You're not facing this alone. This portal is your private hub for everything tied to your matter — your consultation details, your documents checklist, your team, and a direct line to me. Read what's helpful, skip what isn't, and message me anytime with what's left.
With care,
Maurice Giro, Esq.Managing Attorney · Giro & Associates, LLC
If you're reading this, you're navigating something that matters — protecting your family, planning for the future, or working through a difficult moment. I've spent 20 years helping clients exactly like you, and I take that responsibility seriously.
What this portal is for.
This is your private command center for our work together. Your consultation details, your document checklist, my team's contact info, my background, our fees, and most importantly — a direct text line to me. No more digging through email. No more wondering whether something fell through the cracks.
The goal is simple: you focus on your life. I handle the legal work.
A note on how we work.
Giro & Associates is a small, personal practice — not a factory. My team and I take the time to truly understand each client's situation and goals before we recommend anything. We answer questions in plain language. We move at your pace when we can, and tell you honestly when we can't.
You'll never be passed around. You'll never be billed for a 5-minute email reply. And you'll always know what we're doing and why.
Three things worth knowing.
i.Privilege protects everything. Anything you share with me — in person, by phone, by text, in this portal — is protected by attorney-client privilege. Speak freely. The fuller picture I have, the better I can help.
ii.No question is too small. Twenty years of doing this work has taught me one thing: the "small" questions are usually the ones with the most consequential answers. Ask.
iii.Spanish & English. I'm fluent in both. So is my team. Whichever you're more comfortable in — that's how we'll work.
★★★★★
"Maurice and his entire office staff have been kind, patient, and professional as I navigated the seeming morass of the legal world. No issue was too complex; no question was too inane. Thank you."
— Ginnie · Hired Attorney · Avvo
Your Appointment
Your consultation.
Everything you need for our first meeting together. Read this before you come in — it makes our time more productive and less stressful for both of us.
Date & Time
[DATE] at [TIME]
Please arrive 10 minutes early for any paperwork
Location
Giro & Associates
1060 Main St, Ste. 303 River Edge, NJ 07661
Duration
60-90 minutes
Plan for an unhurried conversation, not a rushed appointment
Format
[FORMAT]
In-person, video, or phone — your choice
What we'll cover.
Our first meeting is about understanding your situation, identifying what you actually need (which is often different from what you initially think you need), and laying out the path forward. We'll discuss:
◇Your current situation and what brought you here
◇Your goals for yourself and your family
◇What legal options are available, in plain language
◇Honest assessment of cost, timeline, and likely outcomes
◇Whether I'm the right fit for your matter
A note about parking & arrival.
Our office is at 1060 Main Street, Suite 303, in River Edge. The building is on the corner of Main Street and Johnson Avenue. Park down Johnson Avenue — there's typically plenty of free parking right there.
Take the elevator to the third floor. Our suite (303) is straight ahead. Ashley or Maria will greet you at the front desk — let them know you have an appointment with me and we'll get you settled.
If You Need To Reschedule
Message me through the Message Maurice tab or call the office at 201-771-9436 as early as possible. I'll always find another time that works.
What To Bring
Document checklist.
The more documents you bring to your consultation, the more productive our first meeting will be. Don't worry if you can't gather everything — bring what you can. We can always follow up.
For estate planning matters
Government-issued photo ID
Driver's license or passport — required for any documents we may sign
Existing will, trust, or power of attorney (if any)
Even outdated ones help me understand your prior planning
List of assets and their approximate value
Real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, life insurance, business interests, valuables — rough estimates are fine
Names and contact info for intended beneficiaries
Spouse, children, other family, charities — whoever you'd want to receive something
Trusted persons for decision-making roles
Who would you trust as executor, healthcare proxy, or guardian for minor children?
For probate matters
Original will (if available)
Or a certified copy. Even an unsigned draft can be useful.
Certified death certificate (multiple copies if possible)
You'll need several originals for various institutions
Names, addresses, phone numbers, relationship to decedent
For elder law / Medicaid planning
Recent bank statements (last 5 years if possible)
Medicaid's 5-year look-back period — bring what you can
Pension & retirement account statements
401(k), IRA, pension — current balances
Real estate deeds & property tax statements
Including any vacation or rental properties
Long-term care insurance policies (if any)
Plus current health insurance details
For divorce / family law
Marriage certificate & pre/post-nuptial agreements
If any. Originals or certified copies.
