Family Law

• Divorce
  Divorce proceedings usually involve intense emotions and significant expense. Our dedicated matrimonial attorneys can work with you throughout your divorce to minimize the emotional strain and cost normally associated with these proceedings. We handle complex contested and uncontested divorces.
• Child Support
  The dissolution of any marriage or partnership raises a plethora of issues. When children are involved, the resulting issues are even more complex as custody and child support issues come to the forefront. To ensure that a fair arrangement, based upon the children’s best interests, is reached, you should contact a knowledgeable family lawyer.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  Our law firm routinely handles child custody cases and can help to determine the best custody arrangement for you and your children. We will review the custody evaluator’s recommendations, identify the children’s preferences and explain how local and state laws impact your specific case and family situation. Considering these factors, our family lawyers will work with you to devise a plan of custody for your children.
• Adoption
• Paternity
• Premarital Agreement
  For many, family law is thought to be synonymous with divorce proceedings. In reality, divorce is just a small part of family law which covers a broad array of domestic issues including adoption, premarital agreements, paternity and child support issues.
• Guardianship
  A durable power of attorney allows you to carry on your financial affairs in the event that you become disabled. Unless you have a properly drafted power of attorney, it may be necessary to apply to a court to have a guardian or conservator appointed to make decisions for you when you are disabled. This guardianship process is time-consuming, expensive, often costing thousands of dollars and emotionally draining.
• Spousal Support
  During the divorce proceedings, we will assess all of the assets and debt involved and strive to attain the largest possible distribution of marital assets for our clients.  When appropriate, we will work closely with you to guarantee proper financial support through alimony. If children are involved, we will work with you to obtain custody of your children, child support payments or help in the development of a parenting plan, if preferred.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  If you've been charged with assault or battery, you're undoubtedly concerned about your upcoming trial, possible conviction and future livelihood. In the days ahead, it is absolutely critical that you consult with a criminal defense attorney who can help you navigate the complex legal system and create a strong defense strategy on your behalf.
• DUI/DWI
  In a concerted effort to reduce drunk driving, all states and most local counties have imposed strict laws against driving while intoxicated (DWI). If you are arrested and charged with drunk driving or driving under the influence (DUI), the consequences can be severe; you may lose your driver’s license, pay heavy fines, have your vehicle impounded and even receive a jail sentence. DWI convictions remain on your permanent criminal record and as a result, may interfere with your livelihood, causing you to lose your job or hinder future employment opportunities. With such high stakes, it is crucial that you contact a qualified DWI defense attorney as soon as you are arrested for driving while intoxicated.
• Wrongful Death
  Nothing hurts more than losing a loved one. It is a tragic fact that many wrongful deaths occur as a result of the negligence of another. A wrongful death lawsuit can't bring the person you love back, but they can help you get compensation for your loss.
• Traffic Violations
  Penalties for traffic violations can often be harsh, especially considering the effect they can have on insurance premiums. In fact, depending on the type of offense and your prior motor vehicle history, automobile insurance companies may raise premiums even after a first offense.
• Sex Crimes
  When it comes to sex crimes, there are highly specific factors that differentiate one offense from another. These may include: the age of the victim, use of force or weapon and the relationship between the parties. The most common sex crimes are described below...
• Burglary
  Wisconsin resident charged with Felony Burglary and Felony Assault in Nodaway County – charges amended to misdemeanor Trespass and misdemeanor Peace Disturbance and received a fine.
• Misdemeanors
  Whether the charge brought against you is due to a misunderstanding, exaggeration or you were simply protecting yourself from the original aggressor, your attorney will make certain these facts are brought to light. An attorney will strive to ensure that you are afforded a fair and just trial. If you are convicted of misdemeanor or felony assault or battery, your attorney will advocate for a fair sentence as well as any rehabilitative resources you may need.
• Drug Crimes
  Drug possession crimes generally fall into two categories: possession for personal use and possession with intent to distribute. The former likely carries a lower penalty and the distinction between the two crimes is often a source of contention between prosecutors and drug defense attorneys. The criminal code contains guidelines for determining whether the accused had the intent to distribute the drugs in his possession or was merely transporting the contraband for personal use. Factors considered include...
• Assault
  Daviess County resident charged with two counts of Sexual Misconduct in Caldwell County – after our investigation the charges were amended to a single count of simple assault and received probation.
• Murder
  In 1988, Mr. Griffin was elected Circuit Judge in the 43rd Judicial Circuit, comprised of the counties of Caldwell, Clinton, Daviess, DeKalb and Livingston. He was re-elected to this position in 1994, 2000, and 2006. As circuit Judge, he handled several thousand serious criminal cases including murder, assault, kidnapping, burglary, stealing, sexual offenses and drug crimes. He also handled several thousand civil cases including domestic, adoptions, juveniles, medical malpractice, contracts, property disputes, vehicular accidents and insurance claims. From 1998 through 2008, he was elected Presiding Judge of the 43rd Circuit, having supervisory authority over all judges in the circuit.
• Arson
  DeKalb County resident was charged with a Class D Felony of Arson in the Second Degree and a Class E Felony of Property Damage in the First Degree in DeKalb County – after our extensive investigation the charges were dismissed.
• Kidnapping
• Hit and Run

