Areas of Practicing - Gardner & Stevens, Attorneys at Law

DIVORCE, CUSTODY & SUPPORT - THE TOUGHEST OF TIMES

Situations involving divorce, custody or support are some of life’s most critical moments. Emotions run high, and your legal rights, responsibilities and options need to be explained in a way that is understandable and clear. You need representation which is both aggressive and intelligent. We can help.

With decades of combined experience before Judges, Divorce Masters, Custody Conference Officers and Domestic Relations Officers, our attorneys have both the skills and the aggressive practice style to effectively defend your rights and pursue your interests. Just as importantly, our experience in hundreds of cases allows us to give accurate, confident advice without getting caught up in the emotion of the moment or losing sight of your goals. These skills and our personal attention make us a valuable ally during these most difficult times.

PERSONAL INJURY OR WRONGFUL DEATH - NOW WHAT?

A personal injury or wrongful death can leave an individual or family feeling devastated and alone. Mounting expenses plus questions such as how to pay medical bills or how to replace lost income can become overwhelming. Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently seek to capitalize on these vulnerable moments to obtain premature and unfair settlements.

Our experienced legal team has the skills to guide you and to obtain the full and fair compensation you and your family deserve without the need to travel to downtown Lancaster or a “big city” law firm. We give our cases prompt, personal attention, and we have the skills and experience necessary to successfully confront the insurance companies. It is this record of performance which has gained us membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates’ Forum, for obtaining verdicts, awards or settlements of one million dollars or more.

IT'S JUST A TRAFFIC TICKET, RIGHT?

Unfortunately, many traffic tickets hold unseen consequences if you are convicted of or plead guilty to the charged offense. These consequences can include “points” on your driving record or even automatic suspensions of your license. To make matters worse, District Judges and their staffs are prohibited from giving legal advice, meaning that they will not warn you of these hidden consequences. These unseen sanctions are typically imposed by the Department of Transportation weeks after you have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to the traffic ticket, when it may be too late to address them.

In many cases, we are able to have a traffic ticket reduced to a lesser offense which includes milder sanctions or even no sanctions other than a fine. In some cases, we can even have the charge dismissed. These results are only possible, however, in the majority of cases if we are able to address your traffic ticket in its earliest stages, that is, prior to any initial hearing or guilty plea at the District Judge office. Our outstanding record in this area of practice has saved hundreds of clients from losing their driving privileges. A simple consultation in our office will allow us to advise you on any hidden consequences of your traffic matter.

DO I NEED A WILL OR POWER OF ATTORNEY?

Anyone 18 years or older should consider obtaining a Will and Power of Attorney. A Will is a document that instructs how your assets should be dispersed upon your death. A common myth is that the State will inherit your assets if you die without a Will. Although this is not true in the majority of cases, a Will simplifies the process and provides guidance to your family that survives you by setting forth specific instructions as to your wishes. If you have minor children, a Will serves the critical function of naming the guardian of those children if you pass away.

A Power of Attorney (POA), unlike a Will, is utilized when a person is living. Once a person has passed, the POA is no longer used and the Will takes over. A POA allows the person you designate (your Agent)

to make a wide range of decisions, both medical and financial, on your behalf if you are unable to do so. A low-cost POA allows you to choose your Agent, and saves the very high cost of having the Court appoint a Guardian for you if you become incompetent. Some people feel that they are “healthy” or “not old enough” and do not need a POA. That is untrue. The time to make a POA is when you are mentally able to do so. If you become incompetent or otherwise are unable to make decisions, it is too late to make a POA.

REASONS TO INCORPORATE OR FORM AN LLC

Sheltering the assets of the owner of a business is the primary reason to move beyond a sole proprietorship or partnership. A properly prepared and maintained corporation or LLC will help insulate one’s personal assets that may otherwise be exposed to satisfy the debts and liabilities of a business. Certain tax benefits may also be enjoyed with these entities compared to the existing way you do business. Additionally, a corporate or LLC designation to your business name suggests a professional presence to your customers and to the public. If you are considering forming a business entity, we will provide you with the legal guidance you need to choose the appropriate business structure to fit your needs.

Please note that the information contained herein is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. Please schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys to discuss the specifics of your individual case.