Recent tax returns (last 3 years)
Joint returns plus any individual returns
Income documentation
Recent pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s for both spouses
Asset & debt inventory
Real estate, vehicles, accounts, retirement, credit cards, loans
Children's information (if applicable)
Names, ages, schools, current custody arrangement
Don't Have Everything?
Bring what you have — we'll figure out the rest together. A productive first meeting matters more than a complete folder. If you're unsure what's relevant, message me and ask.
How We Work
Our process.
A clear, predictable process from first contact to matter resolution. No surprises on fees, scope, or timeline.
1
Initial Contact
You reach out
By phone, by text, by email, by walking in. First response within one business day. Almost always same-day during business hours.
2
~60-90 Min
Initial consultation
A real conversation about your situation. I listen, I ask questions, I take notes. By the end you'll have a clear understanding of your options and whether I'm the right fit.
3
Same Day or Next Day
Written engagement letter
Clear scope of work, fee structure (flat fee or hourly, whichever fits the matter), timeline, and expectations. You always know the cost before we start.
4
You Sign
Engagement begins
Sign the engagement letter, pay the agreed retainer (if applicable), and the work begins. Your matter is now active in our system and in this portal.
5
Ongoing
Active work
For estate planning: drafting documents, review meetings, signing ceremonies. For litigation: filings, hearings, negotiations. For probate: court submissions, asset transfers, beneficiary communications. Regular updates throughout — you'll never wonder where things stand.
6
Transparent Billing
Clear invoices
Monthly statements with detailed time entries (for hourly matters) or progress milestones (for flat-fee matters). If something looks off, message me — I'll explain or adjust.
7
Matter Closing
Clean resolution
When your matter concludes, you receive a closing summary: what was accomplished, what documents you should retain, and any follow-up timeline. The portal moves your matter to your archive.
8
Always Available
Ongoing relationship
Life changes. Laws change. Your plan should change with them. We recommend a check-in every 3-5 years for estate plans, or whenever a major life event happens. You're always welcome back — no need to start over.
A note on communication.
I respond to client messages within one business day — usually within hours during the workweek. For active matters, I prefer text messages through this portal (clean record, organized by matter) over phone calls. For day-of urgent issues, call directly: 201-771-9436.
Practice Areas
What we handle.
Giro & Associates focuses on the legal matters that protect families — estate planning, elder law, probate, divorce, and family law. Twenty years of doing this work means we've seen virtually every variation.
If your matter falls outside what we handle — criminal defense outside municipal court, personal injury, business litigation, immigration — I'll tell you honestly and refer you to someone I trust. There's no benefit to anyone in stretching beyond our expertise.
Need to start a matter?
Whether it's something you've been putting off (estate planning) or something that just happened (a loved one's passing), the next step is a conversation.
For most clients, walking into a law office is unfamiliar territory. Here's exactly what happens — minute by minute — so you feel prepared and not overwhelmed.
1
15 Min Before
Plan your arrival
Park down Johnson Avenue (free street parking). Walk into 1060 Main Street. Take the elevator to the third floor. Suite 303 is straight ahead.
2
Arrival
Front desk welcome
Ashley or Maria will greet you by name. Coffee, water, or tea is offered. If there's any short paperwork to complete, they'll give you a tablet or clipboard.
3
~5 Minutes
Brief intake
A few quick questions to confirm contact info and verify the matter type. If you sent documents in advance, they're already in your file.
4
Meeting Begins
I come out to greet you
I personally bring you back to my office — not a junior associate, not a paralegal. We sit down together. I offer coffee if you didn't grab one at the front. Then we begin.
5
60-90 Minutes
The conversation
This is the heart of the visit. I'll ask questions to understand your situation fully. You'll ask questions to understand your options. We'll talk through what's possible, what's recommended, and what's not worth doing. This is unhurried — we'll take the time we need.
6
Before You Leave
Clear next steps
Before you stand up from the chair, you'll know: what I recommend, what it will cost, how long it will take, and what happens next. No vague follow-ups. You leave with a clear plan, not a homework assignment.
7
~5 Minutes
Checkout with the team
Front desk handles scheduling your next appointment (if needed), payment processing (if a retainer applies), and gives you any takeaway materials.
8
That Evening or Next Day
Written follow-up
If you've engaged us, you'll receive a written engagement letter spelling out everything we discussed. If you're still deciding, you'll get a brief summary of our conversation and next-step options.
