Kantz Janet K

Within the "Lawyers Near Me" category, we highlight Janet K. Kantz, a distinguished attorney practicing at 203 Anderson St Suite 2-1, Portland, ME 04101, USA. With accessible contact numbers (207) 761-1914 and +1 207-761-1914, Janet K. Kantz is a seasoned legal professional primarily focusing on Family Law in Portland, Maine, and serving clients across courts in Cumberland and York Counties. Her practice is part of Vincent & Kantz, LLC, a firm known for its commitment to providing professional, competent, and compassionate legal counsel.

While specific details about the interior environment of her office are not explicitly provided, the firm's overarching mission statement on their website emphasizes a dedication to providing "competent, compassionate legal counsel in a professional manner during a difficult time in your life." This suggests an environment designed to be supportive and understanding, recognizing the sensitive nature of family law matters. The firm highlights that Janet works closely with her legal assistant, Lauren LaPlante, who has been a part of her legal team since 1999. This long-standing professional relationship indicates a stable and coordinated approach to client service, with a focus on attention to detail and prompt, professional responses to client inquiries. The aim is to make clients feel that their individual needs and unique circumstances are recognized and addressed meticulously.

Janet K. Kantz specializes exclusively in Family Law, demonstrating a deep expertise and focused approach in this crucial area of legal practice. Her services include:

• Divorce: Assisting clients through the complex process of divorce, including equitable division of marital assets and debts.

• Parental Rights and Responsibilities: Guiding parents through the establishment and modification of parental rights, including decision-making authority and parental contact schedules.

• Child Custody and Support: Advocating for the best interests of children in custody disputes and ensuring fair and appropriate child support arrangements.

• Post-Judgment Motions: Handling modifications and enforcement of existing court orders related to divorce, custody, and support.

• Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Work: Janet is a rostered Guardian ad Litem for both private and child protective cases (Title 19-A and Title 22 cases). In this role, she represents the best interests of children in court proceedings, providing recommendations to the court based on her investigations.

• Juvenile Defense: Providing legal representation for minors involved in the juvenile justice system.

Her experience extends back to her admission to the Maine Bar in 1992, after receiving her B.A. in English Literature from UCLA in 1983 and her law degree from the University of Maine School of Law. She began her career focusing on a broad range of litigation, including family law, and later became a partner in law firms concentrating on family law, Guardian ad Litem work, and juvenile defense. This extensive background, spanning over 30 years, provides her with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of family law and related legal areas.

Key features that define Janet K. Kantz's practice, based on available information, include:

• Specialized Focus on Family Law: Her exclusive dedication to family law allows her to maintain a deep and current understanding of the evolving legal landscape in this area, offering specialized and informed advice.

• Experience as a Guardian ad Litem: Her role as a rostered GAL is a significant feature, demonstrating her recognized capacity to act in the best interests of children in highly sensitive and contentious cases. This particular role requires a unique blend of legal knowledge, investigative skills, and an understanding of child development and family dynamics.

• Compassionate and Professional Counsel: The firm's stated goal is to provide compassionate legal counsel, indicating a commitment to supporting clients through challenging personal circumstances with empathy and professionalism.

• Client-Centric Approach: The emphasis on paying "close attention to details" and working "closely with each client to meet those needs" highlights a personalized approach to legal representation.

• Prompt and Professional Communication: Both Janet and her legal assistant prioritize responding to clients promptly and professionally, which is crucial for clients navigating stressful family legal matters.

• Commitment to Favorable Results: The firm aims to "achieve a favorable result" for clients, indicating a results-oriented approach to their legal services.

Promotional information, gleaned from her firm's details, emphasizes her extensive experience and her role within Vincent & Kantz, LLC. The firm's website serves as a primary source of information, outlining practice areas and the team's commitment to clients. They state that they are "professional, competent, experienced attorneys who have tried hundreds of cases over the years," suggesting a readiness to litigate when necessary to achieve fair outcomes. While one review expresses a negative personal experience regarding perceived bias and a lack of integrity in a GAL role, it's important to note this is one perspective within a complex legal field. Another review directly counters this, stating, "Janet is a wonderful woman and tries her best to do the right things for the whole family not just the child but her main concern is the child and she will do what's best for them." These contrasting perspectives highlight the emotionally charged nature of custody battles and GAL appointments, where differing views on "the best interests of the child" can lead to strong opinions.

Her memberships in organizations such as the Maine State Bar Association (Family Law and Women's Law Sections), Maine Guardian ad Litem Institute, Cumberland Bar Association, and York Bar Association, along with her participation in numerous organizations and committees focused on improving accessibility and ease for family law litigants and children, underscore her active engagement within the legal community and her dedication to the field of family law. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Milestone Foundation for ten years and was a prior Board Member of the Kids First Center, further demonstrating her commitment to community service and child welfare beyond her direct legal practice.

In summary, Janet K. Kantz, as presented on a "Lawyers Near Me" platform, is an attorney deeply rooted in family law within Portland, ME. Her specialized services in divorce, parental rights, child custody, and her significant role as a Guardian ad Litem, are underpinned by over three decades of experience. Despite a highly sensitive area of practice that can elicit strong and opposing client opinions, her firm's commitment to compassionate, professional, and results-oriented legal counsel, alongside her extensive professional affiliations and community involvement, positions her as a dedicated legal resource for families navigating challenging times in Maine.