Areas of Practice
Mediations
J.R. provides mediation services for those court ordered to participate or who would simply like to see if a resolution to their dispute can be reached prior to litigation. He has mediated cases in a variety of areas, including family law/domestic relations, Probate matters, civil litigation, and personal injury actions.
Family Law/Domestic Relations
Family Court matters by their very nature are emotional and can be trying on the parties, their children, and extended family. People attending Family Court may be there for a number of reasons, including but not limited to: Adoption, Divorce, Child Custody and Support, and Visitation/Parenting Time. An attorney can educate those individuals on the law, advise them of their rights, and help present their side of the story to the Judge. J.R. has extensive experience in representing parents, children, and other interested parties in these matters. In addition, as District Court Judge, he had an opportunity to preside over Family Court cases and was asked to make tough decisions regarding issues that arise therein.
Probate Estates
Probate matters may be necessary when a loved one passes away and, when this occurs, family members often have questions about what to do. The answers to those questions depend on various things, including the value of an estate, potential claims, an individual’s advance planning, and other circumstances. In addition, even after an estate is opened, family members or other heirs may question whether the estate is being administered properly. An attorney can assist in gathering information, providing guidance, and determining what steps, if any, need to be taken to settle the estate. J.R. regularly assists with the administration of estates and helps with ensuring that assets are properly distributed. In addition, as District Court Judge, he presided over the administration of numerous estates and addressed many of the issues that can arise during this process.
Estate Planning
Proper planning can ensure that your medical wishes are followed, your intent as to distribution of assets is identified, and, if and when you are no longer able to make decisions on your own, a trusted individual is nominated to assist you. In addition, upon your passing, it can ensure that someone is identified to oversee the administration of your estate, your intent as to the distribution of property is carried out, and, hopefully, prevent disagreements between family members and other heirs. Without legally enforceable documents, Kentucky Law governs these issues and may not accurately reflect an individual’s desire. J.R. has years of experience in advising clients about these issues, informing them of the current status of Kentucky Law governing the same, and drafting legal documents (i.e. Last Will & Testament, Trust, Power of Attorney, Living Will Directive, etc.) that accurately convey an individual’s intent.
Evictions
Forcible Detainer matters (A/K/A: Evictions) are Court proceedings dealing with disputes between a landlord and tenant. Many local and state laws govern this procedure and certain steps must be taken before filing a Complaint with the Court. Once a case is filed and a hearing conducted, a Judge must determine whether all procedural steps were satisfied, if there was a violation of the lease agreement, and if possession of the property should be returned to the landlord or remain with the tenant. An attorney can assist landlords by educating them on applicable laws, advising them on the best way to deliver a notice to vacate and what to include therein, determining how long they must wait (after giving notice) before filing a Complaint, and presenting the landlord’s case in Court. Attorneys can also inform tenants of their available defenses, assist them in curing the alleged violation, present their side of the story to the Court, and otherwise defend them against the allegations and advocate for them remaining in their residence. J.R. helps both sides enforce the terms of their rental/lease agreement, whether assisting landlords regain possession of their property or preventing tenants from being removed from their home. In addition, as District Court Judge, he had an opportunity to interpret laws related to these issues, extensively review rental/lease agreements, and decide whether the procedural steps were satisfied and if a breach occurred.
Civil Litigations
Civil litigation includes a wide range of non-criminal disputes. Generally, at least one party is seeking compensation for a wrong they believe was committed and, depending on the amount of compensation sought, can be heard in Small Claims, District Civil or Circuit Civil Court. Proving fault and the amount of damages can be difficult. An attorney can help you negotiate a resolution to the dispute, assist with pursuing your claim, or defending you against the same. J.R. has represented clients on both sides of a civil dispute and has presided over numerous civil cases while serving as District Court Judge.