Family Law

• Divorce
  This depends upon whether the case goes to trial. In this circuit most divorces will be completed within a year. Uncontested divorces may be resolved within forty-five days if both parties are fully agreeable.
• Child Support
  I called John Loesel desperately looking for guidance and help with family services and my child support. I called several firms and fell short every time with no return calls or any assistance. … Feeling cornered, I finally had the luck and pleasure of contacting John and was floored with his help and patience with my trouble in explaining my situation. John took everything and dissected each issue and explained in detail. I also experienced something that I never experienced before. … John called and emailed every time he said he would and when I called with concerns. The cost was explained upfront and very reasonable. The whole process was painless and thorough. Every time John explained what he was going to do, he did very promptly. I would recommend and DEFINITELY use John in the future!!!!!!
• Child Custody and Visitation
  At the Lichtenegger Law Firm, we practice family law for residents of southeastern Missouri. We have helped hundreds of parents protect their children with personalized and thoughtful child custody solutions.
• Adoption
  It depends upon the type of adoption. A step-parent adoption where both natural parents consent can take less than 60 days. A two-step adoption where neither adopting parent is a natural parent will take no less than seven to eight months because Missouri law requires a six month waiting period after the initial hearing. A contested adoption can take longe
• Paternity
• Guardianship
  Probate is the Associate Court division in every county. It include the estates of deceased persons and those persons who are incapacitated and under a guardianship and/or conservatorship.
• Spousal Support
  Missouri refers to alimony as maintenance. The Court may order maintenance if a spouse proves that his/her expenses are more than the income. If the Court finds this to be true it will look at the circumstances of the parties to determine if maintenance is appropriate. The Court will also consider factors such as income earning ability, training, and education when determining if maintenance is appropriate.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  A criminal record can be a terrible burden. As you work to turn your life around, the last thing you need is years-old charges stopping you from getting a job or finding a place to live. Fortunately, the criminal defense attorneys at the Lichtenegger Law Firm are prepared to help you with criminal charges expungement. We help people throughout southeastern Missouri put the past behind them.
• DUI/DWI
  One of our defense attorneys is a founding member of the American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys, and is fully trained and certified in DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. We are therefore uniquely qualified and prepared to defend you from any DWI or traffic charge.
• Wrongful Death
  An untimely death is never fair. This is especially true when it could have been prevented. If you have lost a loved one to wrongful death, it can be devastating for you and your family.
• Traffic Violations
  Criminal charges and accusations are serious matters. Even something as simple as a traffic ticket can have a lasting impact on various facets of your life. The Lichtenegger Law Firm mitigates these impacts, vigorously defending your case so you can go back to living your life.
• Robbery
• Burglary
• Theft
• Misdemeanors
  Thad Brady was my lawyer in my criminal case. He was able to get me a bond reduction and get me out of jail, then got my felony charge dropped down to a misdemeanor. I am very satisfied with Thad’s services and would use him again.
• Drug Crimes
  Everyone knows that the consequences of a conviction for a drug crime in Missouri can be serious. Depending on the charges, you could be facing a huge fine, a long prison sentence or both. Even a relatively minor crime on your record can keep you from renting an apartment or getting a job.
• Assault
• Murder
• Forgery

Business and Corporate Law

• Business Formation
  To get your business idea off on the right foot, contact the Lichtenegger Law Firm in Jackson, Missouri. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys help clients throughout southeastern Missouri with business formation matters with honest and proven advice. We pay close attention to the details to make sure all the documents are complete, accurate and filed on time.
• Business Disputes
  The Lichtenegger Law Firm has been trusted by businesses and organizations throughout Missouri since 1972, and today combines over 100 years of experience to meet our clients’ needs. Our business law attorneys have represented all types of businesses from the very beginning to the end. Whether you are just starting up, looking to expand, need help with contract negotiations or wish to legally dissolve – we can help you.

Employment Law

• Workers Compensation
  Yes, as long as it is a compensable injury. That can be an issue if the Employer denies the injury, but just because the Employer denies the claim does not mean you are not entitled to your treatment, compensation and other rights you have under the Workers Compensation laws.

