- Divorce
- Child Custody and VisitationFamily law consists of anything that has to do with the family: adoption, divorce, child custody and other related legal matters.
- Adoption
- Paternity
- GuardianshipWhen it becomes necessary for families to consider the appointment of a guardian for the protection of the person or assets of a minor or incapacitated adult, our attorneys stand ready to provide prompt, efficient and cost-effective service. The attorneys at Sanders • Pianowski, LLP are knowledgeable of Indiana and Michigan law relating to guardianships, and we have extensive experience in shepherding guardians through the legal rules and procedures required to comply with the law. We work closely with family members to insure that assets are identified, preserved and reported in accordance with statutory mandates, and we collaborate with banks, accountants and financial institutions as necessary to provide the maximum benefit to the protected person.
- Spousal SupportWe counsel families in all aspects of matrimonial law, including pre-nuptial agreements, dissolution (divorce), legal separation, property division, child custody and visitation, spousal maintenance, paternity, and related areas. At Sanders • Pianowski, LLP, the emphasis is on finding creative solutions to legal problems, and that emphasis is especially relevant in the area of family law. Our reputation lies in our ability to bring parties together to resolve disputes without unnecessary legal intervention. This is achieved through a proactive approach to our clients’ needs by seeking to protect their families from needless and potentially destructive adversarial proceedings. However, when litigation is unavoidable, our clients appreciate the firm’s reputation for vigorous and tenacious advocacy.
- Legal SeparationMatt Yeakey heads the team of attorneys who provide professional services to clients in the field of domestic relations, with special expertise in those matters that present complex valuation or distribution issues. We counsel families in all aspects of matrimonial law, including pre-nuptial agreements, dissolution (divorce), legal separation, property division, child custody and visitation, spousal maintenance, paternity, and related areas. At Sanders • Pianowski, LLP, the emphasis is on finding creative solutions to legal problems, and that emphasis is especially relevant in the area of family law. Our reputation lies in our ability to bring parties together to resolve disputes without unnecessary legal intervention. This is achieved through a proactive approach to our clients’ needs by seeking to protect their families from needless and potentially destructive adversarial proceedings. However, when litigation is unavoidable, our clients appreciate the firm’s reputation for vigorous and tenacious advocacy. The hallmark of the firm is its proven experience in handling clients’ legal matters in a successful and cost-effective manner.
- Criminal DefenseDennis joined Sanders Pianowski, LLP in December 2021 after working as an attorney in New York for over eight years. His legal background is diverse, having represented clients on matters involving matrimonial and family law, bankruptcy, real estate, telecommunications, employment discrimination, criminal law, malpractice, appeals, and general civil litigation.
- Wrongful Death
- Assault
- Restraining OrderWhen quick action is necessary, our litigation attorneys have the resources and expertise to seek and obtain immediate relief in court. We have recently had several cases in which temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions were necessary to protect our client’s proprietary interests. Not only did our attorneys secure and enforce immediate relief, in those cases where the law permitted the recovery of attorneys’ fees, we also obtained appropriate awards for the benefit of our clients.
- Corporate Law
- Mergers and AcquisitionsMergers and Acquisitions law has become a major component of the firm’s practice. Sanders • Pianowski, LLP attorneys have represented buyers and sellers of businesses in asset, stock, and hybrid transactions, and we have earned a reputation as the law firm of choice in Michiana when complex business transactions call for innovative solutions. Our clients also benefit from the ability of each practice group to draw upon the skills and talents of attorneys in the other groups for assistance with a particular problem or opportunity. We believe that an integrated team approach not only produces sound legal advice, but also helps achieve the optimum practical result for a clients’ business. Our attorneys pride themselves on their accessibility and responsiveness. Our knowledge, experience, and commitment to success provide our clients with their best opportunity to achieve the ultimate objective in merger and acquisition matters.
- Business DisputesJon is a member of the American Bar Association, Indiana State Bar Association, Elkhart City Bar Association, and Robert A. Grant Inn of Court. As an active member of the Business Law and Young Lawyers Sections, he has authored and contributed to several publications...