Business and Corporate Law

• Corporate Law
  We also consult with business owners and draft shareholder agreements or partnership agreements as part of the entity formation process.
• Mergers and Acquisitions
  He has extensive experience in a range of transactional matters, including business planning, choice of entity analysis, entity formation, financing, mergers & acquisitions, and real estate matters. Further, he has additional practice experience in providing tax planning and consulting services, as well as tax preparation of corporations, partnerships, individuals, trusts & estate and gift tax returns.
• Business Disputes
  Our firm advises and represents companies and entrepreneurs with a broad range of business related services. We advise our clients on business law, start-up assistance relating to the formation of an entity, and assist with buying or selling a business.
• Construction Contracts

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  We are a full service real estate law firm that can assist you with a wide range of real estate matters from the purchase of raw land, to buying a residence, to the sale of a developed property and everything in between. We can help you take your project from start to finish.
• Premises Liability
  All property owners, residential and commercial, have the duty to ensure safe environments for all visitors. If you have been harmed by a dangerous condition on another’s property including a sidewalk, personal residence, restaurant, mall, hotel, office building school, park, theater, or shop, you may be eligible to file a premises liability claim and receive compensation for your injury. These “Slip and Fall” injuries most commonly occur from uneven or slippery surfaces but can also be the result of...
• Construction Litigation
• Real Estate Transactions
  In order to escape the many lurking pitfalls inherent in real estate transactions, we encourage you to contact our real estate firm for more information or to schedule a consultation.
• Easement
• Land Use and Zoning
  Mike Dingle vs. Clinton County Commission, et al. The Clinton County Planning & Zoning Commission had granted Defendant property owner a special use permit to operate a wedding reception facility in an agricultural zoning district in rural Clinton County. Our client challenged the Commission’s decision on the grounds that the Commission failed to follow the rules and requirements of its Zoning Order. The court agreed and found that the special use permit was not supported by substantial and competent evidence and was not authorized by law.
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
• Property Damage
  In most cases it is the front of the motorcycle that is hit. This is also the point of impact that results in the most incapacitating and fatal injuries. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you may already have a good idea of its cost, including physical and emotional pain, expensive medical bills, lost wages and property damage.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs.  Dog bite claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law, where the injured party has the legal right to seek compensation for injuries caused by another party's actions or negligence.
• Medical Malpractice
  Griffin, Dietrich & Elliott was involved with two cases that the Missouri Lawyers Weekly recognized in the Top 50 Plaintiff Wins in 2012. Listed at #16 was a property damage settlement in Buchanan County, Missouri (see below). Also ranked at #41 was a medical malpractice verdict from Nodaway County, Missouri.
• Auto Accidents
• Dog Bites

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  A properly drafted will should clearly identify all beneficiaries and leave no ambiguity surrounding the intentions of the Testator. Unfortunately, estate planning documents, whether wills or trusts, do not always clearly reflect the intentions of the testator. Even if the language of the documents is clear, parties may have other reasons to initiate a lawsuit or object to a will.
• Wills
  A Will, also referred to as a "Last Will and Testament", is primarily designed to transfer your assets according to your wishes. A Will also typically names someone you select to be your Executor, who is the person you designate to carry out your instructions. If you have minor children, you should also name a Guardian as well as alternate Guardians in case your first choice is unable or unwilling to serve. A Will only becomes effective upon your death, and after it is admitted by a probate court.
• Trusts
  A Living Trust can be used to hold legal title to and provide a mechanism to manage your property. You (and your spouse) are the Trustee(s) and beneficiaries of your trust during your lifetime. You also designate successor Trustees to carry out your instructions as you have provided in case of death or incapacity. Unlike a Will, a Trust usually becomes effective immediately after incapacity or death. Your Living Trust is "revocable" which allows you to make changes and even to terminate it. One of the great benefits of a properly funded Living Trust is the fact that it will avoid or minimize the expense, delays and publicity associated with probate. Read the FAQ section on Living Trust for more information.
• Power of Attorney
  If you become incapacitated, you won’t be able to manage your own financial affairs.  Many are under the mistaken impression that their spouse or adult children can automatically take over for them in case they become incapacitated.  The truth is that in order for others to be able to manage your finances, they must petition a court to declare you legally incompetent.  This process can be lengthy, costly and stressful.  Even if the court appoints the person you would have chosen, they may have to come back to the court every year and show how they are spending and investing each and every penny.  If you want your family to be able to immediately take over for you, you must designate a person or persons that you trust in proper legal documents so that they will have the authority to withdraw money from your accounts, pay bills, take distributions from your IRAs, sell stocks, and refinance your home.  A will does not take effect until you die and a power of attorney may be insufficient.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Foreclosure
• Tax Law