Skeeters Bennett and Wilson Attorneys at Law provides quality legal services in many areas

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Skeeters Bennett and Wilson Attorneys at Law provides quality legal services in many areas including attorneys lawyers law firm accident injury malpractice medical malpractice death car wreck automobile accident estate planning wills probate collections foreclosure living wills real estate deed closing title opinion meade hardin breckinridge grayson nelson larue county counties radcliff elizabethtown e-town brandenburg breck co hardinsburg leitchfield bardstown hodgenville fort knox kentucky ky ESTATE PLANNING, PROBATE AND ELDER LAW WILLS AND TRUSTS What is a Will? An individual can still control what they want to accomplish in their estate plan and who they want to enjoy their hard earned assets. Many individuals put off estate planning because it is either an area they do not want to think about or believe they are too young. You are never too young to have an estate plan because unforeseen circumstances happen to individuals of all ages. Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike has been helping and assisting individuals with their estate planning for over 35 years. Our attorneys are competent in all areas of estate planning including wills and trusts. We will also help you form family limited partnerships and family limited liability companies when appropriate to carry out your estate plan. To assist our clients with their estate planning, we work with trust officers, insurance agents, and accountants to complete our clients plan. We draft and prepare various trust agreements in an effort to carry out our clients wishes including irrevocable life insurance trusts, family trusts, marital deduction and credit shelter trusts, qualified personal residents trusts, and trusts for challenged children and adults. Please contact our attorneys for a consultation to discuss this very important and private area of your life. POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND LIVING WILLS In our present world where individuals can be kept alive indefinitely through medical advances, it is important for everyone to have advanced medical directives. At Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike we can prepare for you general durable powers of attorney, health care surrogate powers of attorney, and living wills. An advance health care directive must be in writing and must be signed by witnesses other than relatives, heirs to your estate, hospital or nursing home employees, doctors, or other health care providers. A health care surrogate has the power to make any medical decision that you could make for yourself including the withholding or stopping of artificial nutrition and hydration if death is eminent. Health surrogates must honor your wishes outlined in your health surrogate power of attorney and must consult with doctors concerning your directives. PROBATE, ESTATE AND TRUST ADMINISTRATION Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike offers both counseling and probate court representation in the areas of probate, estates, and trust administration. We assist in the administration of a decedent's estate by preparing probate documents and court pleadings, the preparation of federal and state estate inheritance tax returns, assisting with the valuation and appraisal of estate assets, advice and documentation concerning asset transfers, and after death tax planning. We also assist clients in administering trusts which may include the transfer of real estate assets, marketable securities, payment of bills, and preparing fiduciary income tax returns. We are committed to keep all beneficiaries informed as to their potential inheritance. We also represent clients in both estate and trust litigation. The representation could include a will contest, will interpretation, trust litigation, and guardianships and powers of attorneys involving a breach of fiduciary duties. ELDER LAW Explanation of Medicare Insurance - KY Medicaid Eligibility guide for nursing home care It is imperative that elder citizens be familiar with their rights and opportunities as it relates to elder law. Our attorneys will assist elder individuals in understanding Medicare coverage. We also assist our clients in understanding Medicaid benefits as it applies to residential care, home and community-based services, and hospital, outpatient and physician services. We assist elder clients in determining their Medicaid eligibility as far as income and resource eligibility is concerned. We also advise those clients concerning Medicaid estate recovery of their assets. We then develop an overall approach to carry out their wishes in a comprehensive plan. We explore the possibility of long-term care insurance and help clients choose what's best for them. We assist our elder clients with their retirement planning as it relates to their individual retirement accounts and qualified retirement plans. We make recommendations concerning their retirement planning. We are always mindful that the final decision is the client's because it is the clients assets we are dealing with not ours. We assist clients in the area of guardianships including representing individuals in contested guardianships. We also assist in the administration of guardianships through the court system. A guardianship is sometimes necessary when a person becomes incapable of making medical or financial decisions for themselves and they have not executed a power of attorney designating someone to handle their financial and medical affairs. We handle guardianships either by helping a family member become a guardian or by serving as a lawyer for a person who might need a guardian. We also serve as court appointed guardian ad litem for individuals who are incapable of representing themselves. EMPLOYEE PROFILES MARY GALLANT Mary Gallant began working for the law firm of Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, in December of 1977. Born in Massachusetts, Mary's family moved to Vine Grove, Kentucky after her father retired from the Army. Mary was in the 7 th grade at the time. Mary's father then started working for the United States Gold Depository at Fort Knox and Mary has lived in this area ever since. Mary still lives in Vine Grove with her husband, Chris. Chris is a Vice-President in Sales for Federal Express. Mary has two children, Lauren and Aaron. Lauren is a senior at the University of Kentucky majoring in fine arts and marketing. Aaron attends Transylvania University on a scholarship where he is a Dean's list student. Aaron is majoring in business with a minor in Spanish. Mary is an unabashed animal lover. She enjoys her two dogs, Lady Bugs, a golden retriever, and Chelsie, a shih tzu. Mary also loves her cat Bert. In addition, Mary is an avid horseback rider and her favorite horse to ride is Butterball. She has ridden Butterball in competition. Mary also attends to the Rolex Equestrian three day event in Lexington, Kentucky every year. Mary and her husband attend St. Brigid Catholic Church in Vine Grove. They are also members of the Heartland Corvette Club and the Lincoln Trail Country Club. Mary is President of Millennium Investment Club for women. In addition, Mary has been involved in many civic activities in our community. She has been especially active with the Radcliff-North Hardin Chamber of Commerce where she has chaired the Golden Armor Festival Parade. This year will mark Mary's 28th anniversary with our law firm. Our firm is very fortunate to have such a loyal, dedicated, and efficient office manager. Mary has never met a stranger and is a cherished employee. COMMITMENT TO OUR CLIENTS Our clients are the most important people in this office, whether they are visiting in person, by mail, by e- mail, or phone. Our clients are not dependent on us... We are dependent on them. Our clients are not an interruption of our work... They are the purpose for it. We are not doing a favor for handling their inquiries... They are doing us a favor by giving us an opportunity to earn their business..Our clients are not to be argued with or matched wits with. We never win an argument with our clients. Our clients rely on us to help them. It is our job to do it proficiently.Our commitment means that we will place our client's needs first and serve them in a highly proficient, ethical, honest, and competent manner. We will take the time to understand our clients, their wants, desires, and needs. We will deliver legal services in an efficient and cost effective manner. We will never forget that our purpose is to serve our clients. Personal relationships matter to us and we will always seek to gain our clients trust. Our reputation matters to us as well as our clients. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT The attorneys and staff at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, are dedicated to the communities in which they live and practice. Our firm members are involved and serve on boards of directors for such diverse non-profit organizations including St. Brigid Catholic Church, Valley View Baptist Church, Brandenburg United Methodist Church, Radcliff/North Hardin Chamber of Commerce, Radcliff Rotary Club, Community Health Clinic of Hardin-LaRue County, Association of the United States Army, North Central Education Foundation, Hardin County Community Foundation, The Challenger Learning Center, Glendale Baptist Children's Home, USA Cares, North Hardin Hope, Vine Grove Chamber of Commerce, AUSA CORE Committee, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and The American Red Cross.In 2004, David T. Wilson II personally organized and conducted a fundraiser for Camp Tessa at Severns Valley Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. The camp is designed to help autistic children develop their social skills. It serves approximately 25 children each summer who come from Hardin and surrounding counties. David led a fundraising campaign with the Hardin County Bar Association to help subsidize the cost of the camp.In 2005, Terry Bennett was appointed the chairman for the Friends of Scouting Campaign, Radcliff District of the Lincoln Trail Division, Lincoln Heritage Council, Boy Scouts of America. The Radcliff area including Vine Grove, Rineyville, and Fort Knox raised 177% of its goal which was the highest in the entire Lincoln Heritage Council. The firm also supports through financial contributions such organizations as: Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, believes that its attorneys should lead by example by serving the community in various civic and charitable positions. Members of the firm are also actively involved in various professional organizations that are designed to serve the Bar. This overall commitment to our community and our profession is taken seriously because we believe that local attorneys should serve their local communities. SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS On May 7, 2004, R. Terry Bennett spoke for a continuing legal education seminar entitled Legal Issues Involving Kentucky Local Governments. An outline of Mr. Bennett's lecture follows: Municipal Employment Relations A. Wage and Hour Issues B. Discipline of Public Employees C. Salary Basis Test for White-Collar Exemptions Under the FSLA D. Reasonable Accommodation Under the ADA E. Dealing with Employee Drug/Alcohol Problems Ethical Dilemmas For Municipal Attorneys A. Technology's Impact on Privacy and Confidentiality Issues B. Attorney-Client Privilege - Identifying the Real Client C. Participation in Political Activities The seminar was designed for City and municipal attorneys as well as attorneys practicing in the areas of administrative, urban and local government and public contract law. Mr. Bennett also lectured on the same series on May 16, 2005. In January of 2005, Mr. Bennett spoke at a continuing legal education seminar entitled Kentucky Probate: Beyond the Basics. An outline of Mr. Bennett's areas of discussion is listed below:Taking Inventory and Determining Fair Market Value of Special Assets A. Handling Life Insurance Proceeds B. Planning for Distribution From Qualified Plans-You Can't Take It With You C. Appraising Art and Collections D. Valuation of a Closely Held Business or Partnership E. Comprehending Tax Shelters F. Valuation of Oil, Gas and Other Mineral Rights G. How to Solve the Valuation Problems of an Estate Ethics In Probate Practice A. Avoiding Conflicts of Interest B. Distinguishing Between Privileged and Non-Privileged Communications C. Establishing Attorneys' Fees D. Observing the Standards for Practice Before the IRS Handling Litigation Issues in Probate A. Contesting the Will-Under What Conditions Can This be Done and by Whom? B. Bringing Wrongful Death Actions or Personal Injury Claims for the Estate C. Adjudicating Adverse Claims to Property D. Determining Heirs in Formal Proceedings E. Altering Settlements and Making Compromises F. Examining Other Actions Involving the Estate In both 2002 and the spring of 2004, David T. Wilson II was a guest lecturer for the University of Kentucky's continuing legal education program. Mr. Wilson spoke on collecting from Military personnel and other specially situated defendants. The lecture included how to obtain a judgment from members of the Military services, the Soldier's and Sailor's Civil Relief Act, commercial debt garnishment for Federal civilian employees, and involuntary allotment from Military personnel. FIRM PROFILE Our law firm was formed in 1971 and is located in Radcliff, Kentucky. Radcliff is located in Hardin County adjacent to Fort Knox, Kentucky. The law firm is a comprehensive full service firm. The firm does concentrate in such areas as personal injury, real estate, municipal law, probate and estate planning, corporations and business law, general litigation, domestic relations, and collections and foreclosure. The firm partners consist of Donald E. Skeeters, R. Terry Bennett, David T. Wilson II, and Michael A. Pike.The law firm represents four municipal corporations, four boards of education, and other public entities.The firm does extensive real estate and title work for a number of national, regional, and local financial institutions, as well as numerous mortgage companies. The firm also serves as the pro bono legal counsel for the Heart of Kentucky Board of Realtors.Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, also represents a number of small to medium sized corporations in such diverse business areas as automobile dealerships, international distribution and sales companies, real estate and land companies, professional service corporations, and financial institutions.The firm members serve such community organizations as the Radcliff/Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, Hardin County Community Foundation, AUSA CORE Committee, Kentucky Baptist Home for Children, North Central Education Foundation, Radcliff Rotary Club, Challenger Learning Center, Vine Grove Baseball/Softball Association, Vine Grove Optimist Recreational Basketball Association, Vine Grove Chamber of Commerce, The Free Health Clinic of Hardin-LaRue County, and USA Cares.Former members of the firm include a District Court Judge, Commonwealth Attorney, Assistant Commonwealth and County Attorneys, Fort Knox Staff Judge Advocate, and Chief of the Civil Division for the United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky.The law firm has an AV ® rating in the Martindale- Hubbell Law Directory ®, the highest rating that can be given. The