If you're nervous coming in
You're not alone. Many of my clients have never worked with an attorney before. Many are dealing with grief, fear, or family conflict on top of legal questions. I get it. We move at your pace. If you need a break, we take one. If something is hard to talk about, we work around it.
You can bring a trusted family member or friend to your consultation. Just let us know in advance.
Walk-Ins Welcome
For quick questions or urgent matters, our office accepts walk-ins during business hours. For full consultations, please schedule — that way I can give you the time you deserve.
Transparent Pricing
Our fees.
No mystery, no surprises. Every engagement starts with a clear, written fee structure — flat fee where it fits, hourly where it makes more sense. You always know the cost before the work begins.
Flat fees, when possible
For predictable work, we quote flat fees in writing before we start:
◇Simple wills and basic estate plans
◇Revocable living trusts
◇Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
◇Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
◇Uncontested divorces
◇Probate (when the estate is straightforward)
You'll know the total fee before we start. No hidden hourly charges, no surprise add-ons.
Hourly billing
For matters where scope is harder to predict — contested divorces, complex litigation, unique guardianship cases — we bill hourly at competitive rates with detailed time entries on every invoice.
You see exactly what we did, when we did it, and how long it took. If something looks off, message me — I'll explain or adjust.
Payment options
◇Cash, check, or credit card — all accepted
◇Payment plans — available for larger matters; discussed in advance
◇Retainer agreements — for hourly matters, paid upfront and drawn down as work is done
Free consultations
For most matters, we offer a free initial consultation. This is your chance to share your situation, hear my honest assessment, and decide whether we're the right fit — at no cost.
For complex matters that require document review or extended analysis, we may charge a modest consultation fee. We'll always tell you in advance.
A Note On Value
My clients consistently tell me my rates are eminently reasonable for the level of quality service provided. We're not the cheapest law firm in Bergen County. We're also not the most expensive. We aim to be the best value for the work we do.
Who You'll Be Working With
Your legal team.
Giro & Associates is intentionally small. You'll work directly with me on every important matter, supported by a tight team that's been with the firm for years.
Maurice Giro, Esq.
Managing Attorney · Founder
Maurice founded Giro & Associates to bring compassionate, thoughtful legal counsel to families navigating life's hardest legal moments. With over 20 years of legal experience, he serves clients across New Jersey and New York. He's a U.S. Air Force veteran, a member of ElderCounsel and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, and currently serves as Municipal Prosecutor for West New York Municipal Court. His Avvo rating is 9.7 — "Superb" — across 33 client reviews. He's fluent in English and Spanish, and brings the same patient, plain-spoken approach to every client matter.
Rutgers Law JDUSAF VeteranElderCounsel MemberEnglish · SpanishAvvo 9.7 Superb
Honors & recognition
(201) Magazine
Bergen County's Top Lawyers · 2019
ASLA
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 · 2015
Who's Who
Who's Who In American Law · 2015
Avvo Rating
9.7 Superb · 4.8★ from 33 reviews
Your support team
A
Ashley
Office Manager
M
Maria
Paralegal
Y
Yohana
Legal Assistant
★★★★★
"My family retained Maurice Giro about 2 years ago. It was a pleasure working with Maurice and Yohana. They were very attentive and took their time explaining everything to us. You can definitely tell they actually care about their clients."
— Sandra · Hired Attorney · Avvo
★★★★★
"Mr. Giro set up a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust for my parents, as well as several other estate planning tools. His office made it really easy, took the time to answer my many questions, and was reasonably priced."
— Michelle · Hired Attorney · Avvo
Direct Message · Text Only
Message Maurice.
This is your direct line to Maurice — a clean text thread tied specifically to your matter. He prefers text over phone for non-urgent questions: it gives both of you a written record, lets you message anytime, and keeps every detail of your matter in one organized place.
§
Your Matter
[CLIENT NAME] · [MATTER TYPE] · [DATE]
First — check the answer already in this portal.
Many questions are already answered in the tabs above. Jump to the most common:
My consultation detailsWhat to bringFees & paymentThe processAll FAQs
Still need to ask? Send a message.
Your matter details auto-attach so Maurice knows exactly which matter you're asking about. Response within one business day — usually within hours during operating hours. Everything you write here is protected by attorney-client privilege.
