- Divorce
- Child Custody and VisitationFamily law encompasses a variety of legal issues and disputes that affect individuals. Divorce and conflicts with regard to children and property are areas in which the attorneys at Stevens & Brand can explain your rights under the law and help you make informed decisions to resolve disputed issues.
- Adoption
- GuardianshipWhen a minor or an adult becomes incapacitated (or incompetent) due to an accident, disability, disease, or old age, it may be necessary to appoint a guardian or conservator to care for them. This enables someone to make important decisions for a minor or incapacitated person, including those involving property, finances, or child care. The attorneys at Stevens & Brand will guide you through the appointment process, the duties and obligations of a guardian or conservator, and the annual status hearing with the court.
- Criminal DefenseU.S. News – Best Lawyers® has announced the publication of its 2021 “Best Law Firm” rankings. The Lawrence and Topeka firm Stevens & Brand, L.L.P., has been named as a 2021 Tier 1 Firm (the highest level) in the Topeka Metropolitan region in the practice areas of: Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense – General Practice, Education Law, Family Law, and Trusts & Estates Law.
- DUI/DWIStevens & Brand defends all levels of criminal allegations and appeals from municipal, state, and federal jurisdictions. Whether you need defense of a minor traffic violation, DUI, misdemeanor, or a felony, Stevens & Brand can handle any of your criminal defense needs.
- Wrongful DeathIf someone dies or is killed due to the negligence or misconduct of another, the survivors may sue for wrongful death. These types of lawsuits seek compensation for the survivors’ loss, such as lost wages from the deceased, lost companionship, and funeral expenses. If your loved one has been killed due to another’s negligence, contact Stevens & Brand to recover benefits you may be entitled to.*
- Traffic Violations
- FraudIf your loved one is an impaired adult and is being financially exploited either by another family member or some sort of consumer fraud, contact our firm immediately to provide swift remedies and future financial security.
- Misdemeanors
- Corporate Law2021 Tier 2 Firm in the Topeka Metropolitan region in the practice areas of: Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law, Criminal Defense – White-Collar, Land Use & Zoning Law, Litigation—Bankruptcy, Litigation—Trusts & Estates, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
- Mergers and AcquisitionsOur Corporate practice attorneys are experienced in the formation and organization of corporations and other businesses, reorganizations and restructuring, private equity, mergers & acquisitions, investment funds, equity capital markets, venture capital and corporate real estate.
- Business DisputesBusiness law focuses on aspects of business including forming a company, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder rights, and property issues such as leasing office or warehouse space. Business law is regulated by both state and federal law, and the attorneys at Stevens & Brand have experience in both these fields.*
- Business TransactionsStevens & Brand’s litigation team can aid with any business litigation issues, either in state, federal, or appellate jurisdictions. Our attorneys have substantial experience in handling commercial transactions and complex commercial litigation including those related to the sale of products or services, negotiable instruments, secured transactions (personal property and real estate), debtor-creditor collection disputes, and judicial and non-judicial foreclosure actions. We can also attempt to resolve issues prior to initiating litigation via settlement negotiations, but are able to proceed with legal remedies in the court systems to obtain your desired outcome if settlement becomes unattainable.
- Limited Liability CompaniesBusiness organization law refers to the numerous ways a business may be legally formed under state laws. In addition to incorporating as a corporation, businesses may also be formed as partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), S Corporations, and other business forms. Since each business organization brings with it a specific set of tax, management, and liability benefits and drawbacks, choosing the right type of organization for your business depends on many factors. With this in mind, our attorneys can provide expertise well before officially organizing a business in order to prepare for these and other legal issues that could arise. *
- Construction Contracts
- Trade Secrets
- Intellectual Property
- Real Estate LitigationReal estate law governs who may own and use the land and any buildings on it. Our attorneys are knowledgeable in both residential and commercial real estate, as well as the state and local rules concerning the purposes for which land may be used.*
- Construction LitigationStevens & Brand’s attorneys represent clients involved in commercial and residential construction including developers, builders, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, and engineers. Our litigators are knowledgeable and experienced in litigating AIA and other construction contracts, as well as cases involving mold and environmental issues, liens, and component failure.
- Eminent DomainThe term “eminent domain” refers to the power of the government to take private land for public use. This power is limited by the Federal Constitution and State Constitutions. The government must fairly compensate the owner when it takes private property.* Stevens & Brand can assist owners and condemning authorities in navigating the legal network of negotiating and obtaining fair property prices.
- Easement
- Land Use and ZoningRecognition in 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas, in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Litigation, Education Law, and Land Use & Zoning Law.
- Personal InjuryRecognition in 2023 in Topeka, Kansas, in the practice areas of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Energy Law, Labor and Employment Law – Management, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers.
- Estate PlanningOur estate planning group is highly skilled with attorneys, accountants, and valuation experts to assist clients with all of their estate planning needs.
- WillsOur estate planning group is highly skilled with attorneys, accountants, and valuation experts to assist clients with all of their estate planning needs. We prepare wills, durable powers of attorney, and living wills; create and fund revocable and irrevocable trusts; prepare buy/sell agreements; and structure business entities so that transfer of control and wealth is accomplished smoothly and without undue tax liability.
- TrustsOur attorneys provide legal representation to Executors, Administrators, and Trustees regarding the proper discharge of their fiduciary responsibilities. We maintain timetables for proper estate and trust administration for timely settlements and tax compliance. We offer strategic advice in relation to potential claims by any adverse parties and defend against claims if they arise.
- Power of Attorney
- Probate
- Bankruptcy
- ForeclosureStevens & Brand has extensive experience in representing banks and their trust departments in all areas of banking law, such as representative default assistance, foreclosures and bankruptcy, complex workouts, loan structuring and documentation, collateralization and securitization, sales of loan portfolios, and investment banking.
- Tax LawEvery transaction, from a simple sale to a complex corporate reorganization, calls for careful planning. Stevens & Brand tax attorneys provide advice and counsel to businesses and individuals on a broad spectrum of tax issues. We negotiate and structure transactions with a view to minimize tax liability. We have the knowledge and experience not only to identify the potential tax consequences of an action, but also to clearly and succinctly explain those consequences to our clients. Our tax attorneys bring years of experience working closely with each of the firm’s practice groups, and are therefore uniquely qualified to provide a full range of tax advice.