firm has almost 100 years of combined legal experience. Our staff consists of 14 staff members with paralegals in such areas as real estate, collections, domestic relations, estate planning and probate, and litigation.Skeeters, Bennett & Wilson, provides legal advise, consultation, and representation to individuals and businesses in Hardin and Meade County as well as surrounding counties. Our representation ranges from some of the largest corporations in America to private individuals in need. This site is designed to give you a better understanding and knowledge of our law firm, our attorneys and staff, our history, and our areas of practice. HISTORY OF SKEETERS, BENNETT & WILSON, LAW FIRM Donald E. Skeeters founded this law firm on April 26, 1971, as a sole practitioner in Radcliff, Kentucky. Don began practicing law at 428 North Dixie Blvd. in a modest rented office. R. Terry Bennett joined Don in May, 1974, and the partnership of Skeeters & Bennett was formed. Don and Terry had both grown up in Hardin County. In 1975, the firm purchased a building and moved to 705 North Dixie Blvd. in Radcliff. At that time the firm consisted of two attorneys, two secretaries, a receptionist, and a real estate paralegal. David T. Gray joined the partnership in June of 1979 and the partnership became known as Skeeters, Bennett & Gray. Subsequently Mr. Gray left the firm to work as chief of civil litigation for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Louisville, Kentucky. Mr. Gray returned to Skeeters & Bennett in December of 1984 and has since retired from the firm. Kimberly Winkenhoffer Shumate joined the firm in August of 1988. In 1997, Kim was appointed to the Judicial Bench as a District Court Judge.David T. Wilson II, joined the firm in 1989 after graduating from the University of Kentucky School of Law. David is a native of Meade County, Kentucky. The law firm's name was changed to Skeeters, Bennett, Shumate & Wilson on April 1, 1993. After Mrs. Shumate became a Judge, the firm's name was changed to its present name, Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, .Michael A. Pike joined the law firm in 1999 after serving as a sole practitioner and Assistant Meade County Attorney. Michael also had previously worked for the Legal Operations Department at General Electric in Louisville. Michael grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. His parents were originally from Meade County. The law firm currently has five attorneys and 14 staff members. The law firm moved to its present location at 550 West Lincoln Trail Blvd. in 1984. RESOURCES Donald E. Skeeters Background & Education: Donald E. Skeeters was born in 1941 in Hardin County, Kentucky. He was raised in Vine Grove and attended Hardin County public schools, graduating from Vine Grove High School in 1959. Don attended the University of Kentucky where he studied biology and chemistry and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963. In 1968, he obtained his Master of Science in Education degree. Don first started teaching at North Hardin High School where he taught science as well as being a basketball coach. He also taught chemistry in the Bardstown school system. Don also was trained and worked as Assistant Engineer for IBM in Lexington, Kentucky after teaching high school. Don then entered law school at the University of Kentucky and obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 1970. While in law school, Don developed a psychological/psychiatric computer scoring program with another individual. The test results were then generated so that a report, depending upon the professional background, could be reviewed by various individuals.Law Practice: Don returned home to Hardin County and set up a solo practice in Radcliff, Kentucky in 1970. In addition to the general practice of law, Don has served as city attorney for the Cities of Radcliff and Vine Grove, City Prosecutor for those two cities, and general counsel for such entities as Hardin County Bank & Trust, Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, Hardin County Board of Education, and Hardin County Water District No. 1. Don was the founder of the law firm now known as Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, .Civic Involvement: Over the years Don has been involved in many civic organizations. He is a past member of the Knights of Columbus, Lion's Club, North Hardin Football Boosters, and North Hardin Band Boosters. Don has chaired fundraising events for the North Hardin Band Boosters and was the chairman of the fundraising campaign for building a football stadium at North Hardin High School. Don and his wife attend St. Brigid Catholic Church in Vine Grove, Kentucky where he has served as a member of the Parish Council, both as chairman and secretary. Personal: Don is married to Dianna Skeeters from Meade County, Kentucky and they have three grown children Sherri, Dan, and Kevin. Don and Dianna also have nine grandchildren. Don is a devoted family man and loves to spend time with his children and grandchildren. Hobbies: Don is an avid snow skier and also enjoys bicycling and jogging. Areas of Practice: Don has an active practice which includes probate matters, real estate, estate planning, personal injury, and business organizations. ATTORNEY PROFILES BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS LAW CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIPS AND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES There are many things to consider when forming a business entity. The attorneys at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, assist owners of businesses to select the correct entity for their company, to help them form that company, and to assist in the operation of the company. We provide the legal expertise in forming business entities such as S and C corporations, general and limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and not for profit corporations. We also assist professionals in forming professional service corporations.Without a business plan, a plan of operation, and an exit strategy simply forming the business entity is not enough. We prepare and counsel our clients in asset purchase agreements, buy/sell agreements, partnership agreements, operating agreements for limited liability companies, and dissolution. We continue to represent our clients and give advice to both buyers and sellers when acquiring a business, merging with another business, or selling their business. In addition, we prepare and maintain corporate records so that the company is always in compliance with all state and federal laws. We advise businesses concerning non competition agreements as well as the enforcement of those agreements. We represent shareholders, officers and directors in all aspects of corporate life. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW The area of labor and employment law is ever changing. Our law firm represents both businesses and individuals and provides numerous services for our clients in the area of employment. We conduct seminars and training for the employees of our clients. We assist our clients in all aspects of complying with the various state and federal regulations including Affirmative Action, Equal Employment and Opportunity, The American Disability Act, The Family Medical Leave Act, as well as Title VII. We prepare personnel and employee handbooks as well as other preventative law services to a wide range of business clients.In the area of employment discrimination, our firm represents both plaintiffs and defendants in discrimination and harassment hearings and lawsuits, wrongful discharge, non competition agreements, and employment injury claims to include workers compensation. COMMERCIAL BANKING AND CREDIT UNION LAW The attorneys at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, provide legal services to financial institutions including banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, and finance companies. The representation spans a wide array of areas to include development of forms for lenders, loan modification agreements and forbearance agreements, uniform commercial code matters, consumer credit compliance, and sales and purchase transactions. We also assist our financial institutional clients with their real estate needs whether it be purchasing or leasing real estate. In addition, our law firm has a collections department which handles collections for local, regional, and nation financial institutions in the courts in all parts of Kentucky. We assist our financial institutions with their loan transactions and advise them and represent them in working out solutions to their debtors financial problems. We value our relationships with our financial institution clients and stay abreast of the various changes taking place in this very dynamic area of the law. TRADEMARKS AND COPYRIGHTS To bring a full array of services to our corporate clients Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, assist our clients in protecting their intellectual property. We counsel our clients in matters of trademark, copyright, trade secrets, and licensing and franchise matters. We help authors and song writers publish their works. We help our clients obtain, register and maintain trademarks and copyrights in both state and The United States Patent and Trademark Office. Although we do not practice patent law, we assist our clients in obtaining competent patent attorneys concerning their inventions. Protecting our clients intellectual property rights is a high priority for both our clients and our firm. David T. Wilson II Background & Education: David T. Wilson II is a native of Meade County. He attended Meade County High School, graduating in 1982. Afterwards, David continued his education at Hanover College in southern Indiana and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky. David remained in Lexington and attended the University of Kentucky College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate in 1989. While in law school, David served as Editor of a law review journal and was published in the Journal of Mineral Law and Policy. Law Practice: David has practiced with Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike in Hardin County and the surrounding communities since 1989. He has successfully practiced cases before the Kentucky Supreme Court, the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and the Federal Court for the Western District of Kentucky. David oversees the firm's collection practice, which includes the foreclosure on real estate secured loans and the collection of unsecured debts for a number of creditors. Additionally, David represents creditors in bankruptcy for the firm. He currently represents a number of local entities including the Fort Knox Federal Credit Union, Hardin County Board of Education, Meade County Board of Education, Hardin County Water District Number 1, and Kentucky Land Company. Civic Involvement:David is a member of the Meade County Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the Board of Trustees for the Kentucky United Methodist Homes for Children and Youth. He is also actively involved in youth athletics having coached over a dozen teams in the last several years. Organizations: David is a member of the American Bar Association, Kentucky Bar Association, Hardin County Bar, Meade County Bar, and the Kentucky Association of School Board Attorneys. Personal: David is married to the former Elizabeth VanAntwerp, originally from Ashland, Kentucky. They have been married since 1987. They have three children: Caroline, Thomas and John. The family attends Brandenburg United Methodist Church where David serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee, and as an Adult Sunday School teacher. LITIGATION AND TRIAL PRACTICE TRIAL PRACTICE We handle general litigation cases for both plaintiffs and defendants in all areas of our practice whether it be domestic relations, personal injury, collections and foreclosures, or labor and employment. We would hope that in most instances litigation is the last resort not the first resort. When clients seek proactive advice prior to a problem arising, most lawsuits can be avoided. We believe that solving disputes prior to litigation has a positive affect on both businesses and individuals.Skeeters, Bennett & Wilson, attorneys practice at all levels of both state and federal courts in Kentucky. Our attorneys handle a wide variety of litigation matters. In representing businesses, we are involved in all types of commercial litigation, contracts, employer/employee disputes, discrimination cases, uniform commercial code issues, breach of contract and warranty claims, and insurance coverage issues.For our real estate clients and real estate developers we litigate title disputes, leasing controversies, survey and boundary issues, construction disputes, mechanic lien priority issues, and business torts.Our law firm has an extensive trial practice in the real estate area. We defend realtors and agents for real estate fraud, contract disputes, title issues, and broker issues.We have extensive litigation experience in the area of probate including the interpretation of wills and trusts, undue influence, incompetency, guardianships and powers of attorney, and disputes among heirs. MEDIATION AND ARBITRATION Our attorneys represent clients in mediation and arbitration as well as serving as mediators for other attorneys and courts. Alternative dispute resolution is a method to arrive at a resolution to a dispute prior to trial. The mediation is non-binding on the participants and gives the clients a way to solve their case with a solution they have agreed to as opposed to a solution imposed on them by a judge or jury. In most cases, mediation is ordered by courts prior to a trial date being set. Arbitration is required in a number of contracts and, therefore, arbitration is mandatory. Arbitration is usually binding upon the parties and the courts will uphold an arbitrator's decision and require the parties to abide by that decision. The advantages of mediation is that it saves time and expense, it is not a public record therefore it is confidential, and in most cases it is a self agreed to disposition. Mediation and arbitration can occur in all areas of litigation such as domestic and family matters, labor and employment matters, personal injury and wrongful death claims, real estate disputes, as well as many others. APPEALS Only a small percentage of the cases litigated ever reach the appellate level. When that occurs, Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, is able to continue the representation of our clients through the entire appellate process. We will be able to file for you the necessary appellate paperwork including the appellate brief. We will represent you through the final stages of the appeal which could include an oral argument in front of an appellate court. Our attorneys are able to narrow the legal issues so that our arguments will be to the point and easy for an appellate court to understand. We are able to do extensive research on the applicable laws and to present the law most favorable for our clients to the court. Our attorneys are admitted to practice before the Kentucky Court of Appeals, the Kentucky Supreme Court, the United States District Court, Western District of Kentucky, United States 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Military Appeals, and the United States Board of Claims. ADMINISTRATIVE LAW Both individuals and businesses may have an occasion where