Divorce/Family/Collaborative Law - I emphasize a collaborative approach, but, when necessary, I am prepared to litigate/try the case; up to 75% of my practice is domestic/family law. Over ninety-percent of all lawsuits eventually settle out of court and before trial. Some reach settlement only after many months of financially and emotionally draining, adversarial negotiation and trial preparation. - Collaborative law is a method of settling cases without court intervention. Encouraging cooperative and non-combative behavior, and agreeing to avoid litigation, help to create an environment where both parties, and their attorneys, are committed to reaching an efficient, fair, and mutually agreeable settlement - out of court. In collaborative law, the goal is for counsel, husband and wife to jointly design settlement options which are acceptable to both parties. Though I am not a mediator, mediation is quite often used to enable the parties to settle and avoid more expensive and uncertain litigation. Paternity cases and domestic partnerships have become an increasing part of family law and my practice. See In Re Marriage of Kunzle, 169 P.3d 344 (KS 2007).

Paternity/Adoption - In 2010 and 2011, I and another attorney successfully challenged the requirements of the Putative Father Registry to defeat an adoption proceeding in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri, based upon the fraud of the natural mother and others.

Real Estate/Contract/Construction Defects - See Brennan v. Kunzle, 154 P.3d 1094 (2007). If you are the buyer in a residential real estate transaction, have an attorney review the contract, before you sign it. If you are already in a situation where you have a contract and/or you have closed and you have purchased a lemon, talk to an attorney who has litigated and settled such cases. With my experience, I can represent either side in residential or commercial real estate disputes. I apply insights gained from over 39 years in practice. I am selective about which cases I will take, and, if I take your case, you can be assured that I will be a strong advocate for you.

Business/Corporate Organization/Contract - I provide my small business clients with an evaluation of what type of business entity is best suited for them, including partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, or limited partnerships. Once the choice of entity has been made, I draft the necessary business formation and operating documents appropriate to the choice of entity, file those documents with the Secretary of State, and assist the client in keeping that organization active.

Corporate Transactional & Contract Law - I draft and review contracts and agreements relating to the operation of a small business, including employment contracts, non-compete agreements, leases of real estate and equipment, and agreements for the purchase and sale of businesses and/or assets. I have also participated in, and orchestrated, a successful reverse stock split as a means of removing a minority shareholder. See Smith v. Microtool, Inc., District Court of Johnson County, Kansas, Case No. 09CV00553, 2009-2010. Reverse stock split.

Civil Litigation/Appellate Practice - I am experienced in prosecuting and defending civil litigation matters, and I can assist you in protecting your interests by initiating a lawsuit, or, if you are sued, defending and protecting your interests. These cases often include breach of contract and shareholder disputes, non-compete agreements, real estate matters, and others. In some cases, the costs of defense may be covered by your business or personal insurance, and that is always a threshold issue to be resolved in defense cases. I have handled over 30 appellate cases over the years, both in Kansas and Missouri. I also handle occasional collection matters, but not commercial collections.

Mediation - Most litigation can benefit from mediation, when the parties seem to have exhausted their settlement options. Though I am not a mediator, I frequently employ mediators to assist in resolving litigation or other disputes.

Associates - I also have associates who are experienced and knowledgeable in estate planning and probate, personal injury, and workers compensation.