⌚My Consultation
▣Documents
$Fees / Billing
§Case Status
↻Reschedule
+Family Update
?Something Else
✆
Direct text to Maurice
Your message goes straight to Maurice's phone with your matter details attached. He typically responds within an hour during operating hours.
Already filled in — adjust if you'd like Maurice to see a different name.
Pro tip: ask one clear question at a time. Easier for Maurice to answer fast.
What happens next.
When you tap "Send," your phone opens its native messaging app with everything pre-filled — your matter details, the subject you selected, and your question. Just tap "Send" in your messaging app to fire it off.
Maurice responds: within one business day; usually within hours during operating hours. The conversation stays in your phone's text thread, giving both of you a clean written record of every detail.
Urgent Matters Only
If something is time-critical
The portal text thread is best for ongoing planning and non-urgent questions. For anything time-sensitive — court deadline today, sudden family emergency, served with papers — call the office directly.
Available Mon-Fri 9:30-6 · Saturday 10-2 · Walk-ins welcome
Common Questions
FAQ answered.
Questions asked most often by our clients. If yours isn't here, message me directly.
Yes — and "simple" usually isn't as simple as people think. Without a will, New Jersey's intestacy laws decide who inherits your assets. That may not match your wishes — especially if you have a blended family, unmarried partner, or specific items you want to go to specific people. A basic will is one of the most affordable, highest-impact legal documents you'll ever create. Most clients can have one in place in 2-3 weeks for a flat fee.
A will distributes your assets after you die — but it goes through probate, which is public, costs money, and takes time. A revocable living trust holds assets during your life and transfers them to your heirs without probate — privately, faster, and often less expensively. Most people benefit from having both: a trust for the bulk of assets, and a "pour-over" will to catch anything not in the trust. We'll explain what's right for your specific situation at your consultation.
This is one of the most common — and stressful — questions we hear. The short answer: not necessarily, but it depends on planning. Medicaid has a 5-year "look-back" period for asset transfers. With proper advance planning (Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, spousal protections, certain exempt transfers), it's often possible to protect significant assets including the family home while still qualifying for nursing home benefits. The earlier we start, the more options you have. Even in crisis (Medicaid needed now), there are still strategies worth exploring.
For straightforward estates with a valid will and cooperative heirs, NJ probate typically takes 6-12 months from start to final distribution. Complex estates, contested wills, or out-of-state property can extend that to 18-24 months or longer. Our job is to keep things moving — handling court filings, creditor notifications, asset valuations, and tax issues so executors don't have to navigate it alone.
Yes. Once you're a client (and even during initial consultations), attorney-client privilege protects what you share. That includes phone calls, emails, text messages through this portal, and in-person conversations. I cannot share what you tell me with anyone — including family members — without your permission. Speak freely. The fuller picture I have, the better I can help.
Yes — divorce is one of our primary practice areas. We handle uncontested divorces (mediation-style, when both parties agree), contested divorces (custody, support, asset division disputes), and post-judgment modifications (changing existing orders when circumstances change). Our approach is to keep families functional through what is often a deeply difficult transition — protecting your interests while avoiding unnecessary conflict.
Sí. Soy bilingüe — fluido en inglés y español. Mi equipo también puede atenderle en español. Trabajamos con clientes en el idioma con el que se sienten más cómodos, especialmente para asuntos legales importantes donde la claridad lo es todo.
In most cases, yes — and it often helps. For estate planning matters where multiple family members will be involved (e.g. planning for an aging parent), having everyone present is valuable. A few exceptions: for divorce matters, only the client can attend; for sensitive matters where privilege could be compromised by a third party's presence, we may recommend a private session first. If you're unsure, message me before your consultation.
If you die without a will in New Jersey, state intestacy laws decide who gets your assets — your spouse and children first, then parents, then siblings, then more distant relatives. Friends, unmarried partners, and charities get nothing. The court appoints an administrator (chosen by statute, not by you) to handle your estate. The process is slower, more expensive, and entirely public. Even a simple will gives you control over all of this.
We recommend a review every 3-5 years even if nothing changes — laws shift, financial situations evolve. You should update immediately after: marriage or divorce, birth or adoption of a child, death of a beneficiary or executor, significant change in financial situation, move to a different state, or major change in family relationships. Existing clients can update their plan for a reduced fee.