- Business TransactionsMergers and Acquisitions law has become a major component of the firm’s practice, under the leadership of Mike Pianowski, who has handled more than five hundred transactions. Sanders • Pianowski, LLP attorneys have represented buyers and sellers of businesses in asset, stock, and hybrid transactions, and we have earned a reputation as the law firm of choice in Michiana when complex business transactions call for innovative solutions. Our clients also benefit from the ability of each practice group to draw upon the skills and talents of attorneys in the other groups for assistance with a particular problem or opportunity. We believe that an integrated team approach not only produces sound legal advice, but also helps achieve the optimum practical result for a client’s business. Our attorneys pride ourselves on our accessibility and responsiveness. Our knowledge, experience, and commitment to success provide our clients with their best opportunity to achieve the ultimate objective in merger and acquisition matters.
- Intellectual PropertyWhile in law school, Lindsey was the President of the Intellectual Property Law Society. She also interned at a patent boutique in Chicago, Illinois throughout her years in law school. Lindsey also externed as a Public Defender for the Saint Joseph County Juvenile Justice Center while studying at Notre Dame Law School. Following law school, Lindsey served as law clerk to the Hon. Kathleen B. Lang at the LaPorte County Superior #1 Court.
- AntitrustDOJ/FTC Workshop: Antitrust Enforcement and Policy of “Most-Favored-Nation” Clauses, ABA Young Lawyers Division, Antitrust Law Committee Newsletter – Vol. 1, Issue 1 (Nov. 2012);
- Wrongful TerminationThe firm has a long and distinguished history of representation of employers in every phase of labor law. In particular, attorneys of the firm have successfully represented clients in wrongful discharge cases in court and before labor arbitrators, unfair labor practice and election cases before the National Labor Relations Board, and employment discrimination cases in state and federal courts and agencies. The labor and employment attorneys of the firm have represented clients in administrative agencies for a wide array of claims, including claims for unemployment benefits, social security proceedings and wage and hour claims under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Employment DiscriminationDennis joined Sanders Pianowski, LLP in December 2021 after working as an attorney in New York for over eight years. His legal background is diverse, having represented clients on matters involving matrimonial and family law, bankruptcy, real estate, employment discrimination, telecommunications, criminal law, malpractice, appeals, and general civil litigation.
- Employment LitigationCompetent advice on labor issues which arise with increasing frequency on a daily basis. We make it a priority to promptly return calls of clients or to make sure that they can contact another knowledgeable member of the firm to obtain the kind of advice which will often head off potential claims and resolve issues before they become critical. We also work proactively with clients to develop and update employment handbooks and policies covering common labor issues, thereby providing a solid basis for employers to respond to issues in an ever changing legal landscape. At Sanders • Pianowski, LLP, the emphasis is on finding creative solutions to legal problems, and that philosophy extends to labor and employment issues as well. Our reputation lies in our ability to bring parties together to resolve disputes without unnecessary legal intervention. This is achieved through a proactive approach to our clients’ needs by seeking to protect them from potential exposure by thoughtful strategic planning. However, when litigation is unavoidable, our clients appreciate the firm’s reputation for vigorous and tenacious advocacy.
- Sexual HarassmentIn recent years, our trial attorneys have successfully defended cases involving products liability, wrongful death, tortious assault, defamation, personal injury by vehicular accident, slip and fall, breach of contract, noncompetition agreements, collection and foreclosure actions, insurance coverage disputes, discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination and a myriad of other claims and suits.