they need to be represented before either a local, state, or federal administrative board. Their representation may also include an administrative decision being appealed to a court for clarification or overturning an administrative decision. The attorneys at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, have represented clients before numerous local boards such as planning and zoning, boards of adjustment, local civil service boards, and disciplinary boards. We have also practiced before such state boards and agencies as The Kentucky Real Estates Commission, The Kentucky Nurses Licensure Board, The Kentucky Medical Licensure Board, The Kentucky Board of Engineers, The Kentucky Board of Auctioneers, The Kentucky Gaming Commission, The Public Service Commission, and others. We also represent federal employees concerning labor matters involving promotion, demotion, and discrimination. We have represented both businesses and individuals before The Kentucky Human Rights Commission. Michael A. Pike Background and Education: Born into an extremely large family, Michael Pike was raised in Louisville, Kentucky. However, his parents were natives of neighboring Meade County, Kentucky. After lettering in varsity basketball four years in high school in Louisville, Mike continued his education at the University of Louisville. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History, cum laude, in 1991. Upon graduation from Louisville he worked for a family business for almost six years. In addition to working the family business, Mike began his legal studies at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. He received his Juris doctorate in 1998. Law Practice: While attending law school, Mike served as an intern with the General Electric Appliances Legal Operations Department. In addition, Mike was a member and editor of the law review, the Journal of Family Law, and author a student not in the review. He was also a member of the school's Negotiations Team. Upon passing the Bar exam, Mike began his practice as an assistant Meade County Attorney, as well as a sole practitioner. He later joined Skeeters, Bennett & Wilson, in 1999, and became a partner in the firm in 2001. Civic Activities:Mike currently is the attorney for the Cities of Radcliff and Vine Grove, advising the Cities, their elected official, employees, and various city boards. He is a graduate of the Radcliff-Vine Grove Community Leadership Program. He also spends a great deal of time in the community as coach for both youth basketball and baseball. Mike also assists the youth of our community by serving on the boards of the Vine Grove Baseball-Softball Association and was an initial board member for the Vine Grove Recreational Basketball League. Mike also serves on the Challenger Learning Center of Radcliff Advisory Board. In the past, Mike co-hosted a religious teaching program on WFIA-AM radio of Louisville. Organizations:Mike is a member of the American Bar Association, the Kentucky Bar Association, Hardin County Bar, Meade County Bar, and Association of Trial Lawyers of America.Personal: Mike and his wife Julie have three children, Michael, Olivia, and Emma. Hobbies:Mike has a wide range of interest including theology, history, music, and various sports. A devoted family man, Mike also enjoys spending time with his family which is evident from the time he spends coaching his children in their various youth sports programs. Areas of Practice: Mike focuses his practice on personal injury and social security, municipal law, civil and criminal litigation, business formation, and estates and probate. Additionally, Mike oversees the real estate department for the law firm. PUBLIC ENTITY LAW Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, has a long history and tradition of representing public entities such as municipal corporations, school districts, and public utility companies. MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS Our law firm has represented cities since its inception. The firm is experienced in all areas of local government law. We assist our municipal clients with regulations, ordinances, public meetings, and open records. We advise our clients on such broad issues as wage and hour laws, the discipline of public employees, American Disability Act, employee drug/alcohol problems, and zoning laws. We represent an economic development authority and have experience with working with outside companies to obtain incentives and incentive packages from the state of Kentucky. We also represent our clients, if necessary, in all types of administrative hearings and lawsuits in all Kentucky and Federal courts. SCHOOL DISTRICTS Our attorneys represent a number of public school districts as well as private schools in the area of school and education law. We advise these entities concerning compliance with both federal and state regulations and statutes. We help draft and prepare school policy in such areas as personnel and employment matters, student and teacher's rights, and other areas of public administration. We represent these school districts in litigation matters. We are involved in all aspects of the school district's real estate and public construction projects. PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES We represent and advise public utility companies in many areas of the law that are unique to these clients. We advise these clients concerning the expansion of utility services, environmental concerns including waste water, storm water, solid waste, and potable drinking water. We administratively represent these clients in administrative appeals and before the public service commission. We draft and review contracts and work closely with these public authorities and their architects, design professionals, and construction managers on public projects. We assist in the public bidding process and with bonding requirements. REAL ESTATE RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE Buying a home - Real Estate Powers of Attorney - Real Estate Contracts Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, provides a wide array of services in the residential real estate area. We prepare real estate contracts, real estate powers of attorneys, deeds, contracts for deeds, mortgage documents, and other documents necessary for the buying and selling of a home. We represent buyers, sellers, financial institutions, residential developers, builders, and title insurance companies. We handle all aspects of residential closings including all of the financing and transfer documentation, title examination and title insurance, and escrow services. We handle home buyers refinancing and home equity loans. Our expertise includes VA, FHA, KHC, and private closings. Our six paralegals are experienced in all areas of real estate transactions as well as our attorneys. We have our own title examiners and run our own titles as well as issue title insurance policies. We are title insurance agents for Lawyers Title Insurance Company, First American Title Insurance Company, and Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company. COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Our law firm represents owners and operators of shopping centers, apartment buildings, office buildings, motels and hotels, mobile home parks, and other commercial real estate owners with all of their real estate needs. We negotiate and prepare commercial real estate contracts, leasing contracts, financing documents, foreclosure law suits, real estate management contracts, and sales and acquisition documents. We have represented such national companies as Kmart, Sonic, McDonald's, and U.S. Cavalry in their real estate development needs. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT Our law firm assists numerous clients with their real estate development needs. Those clients include investors, developers, home builders, golf courses, contractors, and engineers. We are sensitive to the needs of developers and understand that time is of the essence in all of their development needs. We assist these developers with planning and zoning issues, natural resource and environmental issues, state, local and federal regulations, boundary and survey problems, and institutional financing. We represent developers in connection with re-zoning, subdivision approval, conditional use permits, and development plans. We also represent condominium owners and home owners associations. We locate and solve any real estate title problems that may be a hindrance to our clients development projects. We understand that in our area real estate development is a vital economic force and we are always responsive to our developer's needs by keeping abreast of the latest changes in all areas of real estate development law. R. Terry Bennett Background and Education: Terry was born in 1945 and raised in Radcliff. He attended the Hardin County public schools. Terry graduated from William and Mary in Virginia with an Undergraduate Degree in government and received his Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest Law School in Winston Salem, North Carolina in 1970. While at William and Mary Terry was inducted into the Eta Sigma Phi National Honor Society. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, the Student Body Association, Dormitory Council, and the gymnastic team. Terry graduated with honors from Wake Forest Law School. He was Vice-President of Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity, on the Board of Directors of the Student Barr Association, and Associate Editor of the Wake Forest Law Review. As an ROTC student, Terry received the American Legion Excellence Award, was inducted into the Scabbard and Blade Honorary Society, and was a distinguished military graduate. He also was a recipient of an ROTC scholarship. Military Service: In 1970, Terry entered the United States Army as a Captain in a Judge Advocated General Corps. While stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky, he was a defense counsel in the criminal defense section. While stationed in Korea, Terry was the Chief of Criminal Law for the United States Army/United States Forces, Korea/United Nations Command/Eighth Army Command. Terry was then transferred to the United States Army Claim Service in Fort Meade, Maryland, where he served as a Claims Officer until 1974 when he was honorably discharged.Law Practice:In 1974, Terry joined the law practice of Don Skeeters forming the partnership of Skeeters & Bennett. Terry's legal activities include City Attorney for the City of Radcliff, past City Attorney for the City of West Point, past President of the Hardin County Bar Association, past member of the House Delegates, Kentucky Bar Association, and Trial Commissioner for the Kentucy Bar Association. Mr. Bennett is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals 6 th Circuit, United States District Court Western District of Kentucky, United States Court of Appeals, and all Kentucky courts. Terry is also a member of the North Carolina Bar Association.Civic Activities:Mr. Bennett has been very active in civic activities. He has been Business Moderator, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and choir member of his church. He has served on the Kentucky Public Health Task Force for Alcoholism and Alcohol. He has coached Peanut League Baseball, Little League Baseball, Little League Softball, and Little League Basketball. He is past President of the Radcliff Jaycees, past President of the Radcliff Chamber of Commerce, Charter member and former Secretary of the Radcliff Rotary Club. Terry presently donates his time, energy, and expertise by serving on charitable boards such as the Community Health Clinic of Hardin-LaRue County, Association of the United States Army, CORE Committee, North Central Education Foundation, Hardin County Community Foundation, USA Cares, and North Hardin Hope. Teaching:Terry loves to teach and has been an instructor at the Elizabethtown Community College lecturing in Paralegalism, an instructor at the University of Maryland on Business Law and Real Estate Law, a guest speaker at the Wake Forest School of Law, and a seminar instructor at a number of continuing legal education seminars for the legal profession in such areas as municipal law, probate, and estate planning. Honors: Terry has received such honors by being recognized as an Outstanding Young Man of America, Who's Who in American Law, and Who's Who in America. He is a University of Kentucky fellow, a Kentucky Bar Foundation fellow, a member of the Board of Visitors of Wake Forest's University School of Law, Pro Humanitate Society, and Wake Forest's Presidents Club. He has received the Radcliff/North Hardin Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award, the Hardin County Board of Realtors Professional Service Award, and the Radcliff/North Hardin Chamber of Commerce Gold Award. He has also been inducted as a member of the Kentucky Jaycees Hall of Leadership.Personal:Terry is married to Kay Bennett and they have two grown children, Brian and Tiffany. Terry and Kay are also the grandparents of two grandchildren. Hobbies: Terry enjoys golf and traveling. Terry and Kay have traveled to many parts of the world. They have been to Africa twice to such countries as Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa. Areas of Practice: Terry's practice includes personal injury, real estate, probate, estate planning, business law, corporations, adoptions, and municipal corporations DOMESTIC RELATIONS AND FAMILY LAW Several attorneys in our firm offer legal services in areas pertaining to dissolution of marriage, child custody, and post dissolution of marriage issues. DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE In the early 1970's Kentucky passed a no fault divorce statute. As such, it is not necessary for parties seeking to end a marriage to justify the decision to do so. However, the prerequisites to dissolve a marriage and the time associated with that procedure vary greatly between the different counties our firm services. Fortunately, we are familiar with practices in both Hardin County and the surrounding counties including Meade, Breckinridge, Grayson, LaRue, and Nelson. Consequently, our office can address many of the issues that arise in a divorce action regardless of which county the matter is proceeding in. Issues which typically have to be addressed include: The value of the property owned by the parties at the time of the dissolution and wether the property in question was acquired prior to the marriage. What are the tax consequences involved in the dissolution? What will be the effect of the dissolution on the parties health insurance coverage? Division of retirement benefits is often a very important aspect of a divorce. Obviously, in Hardin County and surrounding areas the division of Military retirement in accordance with State and Federal law has to be addressed. Likewise, other retirement benefits require considerable expertise to ensure that the benefits are allocated legally and equitably. CHILD CUSTODY Child Support ArrangementsFor many years, it was generally accepted in the Commonwealth of Kentucky that a divorce in which there were minor children would traditionally result in the mother being the custodian of the children. However, the reality is that both parents are now typically awarded joint custody with either the mother or father being named the primary physical custodian. The days in which the mother automatically became the primary custodian of the children has passed. It is not