Our Services

Mediation and other alternative dispute resolution are frequently the most cost-effective and reasonable ways to address and resolve disagreements.  Litigation is very costly, time consuming, and inflexible, while active discussion and negotiation provide clients with an opportunity to resolve disputes creatively according to a plan of their own making.    

Mediation is a confidential, respectful and voluntary process. We work with each party to understand the development of the dispute in light of current needs and circumstances, whether or not litigation is ongoing. We help the parties develop a space for effective negotiation and problem solving, and assist with drafting an agreement when settlement is achieved.

In mediation the parties have control over and direct the outcome of the process. They cannot be forced to sign off on terms to which they do not agree. In this way, mediation is very different from proceedings at trial or arbitration. While legal counsel is not required at mediation, when parties are represented by counsel, we encourage them to attend, as they can provide helpful guidance and advice to their clients throughout the mediation process.

It is the mediator's role to facilitate constructive conversation between the parties, by offering insights and direction to help focus attention on the interests that are necessary for settlement. The length of time needed to resolve a matter can range from a few hours to multiple day-long sessions, depending on the complexities involved and the parties' willingness and ability to listen and respond to one another in meaningful ways. A typical experience for family mediations or small business mediations, ranges from from two to eight hours.  

Whether mediation results in settlement or not, the process and information disclosed is kept confidential and privileged pursuant to the mediation agreement, which must be signed by all participants prior to mediating. The mediator cannot be compelled to testify in later proceedings.

To determine if your matter is suitable for mediation or other alternative resolution, we offer an introductory consultation at no-cost to you.    

Losing a friend or family member is a difficult and emotional time. The legal and financial complexities involved in probate and trust administration can be challenging. We clear away confusion and questions, to guide our clients through the process to ensure that the end of life concerns are settled correctly, with sensitivity to the persons involved and a view to avoid disagreements before they arise.  

With our team handling the complexity of administration, our clients have more time to focus on grieving and supporting family members and friends.

Another side of our trust practice is working with established trusts to ensure compliance with the trust agreement and state law. Trustees are required to provide certain notice and information to beneficiaries when a trust is established as well as throughout the term of the trust. The trust agreement usually provides for additional requirements, including terms for distributions. A trustee has a fiduciary duty of the utmost good faith and loyalty to beneficiaries, and it is critical that the trustee is well informed and perform his or her role diligently.

In addition to representing personal representatives and trustees, we also represent heirs and beneficiaries of estates and trusts, who feel they are not being treated fairly by a personal representative or trustee.

Whatever the issues, we help our clients find the most collaborative and cost-effective solutions.

Estate planning is a personal matter. We all want to know that our loved ones will be secure and that the people and organizations important to us will benefit as much as possible from our hard work over the years. We want to know that our wishes will be understood and honored. At The Stoll Group, we take time to listen closely to our clients’ goals and educate them on potential options to achieve those goals. Working with persons of high net worth to those with more modest assets, we possess broad knowledge of various planning techniques, including:

• Wills and Trusts
• Health Care Directives (“Living Wills”)
• Durable and Special Powers of Attorney
• Community Property and Separate Property Agreements
• Mental Health Advance Directives
• Family Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies
• Revocable Living Trusts
• Trusts for Children
• Marital Trusts
• Lifetime Gifting
• Charitable Giving

In addition to handling personal planning matters, we also work with personal representatives, trustees, heirs and beneficiaries who are involved in trust and estate disputes and litigation. 

We handle matters for a variety of clients, including small and midsized businesses, emerging companies, and real estate investors. We understand that all of our clients, big and small, are keen on keeping legal costs to a minimum. We take time to listen to our clients concerns and ask the right questions to gain a thorough understanding of our client’s motivations and the critical issues involved.  This enables us to help our clients decide on a strategic and efficient course of action early on.  Our experience includes:

• Formation and Start-Up
• General Counsel
• Corporate Governance
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Employment Matters
• Commercial Contracts
• Licensing
• Buy-Sell Agreements
• Succession Planning
• Loan Transactions
• Regulatory Compliance
• Not-For-Profit 501(c)(3)
• Federal and State Taxation

We pride ourselves on getting to know your business and industry, to provide you with practical and effective solutions to address your problems and your opportunities.