Living Trusts in West Virginia: Protect Your Family, Avoid Probate, and Plan with Confidence
A living trust can help West Virginia families plan for incapacity, protect loved ones, preserve privacy, and reduce the property passing through probate. Learn how living trusts work, when they make sense, which assets may belong in one, and why proper trust funding is essential.
It’s Time to Stop Treating Business Litigation Like a Surprise
Most business lawsuits do not begin with one catastrophic event. They develop through unclear contracts, undocumented decisions, recurring complaints, and problems that leadership agrees to address later. Learn how stronger systems, clearer communication, and earlier action can help businesses reduce legal risk before a dispute becomes a lawsuit.
Family Law Should Help You Move Forward—Not Keep You Stuck
Family law is about more than winning in court. Learn how a forward-focused approach to divorce, custody, support, and family law can help families throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio move confidently into the next chapter.
How to Prevent Litigation After Buying a Small Business: 15 Steps Every Buyer Should Take
Many business acquisition disputes are preventable. This guide outlines 15 practical steps buyers can take before and after closing to reduce litigation risk, protect their investment, and avoid costly legal disputes. Whether you're buying a business in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Ohio, proactive planning can make all the difference.
New Resource: The West Virginia Probate Guide for Executors, Heirs, and Families
The Skeen Firm has launched the West Virginia Probate Guide, a free educational resource for executors, heirs, and families. Explore probate timelines, executor responsibilities, estate administration guidance, common FAQs, and download a free Probate Checklist to help navigate the probate process with confidence.
Bought a Business? The 10 Most Common Post-Acquisition Litigation Issues
Buying a small business should create opportunity, not unexpected legal disputes. Learn the ten most common litigation issues buyers face after closing, including seller fraud, contract disputes, earn-out litigation, non-compete violations, and hidden liabilities. Discover practical strategies to protect your investment before and after an acquisition.
When Business Fraud Becomes a Civil RICO Claim
Not every business fraud case qualifies as civil RICO. This article explains when repeated misconduct, coordinated schemes, and direct financial harm may turn a commercial dispute into a federal racketeering claim.
5 Important Things to Do After Divorce in West Virginia
After a divorce in West Virginia, it is important to protect your future. Review these five key post-divorce steps involving legal documents, finances, insurance, and court orders.
Your Fourth of July Legal Checklist: 7 Ways to Protect Your Family, Friends, and Finances This Independence Day
The Fourth of July is a time for fireworks, family gatherings, cookouts, and summer fun. Unfortunately, it is also one of the busiest holiday weekends for accidents and injuries. Before celebrating Independence Day, review these seven practical legal and safety tips covering alcohol-related risks, dog bites, vacation rentals, recreational vehicles, social media, and more. A little preparation today can help protect your family, friends, and finances tomorrow.
Can a Criminal Record Be Expunged in Pennsylvania?
A criminal record can affect jobs, housing, and future opportunities. Learn the difference between expungement, record sealing, and Pennsylvania Clean Slate relief.
5 Important Things to Do After a Divorce in Pennsylvania
Divorce is final, but your next steps matter. Learn five important things to update after divorce, including your estate plan, beneficiaries, finances, insurance, and court orders.
What Is a PFA Order in Pennsylvania?
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order can affect where you live, who you can contact, and even your firearm rights. Learn how the PFA process works in Pennsylvania and what to expect if a petition has been filed against you.
The Viral JPMorgan Employment Lawsuit: What Employers in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio Can Learn
The viral JPMorgan employment lawsuit highlights critical risks involving workplace investigations, retaliation claims, and HR compliance. Learn what employers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia should know.
Why Most Civil RICO Cases Fail: Lessons for Pennsylvania Business Owners
Civil RICO is powerful, but it is not a shortcut for every business dispute involving fraud or unfair conduct. Learn why courts often dismiss RICO claims and what business owners should know before pursuing or defending one.
West Virginia Probate Timeline: What Families Should Expect
Learn how long probate takes in West Virginia, what can delay the process, and how families can move estate administration forward.
Common Employment Disputes Pennsylvania Small Businesses Face
Learn the most common employment disputes affecting Pennsylvania small businesses and how employers can reduce legal risk.
Do You Need a Prenup in Pennsylvania? What Couples Should Know
Learn how prenuptial agreements work in Pennsylvania, what they can protect, and when couples should consider one before marriage.
How Are Assets Divided During Divorce in Pennsylvania?
Learn how Pennsylvania divides marital property during divorce, including homes, retirement accounts, businesses, debt, and inheritances.
Simple Assault vs Aggravated Assault in Pennsylvania: What’s the Difference?
Assault charges in Pennsylvania can range from misdemeanor simple assault to felony aggravated assault. Learn the key differences, potential consequences, and what these charges may mean for your case in Western Pennsylvania.
Drug Possession First Offense
Charged with drug possession in Pennsylvania? Learn what a first offense means and what happens next.