- Divorce
- Adoption
- Corporate LawThroughout its entire practice, the Firm has assisted clients with various aspects of business formation (limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, corporations and fictitious names); business purchases and sales; counseling on corporate law matters and assistance with business tax matters.
- Business Formation
- Limited Liability Companies
- Real Estate TransactionsThe permanency of real estate has made real estate the subject of a large body of law relative to the use of real estate as collateral for loans, the division of real estate through what is known as a subdivision process, the restriction of the use of real estate by covenants or restrictions running against the land, the creation of easements or agreements pertaining to real estate including commercial leases, and the like. The Firm has assisted both commercial and residential clients with their real estate needs. Services include assisting in the preparation and/or negotiation of agreements of sale for real estate, examining titles to real estate, drafting deeds, mortgages, easements and other documents pertaining to real estate as well as conducting real estate closings. Since the 1970s, the real estate practice in the Lehigh Valley area, and in Pennsylvania generally, often involves the issuance of a title insurance policy to both a person acquiring real estate and/or a bank or mortgage company using real estate as collateral. The Firm is an agent for Commonwealth Land Title and Land America, premier title insurers within the title insurance industry and as such is equipped to provide title insurance to meet the client’s needs pertaining to real estate transactions. The Firm assists in providing counseling concerning various real estate tax elections including Act 319 and Act 515 (sometimes referred to as clean and green real estate tax elections)
- Easement
- Land Use and Zoning
- Landlord-Tenant DisputesThe local district court, headed by a district justice provides a forum in what many call "small claims court" to attempt to resolve disputes relating to the collection of money, landlord and tenant issues, and miscellaneous items within jurisdiction of the district justice. Particularly for those who have limited experience with the district justice system, the Firm provides counseling and representation at the local district court level.
- Citizenship and Naturalization
- Personal InjuryMotor Vehicle Accidents (MVA's) The days following a serious motor vehicle accident cannot only be physically and medically challenging, they can also be legally challenging as well. Certain portions of the decades old "no fault" concept of motor vehicle insurance coverage remain in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Often your own insurance coverage is responsible for paying your expenses, even when someone else is at fault. Conversely though your own insurance coverage can provide you with important benefits you might not even recognize you have. (Not surprisingly, your own insurance carrier might not be so quick to point out the coverage following a loss). A prompt review by a knowledgeable attorney practicing in this area can clear up a lot of the confusion and assure you with coverage and benefits you might not know to exist.
- Auto Accidents
- Estate PlanningWe offer discounts on basic estate planning documents to Veterans. We invite Veterans to inquire about discounts at the initial office conference. Thank you for your service.
- WillsThe building block of any estate plan is an appropriate Last Will and Testament, often referred to as a "Will". A Will establishes how property interests owned in the decedent's name alone will be handled after the decedent's death. The requirements for a valid Will vary somewhat by the various state laws. A Will also allows the naming of a person who administers a person’s assets and estate after death. That person is known as an executor. Wills often contain trust provisions allowing for longer term management of assets for children and/or beneficiaries with disabilities as well as for other reasons. Estate Planning involves advising to minimize death taxes, and structuring to protect and approximately administer assets by employing a variety of estate planning techniques appropriate to clients’ circumstances.
- TrustsThe Firm of Steckel and Stopp has proudly served the legal needs of the Greater Lehigh Valley since 1947. The Firm has extensive Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration and real estate experience. The Firm also handles large, complex business and litigation matters for privately-held corporations as well as cater to the complete legal needs of midsized businesses and individuals. For other practice areas, please visit Practice Areas.
- Tax Law