- Child Custody and VisitationA variety of family law matters are handled by the firm. In addition to adoption and paternity matters, we work with clients in cases involving separation and dissolution of marriage. These matters often involve issues pertaining to child custody and visitation, child and spousal support, property division including pensions and retirement plans. We also assist clients with premarital agreements and estate planning for blended families.
- Adoption
- Paternity
- Premarital AgreementDavid H. Correll is a founding partner of Correll & Sheerer, and a veteran trial attorney. From 1976 to 1982, David served as Black Hawk County Attorney. Today, David has a broad-based civil litigation practice. He is respected throughout the Cedar Valley for his work representing clients in family law/domestic relations cases, premarital agreements, wills, personal injury cases, and will contests.
- GuardianshipOur firm deals with legal issues primarily affecting senior citizens. There is overlap with probate, because substitute decision-making arrangements and advance directives are often required: living wills, powers of attorney, guardianships, conservatorships, and trusts. Additionally, we advise seniors about special financial concerns, like providing for assisted living or nursing home care through private long term care insurance, or government insurance programs like Medicaid/Title 19.
- Spousal Support
- Criminal Defense
- Wrongful DeathOur firm represents clients who suffer personal injuries due to the actions of others, as well as the estates and survivors of those who suffer wrongful death. There is no charge for the initial consultations associated with personal injury or wrongful death claims. Contingent fee arrangements, where fees are based on a fraction of the amount recovered, if and only if a recovery is made, are available.
- Traffic ViolationsOur firm represents clients who are accused of crimes, whether those allegations involve felonies, misdemeanors, or traffic violations. Our practice in this area primarily involves state and not federal criminal charges. We are generally privately retained and not court-appointed in these cases. We frequently handle criminal cases throughout east central and northeast Iowa.
- Misdemeanors
- Business DisputesOur firm represents and advises clients who are or may become involved in a lawsuit or appeal. Our firm participates in the litigation process from sending a demand letter for payment of a claim through the filing of a petition, working through the settlement negotiation process and, if necessary, a trial of the matter including both bench and jury trials. Our firm can assist in an appeal should one be necessary. Our firm participates in the litigation process in all areas of the law including but not limited to personal injury, real estate, bankruptcy, probate, contract disputes, family law, business and commercial matters.
- Limited Liability CompaniesOur firm offers assistance with many types of business matters, including buying, selling and leasing commercial property and businesses. We also provide business planning services to help clients determine the proper form of business entity for their puposes, including partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations, and prepare all documentation necessary for the establishment of those entities.
- Workers CompensationPaul W. Demro is a partner at Correll & Sheerer and the proverbial "Renaissance man. " Paul is a litigator, trying cases in the courtroom for more than 20 years. Paul's trial practice includes personal injury work, workers compensation cases, and family law matters; he also handles bankruptcy filings for the firms' clients. When he is not taking depositions or cross-examining a witness, you might find Paul working on an old car.
- Real Estate LitigationOur firm offers a wide range of services relating to real estate matters. In addition to assisting with the purchase and sale of real estate including title examination and closing services, we also assist clients in many other areas. We provide services relating to zoning, size plans, platting and subdivision work, as well as condominium regimes, and handle residential and commercial lease matters.
- Land Use and Zoning
- Personal InjuryKevin D. Engels has been a partner with the firm since 1997. His practice consists primarily of trial work, with criminal defense cases, family law cases, i.e. dissolution of marriage and similar actions, and plaintiff’s personal injury cases consuming the vast majority of his time. Kevin’s practice takes him to counties throughout northeast and central Iowa.
- Estate PlanningJudith R. Benson concentrates on probate, estate planning, elder law, tax, real estate, and small business matters in her practice as a partner at Correll & Sheerer. She drafts wills and trusts that take tax consequences into account and may provide for asset protection, often for families with children who have special needs. As an elderlaw attorney, Judy drafts powers of attorney, establishes guardianships and conservatorships, and counsels about long term care. For small business clients, she establishes LLCs and corporations, drafts buy-sell agreements, and facilitates succession planning.
- WillsOur firm handles probate matters, including the legal process of settling a person’s affairs after he or she dies. We also develop substitute decision-making arrangements for people who are unable to make decisions themselves, either because they are minors, or because they are impaired by disease or disability. As estate planners, we draft wills and trusts, not only to provide for asset management and designate beneficiaries, but also to minimize estate, gift, inheritance and income taxes.
- Trusts
- Power of AttorneyMelissa M. Timmermans is an associate attorney at Correll & Sheerer, having joined the firm in January 2015. Missy is engaged in the general practice of law, including family law, adoptions, real estate, criminal defense, and the preparation of wills and powers of attorney. Prior to joining Correll & Sheerer, Missy served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Anne McKeig, presiding Judge at the Family Justice Center in Minneapolis. During law school, Missy was selected to participate in the Legal Services Clinic, where she practiced elder law as a certified law student. She was also a Student Research Assistant at the Schoenecker Law Library. Missy prides herself on communicating with clients and listening to their needs. She is proficient in finding answers and collaborates with other professionals to achieve a positive outcome.
- Probate
- Bankruptcy
- ForeclosurePatrick C. Galles has been a partner at Correll, Sheerer, Benson, Engels, Galles & Demro, P.L.C. since January 1997. Pat’s practice emphasizes the formation of business entities and selecting the correct entity type. In addition, he represents a wide variety of business clients from newly formed entities to established enterprises, counseling them on contract issues, merger and or consolidation issues. He also handles civil litigation related to corporate existence, collection matters, the purchase or sale of business entities including the selection of the proper format for such sale or purchase. Pat also handles litigation related to real estate such as construction matters, disputes concerning real estate disclosure upon sale or transfer, foreclosure related matters for both individual and corporate clients.