Lehigh Valley Law Firm ◦ Family Law, Insurance Defense
Shay, Santee & Kelhart is a well-established Northeastern Pennsylvania law firm providing experienced legal services focused in the following areas of the law:
- Insurance defense
- Zoning
- Personal injury
- Family law
Continue reading to learn why other law firms refer clients to this law firm when litigation seems to be inevitable. Contact us to schedule a consultation regarding any of the following:
Insurance Defense: Insurance companies hire Shay, Santee & Kelhart on behalf of individuals that those companies insure. The duty of Shay, Santee & Kelhart is to the insured person who is named in a lawsuit as the defendant after an automobile accident or other loss where insurance coverage is available.
Zoning: Although a zoning hearing is not a courtroom proceeding, the principles, rules and procedures of a successful zoning appeal or defense are similar to those used in a court of law. In a zoning hearing, usually held in front of municipal officials, Shay, Santee & Kelhart calls witnesses, presents evidence, analyzes zoning ordinances, and makes compelling arguments on behalf of developers and private property owner appellants or the firm's zoning hearing board clients.
Personal Injury Claims/Defense: Whether you are an insurance company (retaining the law firm to represent a defendant), an injured person (a plaintiff), or a surviving family member of a fatality victim in a wrongful death claim (plaintiffs), lawyers of the firm handle liability, compensation and subrogation issues.
Family Law: The attorneys at Shay, Santee & Kelhart consider a divorce proceeding just as they do any other contentious matter, using the same skills, strategies and talents they bring to all civil matters they handle. The first step in family court matters is rarely litigation. The firm's lawyers attempt to resolve matters amicably, using negotiating tactics and mediation, if appropriate, to minimize costs. Litigation is typically the final strategy, used when opposing parties are unreasonable, unrealistic or unwilling to negotiate. When a divorce or custody issue reaches a confrontational, litigation stage, Shay, Santee & Kelhart's lawyers use the same skills and training they have acquired in their experience as civil trial lawyers on behalf of parties in contested divorce or custody disputes.
Divorce: Tough divorce cases often come to the attention of lawyers of this law firm because of our reputation as experienced and effective litigators.
Alimony/Spousal Support: The correct question, beyond "What do I get?" or "What do I have to pay?" is how the two spouses who were previously interdependent will become self-sufficient. The answer to this question may lead a divorcing husband or wife to Shay, Santee & Kelhart, a law firm with a reputation for proficiency in litigation.
Child Custody/Visitation: The law puts the best interests of the children first. The lawyers of Shay, Santee & Kelhart can present to the court your position that it is in the best interests of your child to remain in your care.
Child Support: When parents are unable to reach an agreement through negotiation, collaborative law or mediation, then litigation may become necessary. An experienced trial attorney has the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to assist each client in successfully pursuing the most favorable results attainable.
Property Division: Although many family law firms emphasize collaborative law, negotiation and mediation, they are not willing to do battle in the courtroom when these other tactics are not productive. In contrast, the attorneys at Shay, Santee & Kelhart practice family law with the ability and determination to represent their clients vigorously in courtroom litigation. Other law firms often refer clients to this law firm when a challenging and contentious property distribution case is likely to end up in litigation.
Call or e-mail us to schedule a consultation regarding insurance defense, zoning disputes or divorce in the Bethlehem and Allentown area.