- Real Estate LitigationRobert C. Daniels, one of the founding members of the firm, dedicated his professional practice to real estate law, and he was acknowledged as the premier expert in his field by local banks, realtors and title agencies. That legacy of excellence has been continued by the other members of the Real Estate team, who, working closely with other professionals, represent clients in matters ranging from simple leases through complex and innovative real estate transfers. At Sanders • Pianowski, LLP, the emphasis is on finding creative solutions to legal problems. Our reputation lies in our ability to bring parties together to accomplish goals without unnecessary legal intervention. Our clients also benefit from t
- Premises Liability
- Citizenship and Naturalization
- Employment Immigration
- Personal InjuryBecause of our history of advocacy for and against liability insurance carriers in litigation matters, we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to aggressively pursue all available remedies for redress of damages. At Sanders • Pianowski, LLP, the emphasis is on finding creative solutions to legal problems. Our reputation lies in our ability to bring parties together to resolve disputes without unnecessary legal intervention. The goal in every personal injury claim is to achieve the maximum potential recovery for the client in an expeditious and fair manner. While this often means that the client will benefit from a prompt and full settlement of the claim, litigation is sometimes unavoidable, and in those cases, our clients can be assured by the firm’s reputation for vigorous and tenacious advocacy. The hallmark of the firm is its proven experience in handling clients’ legal matters in a successful and cost-effective manner.
- Medical MalpracticeSanders • Pianowski, LLP enjoys a reputation as one of the foremost personal injury litigation firms in the area. Our trial attorneys have successfully represented injured parties in all manner of claims, from the simplest vehicle collision through the most complex product liability and medical malpractice cases. With access to a full panoply of experts and consultants, the litigation attorneys at Sanders • Pianowski, LLP stand ready and able to take on the most formidable cases and to secure full and fair compensation to deserving clients.
- Medicaid PlanningThe attorneys in the estate planning group are also familiar with social security and Medicaid planning, and can assist clients with appropriate planning to achieve the goal of maximizing our clients’ rights to the benefits they have earned without jeopardizing their family assets. We have helped many families secure the care they need for their loved ones while continuing to maintain their lifestyles and ability to plan for their own futures.
- Estate PlanningThrough the efficient use of paralegals, support staff and knowledgeable professionals, the firm is able to provide the most capable and cost effective representation of personal representatives, trustees and heirs. The attorneys and paraprofessionals in the estate planning team work closely with our clients to insure that their objectives are fully realized. We use all available means to minimize the client’s federal estate tax and state inheritance tax liabilities and to affect the transfer of wealth to the appropriate beneficiaries with minimal delay and complication.
- WillsTrust and Wills consists of trusts, money markets, living wills, wills, estate administration, estate planning, and related legal matters.
- TrustsOur principal objective is to provide our clients with the peace of mind resulting from the knowledge that all reasonably foreseeable contingencies have been anticipated and fully covered. With that goal in mind, our estate planning attorneys thoroughly review with clients the advantages and appropriate uses of durable powers of attorney, living trusts and other devices designed to gain the flexibility demanded by the discipline. The attorneys in the business group also regularly draft and review business contracts and agreements, including buy-sell and redemption instruments, for the purpose of advising clients who have business interests, for the purpose of insuring that the client’s wishes for business succession and continuation will be fully realized. Our clients thereby benefit from the ability of each practice group to draw upon the skills and talents of attorneys in the other groups for assistance with a particular problem or opportunity. We believe that an integrated team approach not only produces sound legal advice, but also helps achieve the optimum practical result for a client’s business.
- Power of Attorney
- Bankruptcy
- ForeclosureThe attorneys of Sanders • Pianowski, LLP actively represent secured lenders in workouts, bankruptcies and civil litigation. Representative matters include the negotiation of real estate loan workouts, commercial and residential foreclosures, setting up special purpose entities to buy, manage, and sell property, coordinating loan extensions, forbearances, short sales, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transactions, prosecuting and defending property liens, litigating homeowner and lender disputes, and assisting clients with navigating post-foreclosure remedies including sheriff sales.
- Tax LawBrian joined the firm in April of 2011. Brian was previously a partner in a large law firm for over thirteen years, and gained approximately 23 years of legal experience focusing on Federal and State Tax issues and disputes, Trust and Estate Planning and Administration, Business law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Real Estate matters, and Employee Benefit matters including qualified retirement plans and non-qualified executive compensation. At Sanders Pianowski LLP Brian is concentrating his practice in Estate Planning and Administration, Business Law, Real Estate, and Mergers and Acquisitions. Brian is a frequent speaker on estate planning, business, and tax law matters.