031 tax deferred exchanges of properties where clients sold their Bronx and Manhattan properties while acquiring Westchester and upstate properties. In another case, my client obtained one of the largest verdicts for unpaid rent in a local City Court and successfully collected every dollar from the evicted tenant.

In other real estate matters, I have been personally involved in the construction of several new homes in the Scarsdale area between $1.3 million and $3.3 million. My construction law practice includes new house contracts, real estate broker agreements, insurance coverage issues and claims, mortgage/loan agreements, secured transactions, mechanic lien filings and foreclosure, contracts of buy and sale of new homes and warranties.

From my earliest years in law, I have handled many foreclosures for banks and private individuals. I am experienced in foreclosure work, foreclosure bidding and sales. I have been appointed as referee and receiver of rents in such actions. In one strange case, one client lost title to his investment property in a draconian tax lien sale. Litigation against his title company and lender resulted in the re-purchase of the property in his name.

Finally, several clients in the last few years have sold their businesses. I have prepared and negotiated for my clients “asset purchase agreements” for the sale of the goodwill, customer lists, merchandise, machinery and accounts payable. Some of these sales were with payments over time. In those cases, security and collateral agreements and personal guarantees supporting promissory notes had to be executed and filed to protect my clients.
The last decade has been enlightening and enjoyable. I can now honestly attest that I am not only older but more experienced and wiser - good strengths for your personal attorney to have.  

Admitted: 1970, New York, U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of New York and U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit

Law School: Fordham University School of Law, J.D., 1969

College: Manhattan College, B.A., English, with honors, 1966

Professional Memberships:

Biography: Senior Law Clerk, U.S. District Court Judge, Southern District of New York, 1971-1974. Fordham Law Review, 1968-1969. Manhattan College Honor Society, 1966.

Languages: Italian & Spanish.

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