Here in the "Crossroads of America," it is difficult to travel more than a few miles without coming across signs of our past and of our future. Agriculture is all around us. While the concept of agriculture and law individually date back millennia, that of attorneys focusing on the agricultural community and their needs is a fairly modern concept. It isn't so much its own idea as it is a combination of areas of law. That being said, it encompasses ideas such as agricultural infrastructure, seed, water, finance, labor, farming rights, and animal law.

Farmers and ranchers deal with legal issues daily, whether that be entering into a new farm leasing venture, taking steps to establish a farm as a business operation, zoning and land use planning, subdivision of property, eminent domain issues, drainage, liability protection, hiring employees, or dealing with hunting or water rights. Having an attorney on your side can make all the difference between protecting that which you hold most dear and losing it all due to a failure to adequately plan for a deal gone bad. I want to be the attorney who stands in your corner and helps protect you and your family and farming ventures.

Legal fees for these services vary depending upon the services desired. Please call my office to schedule a time to discuss how we can best work together to meet your legal needs.

Businesses deal with legal issues on a day-to-day basis. These issues may include drafting the filings to incorporate or organize, preparing or reviewing contracts, obtaining regulatory approvals, leasing facilities, pursuing collections, litigating complex issues, or simply training employees on appropriate rules of business ethics to minimize corporate and individual liability. Businesses are just like individuals in that they too can be sued. No matter the size of your problem, my office welcomes your calls to set up an appointment to discuss how we can be of service to your business needs.

Legal service fees can be arranged on an hourly or flat fee basis.

Whether you were injured in a car accident and cannot get a settlement or you have been served with a complaint for breach of a contract, I am prepared to handle a variety of civil cases. Civil litigation is the process by which people sue one another in hope of recovering either money or other relief. The purpose of civil litigation is not to punish the opposing party, but rather to compensate for losses suffered because of some event. These cases are not about people going to jail or being put on probation. Regardless, whether you want to file a claim against another party or have been served with a complaint and summons, it is important to speak with an attorney to learn how best to protect your rights as time progresses.

Civil litigation can arise in many different ways and result in many different outcomes. From mediation and arbitration to a full-blown trial and appeal, from small claims court and claims within administrative agencies to the state and federal trial courts, I want to help you decide how best to pursue or defend your claim. Remember, this is YOUR case. I can give you the information and perspective you need to make the decision that best suits your case. Together, we can work to pursue, or defend your claim. Take the first step and call me to schedule your consultation.

People routinely purchase real estate for development and lease their property to others, both of which usually require the expertise of a licensed attorney to draft a contract and review the applicable laws and documents. There are also other types of contracts, such as employment contracts, vehicle and personal property sales, and loans.

Real estate transactions also often require considerable interaction with the planning commissioner, the Board of Zoning Appeals, title insurance companies, assessors, inspectors, realtors, and/or environmental experts. It is a wise decision before pursuing any real estate investment venture to check with an attorney to minimize your legal risks regarding your potential purchase or lease.

With the right contract, you can minimize liability to yourself. Please contact the office to set up an appointment if you would like a contract drafted, reviewed, or litigated. Fees vary depending upon the scope of the representation.

You got in trouble last weekend and were arrested. Now what do you do?

Many people do not intend to get into trouble, but they do nonetheless. A licensed attorney can provide you with the advice you need regarding your individual situation and can provide representation in your criminal proceedings. From discovery and plea negotiations to full jury trials, appeals, and post conviction relief, having an attorney can mean the difference between acquittals, probation, or prison. I want to help you understand your constitutional rights and advocate for you, regardless of whether you believe you are wrongly accused or if you are seeking rehabilitation after making a bad decision.

Fee agreements are on a flat fee or an hourly basis and almost always include retainer and expense payments before work begins. Please contact the office for more information and to schedule an appointment, and please remember not to disclose any confidential information until you have been advised to do so.

In addition to representing adult clients in their criminal proceedings, I represent juveniles through the adjudication process. For more information, click here.

Family Law
Unfortunately, people don't always stick together "for better or for worse." When children are involved, the decision to get divorced or separate is not as cut and dry as it may seem. Property, debts, spousal support, child support, child custody, parenting time, post-secondary expenses, and grandparents' rights are all factors that need to be considered by parties deciding to separate and will likely have to be reconsidered down the road. Whether you are seeking divorce, legal separation, establishment of paternity, child support and/or custody modifications, adoption, guardianship, or simply to draft a prenuptial agreement, I can provide services that will help prepare you for what lies ahead and that hopefully help you ease the transition through this difficult time for both you and your children so that you can focus on the things that become more important, a brighter future.

Fees for this type of representation almost always require a retainer and are billed on an hourly basis.

Juvenile Law
The State of Indiana has an interest, in addition to the parents, of ensuring that the best interests of children are being met. To that end, parents and children often need to pursue legal representation when the State is attempting to intervene in their family situation. Such situations may arise through allegations of a child committing a delinquent act or the involvement of the Department of Child Services. Fully understanding parents' options and rights is vital to protecting your family.

Depending upon the circumstances, legal fees may be hourly or flat fee.

If you are interested in my domestic relations mediation services, click here to learn more.

Non-lawyers often think of legal battles as winning and losing. However, they often fail to contemplate that the answer to almost every legal question is "It depends." Where a non-legal expert may think that a judge will have to rule a certain way, no one can say with any degree of certainty what a judge or jury will or will not do. This is where alternative dispute resolution comes in. Going to court may be analogized to throwing darts from 10 feet away, where mediation allows the participants to jointly walk right up to the board and plant the dart in a place that everyone can accept.

Johnson County local rules require mediation or arbitration in most civil and family law cases. Mediation is a great tool to help you along the path to settlement. Mediation is not neighbor or marriage counseling. The discussions held in mediation are confidential, and as a mediator, I do not advocate for either side. I am not a party to any agreement, but rather I help the participants come to an agreement. This form of alternative dispute resolution is a way to get away from the concept of winning and losing and coming to a solution where everyone can win. Most cases that go to mediation settle, but those that don't almost always find a positive take away from the experience.

Whether you are disputing a personal injury or contract case or going through a divorce, I want to help you come to a resolution. I am both a registered civil mediation and a registered domestic relations mediator. Mediation services are provided on an hourly fee basis.

It is a fact of life that no one likes to talk about. Inevitably, people, mortal as we are, pass away. By planning ahead, you can help ease the pain and stress on your loved ones. I offer services in document drafting and estate planning so that, when the time comes, the law will recognize and understand your wishes. These services include drafting a Last Will & Testament, trusts, a Living Will, a Power of Attorney, and an Appointment of a Health Care Representative. My document drafting fees are based on an hourly rate.

Unfortunately the legal matter does not cease when death steps on our doorstep. Instead, the matter is opened for probate. I also provide representation for clients seeking to establish guardianships over minor children or those facing incapacities. My office is willing to help clients through these difficult times.