Property Law

• Real Estate Litigation
  Real estate is an extensive and complex area of law that often involves a wide variety of parties. The Lichtenegger Law Firm has represented Missouri in real estate matters since 1972, and has amassed decades of experience in both the transactional side of real estate and in litigation.
• Premises Liability
• Construction Litigation
• Real Estate Transactions
  Unlike typical matters involving residential or commercial real estate transactions, condemnations pit you against the state or an organization that works closely with the state. The government has a right to take your property through what is known as
• Eminent Domain
  Eminent domain refers to the government’s ability to take private property for public use, given that it pays the property owner a fair price. When the government chooses to take property, there are generally two arguments you can make against them...
• Easement
• Land Use and Zoning
• Landlord-Tenant Disputes
  While our firm does extensive work in drafting and negotiating real estate agreements, we also represent our clients’ interests in any real estate disputes. We have litigated cases involving landlord-tenant disputes, quiet title suits, adverse possession, boundary disputes, easement disputes, roadway disputes, unlawful eviction and more.
• Property Damage
  Having an auto accident is often a stressful situation; physically, emotionally, and financially. If you have been in an accident you should document as much as you reasonably can. Keep notes of contact from insurance companies, pictures of property damage and injuries, records of the medical care required, medical bills, costs expended for medications or doctors visits, and generally any other information pertaining to the accident. If the insurance company contacts you asking for a statement or for a medical records release, you might want to first speak with an attorney. It is also generally advisable to contact an attorney to discuss your individual situation. We offer free consultations and would also be glad to answer questions over the phone for you. Please call us at 573-243-8463.

Health Law

• Personal Injury
  Insurance companies exist for one reason: to make a profit. When you have an injury claim, their offer will rarely be enough to cover your full recovery. Negotiating against these companies is virtually impossible to do alone – but with representation from an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can finally have an aggressive advocate stand up for
• Medical Malpractice
  Medical malpractice occurs when there is a standard of care that is to be provided and the medical provider fails to meet the standard, resulting in injuries or damages to a person. Complications from medical care are common though, and simply because a person has bad results from medical treatment does not necessarily mean that the medical care constituted malpractice.
• Auto Accidents
• Social Security Disability
  If you are denied Social Security Disability, we take our services even further, appealing the denial and representing you before Social Security officials. Getting the benefits you and your loved ones need to live your life should be much easier than it is, and we are here to make it that way.
• Medicaid Planning
  Since 1972, the lawyers of the Lichtenegger Law Firm have assisted clients with Medicaid planning. We serve clients throughout southeast Missouri, and are always nearby, with offices in Jackson, Perryville and Marble Hill.
• Dog Bites

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
  We have experience handling many aspects of agriculture law, from land sales or acquisitions, to leases and estate planning. We are even involved in the Syngenta lawsuit involving the damages to corn growers for the market disruption made by the Chinese corn embargo. Farmers face a wide array of legal issues and the Lichtenegger Law Firm can help.
• Wills
  Sometimes, when a loved one passes away and the family learns the terms of the will, somebody will come forward with a claim that the will is not legitimate. Such will contests can tear families apart, but the Lichtenegger Law Firm helps clients across southeast Missouri reach reasonable solutions that honor the deceased’s legacy.
• Trusts
  A revocable trust is fully modifiable and amendable while the settlor is living, as well as revocable if the settlor no longer wants it. A revocable trust is disregarded for taxation purposes, and the settlor is generally able to go about their life as if there was no trust at all. An irrevocable trust means the property has been fully transferred and cannot be retrieved. Once an irrevocable trust is created, it cannot be amended or changed. For purposes of taxation though, an irrevocable trust is taxed as a separate entity and treated as a completed transfer or gift.
• Power of Attorney
  There are several different ways to plan your estate. A will is the standard document that most people are familiar with. It designates where your property will go upon your death. A trust has a similar function, but allows much more customization and control over property, as well as avoiding probate costs. Powers of attorney allow you to appoint persons to care for your body and property while you are living but unable to act for yourself. There are a few other documents available, most notably a beneficiary deed, which allows real estate to pass to someone without need for probate.
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
  Chapter 7 bankruptcy essentially eliminates many of your debts, and is the most common form of bankruptcy. However, you must fall below a certain income threshold to qualify, and without an experienced attorney you may lose some of your assets.
• Foreclosure
  There are laws in place, in Missouri and across the country, to end the harassing tactics of creditors once you file for bankruptcy. Endless phone calls, wage garnishment, foreclosures – once you begin the bankruptcy process, an
• Tax Law