Law Firm Overview

I am a solo general practitioner by choice, not by chance. This type of practice provides the opportunity to mold my practice after the ideal of the old time family lawyer or doctor. Every client who comes to my office meets with and is represented by me, not by the newest member of the firm who has an empty calendar. All of my clients are treated with the same attention, concern and respect, regardless of their wealth or the value of their case. I am able to represent my clients as individuals, not profit centers, and to help them find a resolution that suits their goals and preferences rather than my own.

Thirty-two years of legal practice has shaped my legal philosophy to believe that my job is to help my clients, not control them. I provide options and information rather than decisions, and then help my clients choose which option best suits them. If a client wants or needs to litigate, I provide all the reasonable aggressiveness and fight that is within the bounds of professional ethics. On the other hand, knowing that it is often best, in the long run, for clients to reach compromises and settlements, I will not drag my clients into court. If they desire a less hostile or less expensive resolution, I do my best to help them achieve their objective while avoiding the kind of legal warfare which may have lasting consequences far beyond the immediate issue.

Much of my practice involves the representation of average Americans with common legal needs and problems, rather than large companies or institutions, Having a solo practice has allowed me to help clients with family concerns, such as pre-nuptial agreements and adoptions at the beginning of family life, and powers of attorney in later years. I help folks with their financial affairs through wills, trusts, and eventually with the management of estates. In some instances I have assisted several generations from the same family.

Unfortunately, sometimes families break apart, A significant portion of my practice includes all aspects of family law: divorce, separation, custody, support, and the division of marital property, It is in this area I find it most important to help my clients to decide whether they need to go to war, or to compromise. For those who prefer to avoid litigation altogether, I offer a mediation practice where I participate as a neutral mediator (see my Mediation page).

I help clients set up corporations, LLC's and partnerships.

When their financial situation deteriorates beyond their ability to cope, I help people obtain relief through Chapter 7 bankruptcies.

I represent several municipal entities in Northern Lancaster County, which allows me to assist clients with zoning, land planning and real estate needs with the benefit of many years of experience dealing with municipal officials and bodies. Due to my years of experience, I am familiar with the inner workings of boards of supervisors, zoning hearing boards and municipal authorities, which knowledge helps me obtain results for my clients.

Finally, like a family doctor, I have the experience to know when a client's situation requires the help of a specialist, and I will not hesitate to make a referral when appropriate. In this way I can help people to avoid the time and extra expense if a specialist is not required, and direct them to the appropriate firm or attorney if it is.

Initial consultations are offered at a pre-determined reasonable cost.

If you prefer personal attention from an attorney with many years of experience in a broad array of legal areas, please feel free to give me a telephone call. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss a prospective client's needs over the telephone in order to allow the client to decide if they would be comfortable having me as their attorney. I am happy to provide fees upon request and I am willing to accommodate scheduling problems with evening appointments or, when necessary, to travel to a home, hospital, or nursing home when travel is a problem.

Areas of Practice

• Family Law 25%
• Municipal Law 25%
• Wills & Estates 10%
• Personal Injury 5%
• Business & Corporate Law 10%
• Miscellaneous 25%
• Adoption
• Bankruptcy Law
• Child Support
• Custody & Visitation
• Divorce
• Mediation

Classes and Seminars

• Assistant Professor-Real Estate Law for Realtors, Penn State Univ.-Reading Campus, 1982 - 1985

Pro Bono Activities

• Lancaster Bar Association - Pro Bono Program, 1990 - 2007
• Lancaster Mediation Center, 2007

Representative Clients

• West Cocalico Township - Solicitor
• West Cocalico Township Authority - Solicitor
• Brecknock Township Zoning Board - Solicitor
• Weaver's Markets, Inc.

References

• Ephrata National Bank
• Douple Insurance Agency
• Fulton Bank

Ancillary Businesses

• Title Insurance Agent
• Divorce and Custody Mediation

West Practice Categories

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Auto Dealer Fraud, Foreclosure & Alternatives, Lending & Secured Transactions, Bankruptcy Law, Consumer Bankruptcy, Creditors' Rights, Debt Discharge, Foreclosures, Business & Commercial Law, Commercial Leasing, Contracts, Debtor/Creditor, Joint Ventures, Lemon Law, Secured Transactions, Transactions, Uniform Commercial Code, Warranties, Business Organizations, Business Successions, Closely Held Businesses, Dissolution, Formation & Business Planning, Limited Liability Companies, Non-profit & Tax-exempt Organizations, Partnerships, Collections, Special Education, Employment Law -- Employee, Employment Contracts -- Employee, Wrongful Termination -- Employee, Employment Law -- Employer, Employment Contracts -- Employer, Municipal Employment -- Employer, Wrongful Termination -- Employer, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Powers of Attorney and Appointment, Trusts, Wills, Family Law, Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Childrens' Rights, Collaborative Law, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Domestic Violence & Neglect, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Medicare & Medicaid, Health & Health Care Law, Disability, Hospital Law, Mental Health, Nursing Home, Title Insurance, Litigation & Appeals, State Appellate Practice, State Trial Practice, Personal Injury -- Plaintiff, Defamation & Privacy -- Plaintiff, Motor Vehicle Accidents -- Plaintiff, Premises Liability -- Plaintiff, Property Damage -- Plaintiff, Slip and Fall -- Plaintiff, Probate & Estate Administration, Estate Administration, Real Estate Law, Commercial Real Estate, Condominiums & Cooperatives, Conveyancing, Land Use & Zoning, Landlord/Tenant, Residential Real Estate, State, Local & Municipal Law, Municipal Corporations