Yes — and you should consider it. Old wills may not reflect current laws, your current family situation, or your current wishes. We'll review what you have, identify gaps or issues, and recommend updates only where they actually matter. If your existing plan is sound, we'll tell you so — and not push you to redo work for the sake of billing.
For consultations, please give at least 24 hours' notice when possible — message me through the portal or call the office. For active matters with court dates or scheduled signing ceremonies, the timing requirements are different, and we'll let you know specifics. Life happens. We work around emergencies without judgment.
Your Attorney
About Maurice.
The person behind the practice — the training, the experience, and the philosophy.
Maurice Giro, Esq.
Managing Attorney · Founding Member
With 20 years of legal practice, Maurice has built Giro & Associates into one of Bergen County's most respected boutique firms for estate planning, elder law, and family matters. His path is unusual for an attorney — U.S. Air Force veteran (1998-2007), Thomas Edison State College graduate (BA, High Honors, Humanities), then Rutgers University School of Law in Newark. After a Superior Court clerkship, he started his own practice — learning the business of law the hard way, but building it on his own terms.
A note on experience
Beyond running Giro & Associates, Maurice currently serves as the Municipal Prosecutor for West New York Municipal Court (since 2010) and previously served as Public Defender there (2010-2013). This dual perspective — representing both sides of cases over many years — gives him strategic insight that few attorneys possess.
He's a member of ElderCounsel and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the two leading professional organizations for elder law practitioners. He speaks regularly at continuing legal education events on topics ranging from estate planning to advance care planning.
A note on approach
Maurice's clients consistently describe him with the same words: compassionate, patient, knowledgeable, thorough, accessible. He treats clients like family — not files. He explains complex law in plain language. He moves at the pace each client needs.
From an Avvo endorsement by a colleague: "Mr. Giro is an excellent advocate who takes the time to know what his clients need and advocates passionately."
Bar admissions & licenses
◇New Jersey: licensed since 2006
◇New York: licensed since 2007
◇U.S. District Court: District of New Jersey
★★★★★
"Mauricio Giro and his team, Ashley and Maria, exceeded our expectations. Estate planning was something we struggled to understand and this team really made it easy for our family."
— Alina C. · December 2025 · Martindale-Hubbell
Confidentiality
Your privacy.
Trust is the foundation of every attorney-client relationship. Here's exactly how we protect yours.
§
Attorney-Client Privilege
Everything you share with us — in person, by phone, by email, by text through this portal — is protected by attorney-client privilege. We cannot disclose what you've told us, even to family members, without your explicit consent. This protection extends even to consultations that don't result in formal engagement.
What this means in practice
1.Speak freely. Tell us everything relevant — even things you'd rather not say out loud. The fuller picture we have, the better we can help.
2.Be careful with third parties. Privilege can be waived if you share privileged information with people outside our firm. If you're unsure, ask first.
3.Documents stay with us. What you bring to consultations, what we draft for you, what we file on your behalf — all stored securely, accessible only to your legal team.
Your data, your records
What we store: contact information, documents you've shared, drafts we've prepared, communications about your matter, billing records.
What we don't share: any of it. Not with marketers, not with third parties, not with anyone outside our firm without your written permission.
How long we keep records: per New Jersey Bar requirements (generally 7 years after matter closes, longer for certain document types). After that, we offer to return records to you or securely destroy them.
Messages through this portal
Text messages you send via the "Message Maurice" tab are delivered to Maurice's phone with your matter info attached. The text thread stays on both his phone and yours — giving you both a clean written record of your communications about your matter. These messages are privileged and confidential like any other attorney-client communication.
Reach Us Directly
Stay in touch.
For everything tied to your matter, use the Message Maurice tab. It keeps everything organized in one text thread and gives us both a clean record. For new client inquiries or urgent same-day matters, call the office directly.
Primary channel
The Message Maurice tab is built exactly for this. Your matter details auto-attach to every message, so you never have to re-explain which matter, what date, or who you are. Many questions are already answered in the tabs above — start there, then message me what's left.
If we work together well (we will), and life brings another legal question — estate plan update, family transition, elder care planning, real estate, business question — just message me through this portal anytime. Past clients get priority scheduling and don't need to re-onboard.
You're not navigating this alone.
Whether you're protecting your family's future, working through a difficult moment, or quietly putting the right pieces in place — Giro & Associates is here with you. Twenty years of doing this work has taught me one thing: families do better when the legal side feels handled.
