Practice Areas Overview
Attorney Jeffrey A. Grubb of the Grubb Law Firm, PC works throughout Jackson and Clay Counties, coming to the aid of people throughout western Missouri who need assistance in a variety of instances, including bankruptcy, criminal defense, personal injury, and estate planning and probate. Whether you are planning ahead to secure a future for your children and grandchildren, or have been involved in an emergency requiring a lawyer's advice, Mr. Grubb is has the knowledge, skills, and experience to obtain the best result in your particular situation.
Bankruptcy
We help individual debtors find a solution to their financial difficulties, which in many cases involves pursuing a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy proceeding. We have the background and understanding to guide people toward the best solution in their specific case:
- A Chapter 7 liquidation involves the selling off of all non-exempt assets, with the proceeds going to pay off your debts. Once the proceeds have been disbursed, remaining debts are typically discharged by the bankruptcy court, giving the debtor a fresh start. Many assets, such as the equity in your home or car, home furnishings, and personal effects can be protected from the liquidation process. Keep in mind that not all debts are dischargeable, including student loans, child support payments, and tax liens, and also that a Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for ten years.
- A Chapter 13 wage earner's plan allows an individual to develop a plan to pay off debts month-by-month. Chapter 13 does not require the debtor to sell off assets. Also, the bankruptcy puts an end to creditor collection practices and gives debtors some breathing room to get back on their feet and move forward without the anxiety and pressure of crushing debt.
Criminal Defense
From misdemeanor driving under the influence to aggravated DUI and serious felonies, the Grubb Law Firm provides a strong, vigorous defense. We represent people charged with theft offenses such as burglary and larceny as well as drug offenses including possession, distribution, and trafficking in controlled substances. We also represent people charged with serious violent crimes, such as assault and battery.
Whether you decide to accept a plea agreement or stand trial, we conduct a thorough investigation of the evidence against you and prepare arguments designed to achieve the best possible outcome in your circumstances, whether it be a not guilty verdict, dismissal of charges, reduced charges, probation, or other forms of alternative sentencing.
Personal Injury
If you have been injured in an accident due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of another, you may be entitled to recover for your property damage and present and future medical expenses. You may also recover for your lost wages from work missed due to the injury or any future, long-term or permanent disability. In addition, emotional damages and pain and suffering are compensable injuries which often accompany a serious injury.
Whether negotiating a settlement with the insurance company or litigating a case at trial, the Grubb Law Firm possesses the knowledge, background, and skill to effectively represent your interests. We can help with many types of serious injury cases, including:
- Automobile accidents, including trucks, motorcycles, and other motor vehicles
- Slip and fall injuries and other premises liability cases
- Dog bites and other vicious animal attacks
Estate Planning
Through a combination of wills, testamentary trusts, revocable living trusts, and other instruments, we help you develop a comprehensive estate plan that meets your needs during your lifetime while providing for the distribution of your estate after you are gone, all in accordance with your wishes and with an eye toward minimizing the time and expense of probate and the tax consequences for you and your intended heirs and beneficiaries.
Estate planning should also plan for incapacity. In the event you become seriously ill or injured, you may have strong feelings about what type of life-prolonging actions and other medical procedures you do or do not want performed on your behalf, yet you may be incapable of communicating those desires at the time. A living will, advance directives, and a durable power of attorney are all different ways of approaching these decisions. Each document has different capabilities and functions, and you may need several directives to ensure your wishes are honored. We discuss these matters with you and help you determine which documents you need.
Probate
We handle the administration of decedents' estates. If the value of the deceased person's estate is less than $40,000, full probate administration is not required, and the estate may be settled through a summary proceeding. If the deceased person died with an estate valued at more than $40,000, a full probate proceeding is required. Probate is the process where the court oversees the administration of a deceased person's estate, to ensure that any debts and taxes are paid, and that the assets are distributed to the beneficiaries as specified in the decedent's will, or if the person died without a will, or "intestate", as specified by Missouri's laws of intestate succession. We assist clients with the summary administration of small estates as well as the full probate administration of larger estates.
If there are any contests, challenges to the will, or other difficulties with the probate process, we are prepared to vigorously protect the interests of our client. Our work in the probate courts also includes representation in guardianship proceedings to care for a minor or incapacitated adult. We also assist in establishing conservatorships to manage the property and financial affairs of a minor or disabled adult.
Traffic Violations
Although traffic tickets may not have the same consequences as criminal convictions, they can still result in steep fines and other negative outcomes, such as increases in your auto insurance or cancellation of your policy and suspension of your driver's license. These penalties can not only impact your pocketbook but your employment opportunities as well. With so much on the line, challenging a citation is often the sensible move when the circumstances warrant it. Our criminal defense experience includes handling everything from misdemeanor traffic violations to minor citations and infractions. We also represent clients charged with moving violations such as speeding, reckless driving, and driving with a suspended license.
Seek Experienced Representation
For advice or representation in any of the above matters, call us anytime for professional legal assistance from a qualified, experienced attorney. When you are in trouble, a call to the right lawyer can be the best decision you make. In Kansas City, Independence, Liberty, and throughout the surrounding areas, contact the Grubb Law Firm, PC for a free consultation.
