By Nancy Brumback, Contributing Writer
Business name: The Narris Law Office
Address: 300 West Main St., Suite 118, Northborough
Owners: Adam Narris and Ann C. Narris
Contact Information: 508-351-9060
What legal services does Narris Law offer?
“We offer a full range of litigation and mediation services,” said Ann C. Narris, an attorney and partner in the Narris Law Office with her husband, Adam Narris. “I specialize in family law, and Adam in criminal defense work, while we both have extensive appellate experience.
“Adam handles criminal defense litigation in cases all over the state, from first-time OUI charges to serious felony charges. He can work with people who are under investigation straight through to the trial.”
The Narrises both graduated from New England Law. Adam Narris opened the Narris Law Office in 2003, and Ann Narris worked at other firms before joining him. They moved the office to Northborough last November.
What are mediation services?
“I recently completed the advanced family law mediation course,” Ann Narris said. “Mediation is a growing movement to help couples reach agreement without a trial. It often makes for better results, especially if children are involved. The mediator is a neutral third party who helps both sides, sometimes represented by their own lawyers, come up with a resolution that works for them.
“Mediation can be less expensive, take less time and be more private. The parties can try it before they hire lawyers or before they go to trial. It's most often used in divorce cases, but can also be used in such situations as adoptions, guardianships, or family disputes.”
How does mediation work?
“Both sides have to agree to try mediation,” she said. “They have to agree to a full disclosure of all assets right off the bat.
“I usually schedule five two-hour sessions to deal with the issues. Sometimes the parties come with lawyers, sometimes without. The goal in divorce mediation would be to reach agreement and to draft the legal paperwork for an uncontested divorce pleading before the court. That agreement would have the full force of an agreement reached after a trial once it is approved by the court.
“If the parties can's reach an agreement and do go to trial, they are at least further along in the process after mediation.
“I think mediation is a great opportunity. If the parties make their own decisions, they are more invested in the outcome and have a personal stake in its success.”
What are the first steps?
“Our firm offers a free initial consultation for any of our legal work, and we can explain the differences between mediation and hiring an attorney. If a couple is thinking of mediation, I prefer to meet both parties together in order to maintain my neutrality,” Ann Narris said.
“Lots of times people need to know what their options are and what resources are available to them.”
What sets Narris Law apart from other law firms?
“We have a lot of experience in different types of cases, Adam in criminal defense and litigation, and me in family law. We can represent clients in drafting their will, filing for bankruptcy and various other legal cases. We do a lot of appellate work as wells.
“Both Adam and I are experienced in representing clients involved in highly complex situations.”
?Editor's Note: The preceding is not an endorsement and is presented for informational purposes only.
