At the law office of Mogel, Speidel, Bobb & Kershner, we care about the protection of families. Whether that protection involves negotiating divorce agreements that take into consideration the best interests of parents and children, or it involves helping a client create a will so their assets can be distributed to their family in the event of their passing, we are here to help. Our firm has been providing trustworthy legal services with integrity for over 150 years. We serve clients throughout Berks County and the surrounding areas.
Child Support
Many factors determine the amount of child support the noncustodial parent must provide. Our attorneys take into consideration the income and expenses of both parents. However, it can be difficult to determine the exact income and expenses of each parent, which is why we may enlist the help of a forensic expert. The goal is to maintain the quality of life for the child as well as the parents. We can also help our clients modify child support orders as their needs change.
Child Custody and Visitation
Divorce becomes even more difficult when minor children are involved. Each parent wants to maintain an important influence in the child’s life, and it can be difficult to determine a custody plan that is in the best interests of everyone involved. However, our attorneys are highly experienced in child custody negotiations. Whether you need to determine child custody and visitation rights or want to modify previous court-ordered arrangements, our attorneys will work to reach a solution that is beneficial for you and your child or children.
Adoption
Paternity
Premarital Agreement
Guardianship
A guardian is a person to whom you grant legal authority to care for you in the case that you become incapable of caring for yourself. This person can also make healthcare, financial, and legal decisions on your behalf. Our attorneys can help you determine powers of attorneys and guardianships that are in your best interests.
Spousal Support
Filing the Petition: File a divorce petition with the family court in your jurisdiction. This document outlines your reasons for the divorce and any requests regarding child custody, support, alimony, and property division.
If you are involved in a personal injury case, you know the physical, emotional, and financial toll it can take on you. Our attorneys at Mogel, Speidel, Bobb & Kershner do, too. We seek fair compensation for our clients. Compensation should cover medical expenses, loss of income due to inability to work, pain and suffering, as well as wrongful death if the injury resulted in loss of life. We help you handle the insurance companies, providing you with the legal backing to protect your best interests.
Born in Rochester, New York, October 29, 1973, Mr. Zimmer graduated magna cum laude from Cabrini College in 1996 with a B.A. in Psychology and in 1998 graduated from Temple University with an M. Ed. in Counseling Psychology. In 2001, Mr. Zimmer was awarded a J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law. He was admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar in October 2001, and the New Jersey Bar in November 2001. He practices in the areas of family law, adoption, general litigation, employment law, estate planning, and corporate law. In addition to being admitted to practice in the State of Pennsylvania, Mr. Zimmer is also admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
Business Disputes
I have worked with this firm for over 20 years with business law and two divorces. There isn’t a better firm out there. Steve Price and Fred Mogel are the best.
He is a past president of the Berks County Bar Association. Mr. Kershner maintained a Womelsdorf office on Wednesday afternoons and evenings, and he practiced primarily in the areas of estate and trust administration and planning, business, and real estate law. Mr. Kershner was an AV-rated attorney and resides in Wyomissing.
Real Estate Transactions
Whether you’re a buyer or seller, or whether you’re dealing with a residential or commercial real estate transaction, it is important to have a knowledgeable attorney on your side who can protect your investment. Our attorneys are here to help your transaction proceed smoothly and to anticipate and resolve any issues that could jeopardize the sale. Legal issues we handle include real estate and property disputes, property purchase and sale, business counsel and litigation, environmental clean-up and compliance, planning and zoning approvals, condominiums and cooperatives, and landlord and tenant matters.
Land Use and Zoning
If you’re working on a commercial or residential development project, you need to pay careful attention to land use and zoning regulations to avoid costly and time-consuming legal issues. Zoning rules determine what types of buildings (residential, commercial, etc.) can be in a certain area. In addition, they can regulate the size and height of buildings, distance of buildings from the sidewalk, size of parking lots, and more.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Property Damage
Personal injury can take many forms, whether it be a physical injury, property damage, or a tarnished reputation. However, one thing all personal injuries have in common is that they are caused by the carelessness or negligence of another person.
Immediately after an accident, ensure your safety and seek medical attention if needed. Report the accident to the relevant authorities (e.g., police for car accidents). Collect evidence at the scene, such as photographs, witness contact information, and any other relevant details. Notify your insurance company but avoid making any detailed statements until you’ve consulted with a personal injury attorney. It’s crucial to document everything and keep records of medical treatments, expenses, and any communications related to the accident.
The law firm continued to represent a number of large corporations as well as handle estate planning for their founding families. Clients included the Reading Company, Reading Trust Company, Thun Investment Company, Provident Savings & Loan, Nolde & Horst Hosiery, Reading Hardware Company, and Ludens. Many of these firms are historically tied to the now well-known companies such as Wachovia Bank, Vanity Fair, and Arrow International.
Wills
Ms. Sarno spent 20 years of her legal career as a Staff Attorney for Berks Women in Crisis/SafeBerks. Ms. Sarno practices primarily in the areas of family law, wills and estates and general civil litigation.
Trusts
If you would like to begin distributing your assets during your lifetime, a trust is the right choice for you. A living trust, like a will, designates who you want to receive your assets and property. However, a trust becomes effective immediately. Plus, a trust does not need to go through the probate process as a will does. Our attorneys will work with you to properly set up your trust and ensure that you are making the right decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
Power of Attorney
An important aspect of estate planning is designating a power of attorney. This person will have the legal ability to make decisions regarding your finances, health care, business, end-of-life care, and more in the event that you become incapable of making these decisions. You can designate powers of attorney for different purposes. For example, you can choose a health care power of attorney, a financial power of attorney, or a durable power of attorney, who will have the ability to make all financial, medical, and legal decisions for you.
Born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, March 16, 1955, Mr. Mogel is a lifelong resident of Berks County. He was awarded a B.A. in 1977 by Syracuse University and a J.D. in 1980 by the Delaware Law School at Widener University (now Widener University School of Law). He was admitted to the Bar in 1980. Mr. Mogel practices primarily in the areas of family law, residential and commercial real estate law, mortgage foreclosure, zoning, and land use law. Mr. Mogel is an AV-rated attorney.
Tax Law
While it is possible to administer a simple estate without a lawyer, it is often advisable to seek legal assistance, especially if the estate is complex, there are disputes among beneficiaries, or there are significant debts and tax issues to resolve. A lawyer can help navigate the legal requirements, ensure compliance with state laws, and reduce the risk of mistakes and delays in the administration process.