uncommon for the father to be named as primary custodian of the children, particularly if the children are school age.Skeeters, Bennett and Wilson, is available to assist you in demonstrating to the Court the needs of the children and how they can best be met. The attorneys in our office can advise you on the various ways in which it can be demonstrated to the Court that your children would benefit from you being the primary custodial parent.As one would expect, in the issue of custody of children the law is constantly evolving. The firm's lawyers stay abreast of this ever changing of area of the law in order to assist our clients in this most difficult time. POST DISSOLUTION MATTERS It is very common for parties to a divorce to return to court after the dissolution in order to address issues that have arisen because of changes in circumstances. Obviously, we live in an ever changing world. Parents move, children grow up, and other events occur that make it necessary for the parties to revisit the original agreement or Court Order. Issues often addressed after the dissolution include: modification of child support, modification of visitation, modification of custody, and modification of espousal maintenance. Our office is more then able to assist you in this area. ADOPTIONS Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, has had the privilege of handling numerous adoptions for clients. We are experienced in all of the various aspects of adoption. An adoption involves, in many cases, not only the adoption itself, but also termination of parental rights, guardianship, temporary custody, determination of paternity, placement of a child, and name changes. Our firm handles all types of adoption including private adoption, intrastate adoption, interstate adoption, and international adoption. It is especially important in adoptions to have experienced attorneys that understand the process. Adoptive parents do not want to have to worry about the fact that their adoption may not have been legally sound. At Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike , our attorneys are very cautious and diligent in trying to make sure that all of the stages of the adoption process are legally sufficient. PERSONAL INJURY AND WRONGFUL DEATH AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENTS What to do in case of an automobile accident We all are susceptible to being involved in an automobile accident through the negligence of another driver. As the number of vehicles and traffic on the road increase, as we spend more time in our vehicles, and as we tend to have more distractions while driving our vehicles, accidents are unfortunately inevitable. These accidents can result in tragic consequences for the victims who may be seriously injured, die, or become permanently disabled. The attorneys at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike , assist and represent individuals injured in automobile accidents to recover their medical expenses and lost wages. When an individual suffers permanent disability, death, medicals over $1,000.00, or permanent scarring, both pain and suffering and mental anguish can be recovered. Our attorneys help and assist in the investigation of the accident as well as communications with the insurance company that insures the negligent party. We also assist in communications with insurance companies for no fault recovery as it pertains to medical expenses and lost wages. An automobile accident may be a life changing event and although we cannot make things as they were prior to the accident, we can hopefully assist in putting the victims life back together and alleviate the financial effects of the accident as much as possible.We will evaluate liability issues and insurance coverage. We will attempt to settle every case through negotiations and mediation prior to trial. We will litigate the case if necessary to protect our victims rights and prosecute an appeal when necessary. We will assist in locating accident reconstruction experts and pursue both un and under insurance claims for our clients. We stay on top of the most recent legal developments and special issues including reviewing recent law and court cases. If you or a family member have been involved in an automobile accident, please contact us for a free consultation concerning your legal rights. WRONGFUL DEATH Wrongful death involves a claim when someone else's negligence results in the death of another. The death could occur in many different situations including automobile accidents, defective products, medical negligence, construction accidents, or other situations. Wrongful death claims are brought by the decedent's estate and the recovery of damages is distributed to the decedent's heirs at law, usually their spouse and children. The death could involve individuals of all ages including children. The lawyers at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike , will assist in your personal loss by helping recover medical bills, funeral bills, past lost wages, future loss of income, and any pain and suffering that occurred prior to death. We can also recover in certain cases the loss of love and affection as it applies to parents and their children as well as spouses. We understand that the recovery for all of the above damages can never replace the loss of a loved one. In our system of civil justice it is the only way that a family can recover reparations for the loss of a loved one.Our attorneys are experienced in wrongful death cases involving pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, automobile and trucking accidents, construction accidents, farming accidents, industrial accidents, and medical malpractice. We have extensive experience in representing individuals who are injured and die as a result of the negligence of a government employee under the Federal Tort Claims Act. SLIP AND FALL CASES Slip and fall cases involve injuries when an individual is injured on someone else's property. Owners of real estate and operators of businesses have a duty to maintain a safe place for customers to shop and live. A slip and fall may be caused by tripping over items that have been left in aisles, packages or other items falling from shelves, inadequate lighting and security, foreign items being left on floors, and the improper removal of water, ice and snow. SOCIAL SECURITY, WORKERS COMPENSATION, AND DISABILITY We at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike , represent individuals before the Social Security Administration in an attempt to obtain social security disability benefits. In order to be eligible for social security benefits, an individual must be totally disabled and unable to perform any meaningful work or occupation. We will represent these individuals by obtaining all of the medical records and reviewing those medical records. In addition, we will obtain a medical impairment rating as well as a disability rating for the individual seeking social security disability. We will represent the individual at the administrative hearing and, if necessary, appeal that case through the administrative appeals process.An individual injured at work is provided by Kentucky law workers compensation benefits. Those benefits include the payment of their medical bills, temporary disability benefits amounting to 2/3 of their normal average weekly wage, and permanent disability benefits when an individual has suffered a permanent medical impairment to their body as a whole. We will also assist injured workers in obtaining vocational rehabilitation and retraining when appropriate. An attorney at Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike , will assist injured workers and their families in obtaining workers compensation benefits from their employer and/or the employer's insurance company.In many cases, a workers company may have its own disability insurance. We have assisted many workers in obtaining disability insurance from their own company and protecting their rights when necessary. We will review the companies personnel policy as it relates to disability as well as read and interpret the companies disability insurance policy. We will negotiate and try to settle any differences between the company and the injured employee. If the injured employee does not receive what is promised by the company or their insurance carrier, then we will file suit against the company and the insurance company. This includes life insurance policies upon the death of an insured worker. MEDICAL MALPRACTICE Medical malpractice insurance carriers would lead you to believe that rising health care costs are caused by rising malpractice recoveries. These same companies would also lead you to believe that medical malpractice premiums are a large part of our national health care cost. In fact medical malpractice premiums amount to less then 1% of our national healthcare costs. In addition, loses paid by insurance companies for medical negligence amounted to 31 cents out of every $100.00 of national healthcare costs. It should not be surprising that medical malpractice claims should increase as more Americans have access to healthcare, our aging population needs increased care, and our doctors treat more patients daily.Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider does not follow the standard of care for the care that they are giving to the patient and the patient is either injured or dies as a result of not following the standard of care. Medical malpractice is rare and the vast majority of healthcare providers are competent and provide acceptable and appropriate care. A bad result alone does not make a malpractice case. But, mistakes can be made as a result of mis diagnosis, failure to diagnose, surgical error, or the inappropriate prescribing of medicine. We have experience in the area of medical, dental, chiropractic, and pharmaceutical malpractice. We are able to obtain nationally recognized medical experts to review the medical records and will not bring a claim against any healthcare provider without a medical expert opinion stating that the standard of care was not followed by the medical care provider. Our attorneys have many years of experience in handling medical negligence cases against government doctors under the Federal Tort Claims Act. We are willing and able to consult with you and to guide you through this very difficult legal area prior to you making a decision concerning pursuing a medical malpractice case. COLLECTIONS AND FORECLOSURES BT COLLECTION Skeeters, Bennett & Wilson, has a long history of representing various creditors for purposes of collecting delinquent accounts. The firm has a state wide practice, and is of the opinion that it has filed collection suits in all 120 counties of the Commonwealth. Some of the services which the firm can provide to creditors include the following: COLLECTION LETTERS Often the most simple, least expensive, and quickest way to collect on a debt is to simply send a letter from Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, demanding payment. This simple technique results in a surprisingly high return on a small legal expense. Although not required, it is often the starting point for the firms collection efforts. OBTAINING JUDGMENT In the event that collection is not forth coming as a result of a collection letter, clients are typically left with little option other then to commence litigation. Our office has several employees whose sole function is to file and follow up on litigation instituted on behalf of creditors. We are of course mindful of the various statutory obligations opposed upon outside counsel collecting debts for third parties. We strive to be compliant with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and other statutory provision. We fully expect to adhere to all federal and state laws which regulate creditors rights in collection practices. GARNISHMENT, ATTACHMENT AND RECOVERY Simply obtaining a judgment does not ensure that a creditor will receive repayment of the indebtedness in question. Typically it is necessary to institute wage garnishments or non wage garnishments. If it appears that the debtor is the owner of real estate, it is advisable to file a judgment lien which will encumber any and all property owned by the debtor. If there is collateral involved such as an automobile or other personal property, it may be advisable for the creditor to have our office take steps to gain possession of the collateral before suit is filed. In short, S, B & W strives to do more then simply obtain a judgment. It is our objective to ensure that the lender recoups money as opposed to simply obtaining a piece of paper in the form of a judgment. BANKRUPTCY New Bankruptcy Law Skeeters, Bennett, Wilson, & Pike, provides a full range of creditor right services in the event that a debtor files for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy protection. Bankruptcy law can be very complex. Our office have significant history in practicing before the bankruptcy judges for the Western District of Kentucky. We are abreast on the procedures and the law which govern this area of Skeeters Bennett and Wilson Attorneys at Law provides quality legal services in many areas including attorneys lawyers law firm accident injury malpractice medical malpractice death car wreck automobile accident estate planning wills probate collections foreclosure living wills real estate deed closing title opinion meade hardin breckinridge grayson nelson larue county counties radcliff elizabethtown e-town brandenburg breck co hardinsburg leitchfield bardstown hodgenville fort knox kentucky ky collection practice. S, B & W can handle anything from filing proof of claim, attending a 341 meeting of creditors, filing an adversary proceeding, or obtaining a relief from stay. FORECLOSURE Real estate secured loans necessitate the filing of a foreclosure action. This is a fairly complex lawsuit which varies greatly depending upon the judicial circuit in which it is filed. S, B & W has considerable experience and expertise handling foreclosure actions in Hardin, Meade, Grayson, Breckinridge, LaRue and surrounding counties. We are able to walk creditors from the point of filing suit, through the liquidation of the real estate, and obtaining and enforcing default judgments. MECHANIC LIENS It is not uncommon for clients who provide materials or building services in construction projects to become concerned about payment. One of the most effective ways to address this concern is through the filing of a mechanic lien. The statute governing mechanic liens contains very detailed time lines and other prerequisites necessary to file a valid and enforceable mechanic lien. Once the lien is properly filed, there are deadlines for enforcing the lien through foreclosure type litigation. Although mechanic liens can be very effective tools for building supply companies and builders, it is a very complex area of the law which requires experience and expertise. S, B & W has considerable experience filing and enforcing mechanic liens for various clients. CONCLUSION Skeeters, Bennett & Wilson, has experience and expertise required to collect on secured and unsecured debts. It is our ultimate goal to liquidate claims as quickly as possible. For more then a quarter of a century we have been actively involved in collecting all forms of delinquent accounts, liquidating collateral, and protecting creditors through the bankruptcy proceeding. We remain committed and dedicated to our lending client's continued success in this area of the law.