Practice Areas
Bankruptcy
Nicholls & Crampton has a significant presence in the area of bankruptcy law. Gregory B. Crampton, Stephani W. Humrickhouse, and Kevin L. Sink all certified as bankruptcy specialists, provide sophisticated representation of Chapter 11 debtors, creditors and creditors' committees in both corporate and individual business bankruptcies. Mrs. Humrickhouse, Mr. Sink and W. Sidney Aldridge also provide representation to both debtors and creditors in Chapter 7 cases and to creditors in Chapter 13 cases.
Business Law
The proper organization, capitalization and management of your business and family interests with the formation of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or limited partnership has significant liability, tax, management and wealth transfer consequences. Our general business and estate practice offers a wide range of options in the selection of the entity form, appropriate and timely tax elections, employ contracts and benefit options, shareholder agreements and buy-sell arrangements. In addition, we are also available to assist in the consummation of merger and acquisitions transactions, the orderly dissolution of business entities and other corporate matters. Confer with W. Sidney Aldridge, Gregory B. Crampton, Stephani W. Humrickhouse, F. Timothy Nicholls, Kevin L. Sink or any of our attorneys to determine which options are in your best interest and then pursue them.
Construction
Nicholls & Crampton is able to assist its clients in all phases of the construction process. W. Sidney Aldridge is skilled in the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts as well as representing clients when problems arise in the construction process. Mr. Aldridge has extensive experience in handling construction disputes, including lien filings, bond and surety claims and litigation and arbitration that may arise out of the construction process. In addition, our real estate lawyers have extensive experience in financing arrangements for construction projects. Be sure to consult Mr. Aldridge for advice and representation during any phase of the construction process.
Divorce and Family Law
Anyone who is considering separation or is going through a separation and divorce should understand their rights and obligations. Nicholas J. Dombalis, II handles the family law practice at Nicholls & Crampton and will fully explain North Carolina law with regard to property rights, custody and visitation, child and spousal support and other important issues that can arise when families separate. Mr. Dombalis can help guide you through this complex process and through the emotional issues that are typically a part of separation and divorce. Hopefully these issues will be resolved by a separation and property settlement agreement; but, if not, and the matter proceeds to court, you will know that you have legal counsel by your side who is not only an experienced trial attorney, but is knowledgeable in all facets of family law.
Employment Law
Nicholls & Crampton's employment law practice provides a broad range of services ranging from counseling and regulatory compliance, administrative agency proceedings, employment litigation and benefits and taxation, to legislative and governmental relations. Whether it be sexual harassment, discrimination or retaliation because of race, sex, age or disability, wrongful termination, wage and hour violations, contract and tenure disputes or denial of benefits, quality representation by a seasoned employment law attorney is important. In addition to employment litigation, Nicholls & Crampton also handles contract negotiations for employment agreements and covenants not to compete. Robin Adams Anderson provides quality representation backed by experience, both in and out of the courtroom.
Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning and Administration, Wills and Trust
With the current estate tax minimum rate at 55%, complete and accurate estate planning can provide a significant benefit to family and charity. Lifetime gifting strategies and contractual agreements, as well as transfers at death are among the planning tools available. However, estate planning is not just for the wealthy and elderly. Deciding who will have financial control and physical responsibility for children in the absence of their parents is an issue every parent should address. Estate planning and the execution of a will or trust can not only save you taxes, it can provide for your children's interests. F. Timothy Nicholls, who has over thirty years of experience in estate planning, can offer experience and specialized attention to your estate, wealth transfer planning and administration, trusts and tax issues. Consult with him to review your current documentation and plan for the future.
Litigation
The attorneys of Nicholls & Crampton are experienced in all types of litigation including contract disputes, construction actions, discriminatory employment practices and many others. Litigation can be expensive due to court costs and legal fees, and even more so without experienced representation. You can protect your interests by filing a lawsuit, or protect your assets by defending against one; just contact any of our litigation attorneys. All litigation specialists at Nicholls & Crampton consider cost effectiveness when handling litigation cases. Speak with W. Sidney Aldridge, Robin Adams Anderson, Gregory B. Crampton, Nicholas J. Dombalis, II, Stephani W. Humrickhouse, or Kevin L. Sink depending on your litigation needs.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death
If you have been injured in an automobile collision or in some other way by the negligence of a third party, or if a loved one has died due to the fault of another, you should have an experienced trial attorney on your side. Insurance adjusters have a great deal of experience in protecting the interests of their insured; you deserve no less. Nicholas J. Dombalis, II is an experienced trial attorney who will explain your rights to you and take the steps necessary to protect your interests and maximize your recovery. He will negotiate your claim with the insurance adjuster for the responsible party and, if no settlement is reached, you will know that you have a capable trial attorney representing you in court proceedings. There is no fee for an initial consultation and contingency fee arrangements are typically available for representation in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Real Estate
The law firm of Nicholls & Crampton handles all types of real estate matters, both commercial and residential. Whether you are selling, purchasing or leasing a home, commercial property or vacant land, F. Timothy Nicholls or Kevin L. Sink can assist you to ensure that your interests are well protected. If you need advice before contracting to purchase, sell, or lease a property, call us for a consultation. Make sure you protect one of the largest investments an individual can make.
Taxation
Tax law can impact many aspects of a client's business. With the perspective of many years of interpreting the changing intricacies of tax law, Nicholls & Crampton offers representation in real estate and corporation taxation, executive compensation, employee benefit plans and estate planning. In its team approach to serving clients, Nicholls & Crampton's lawyers utilize the firm's tax expertise to advise a client on relevant cases in the firm's other practice areas. For example, the firm's real estate and tax departments often join forces in contesting commercial real estate and personal property tax assessments or structuring tax-free exchanges of investment real property. Consult with F. Timothy Nicholls to determine how the tax laws apply to your business and personal tax situation.
Traffic and Criminal Law
Whether you have been charged with a traffic violation or with a serious criminal offense, an experienced trial attorney can assist you in minimizing the impact that such a charge will have on your future. Most traffic offenses carry DMV and insurance points, which can jeopardize your driver's license and increase your automobile insurance premiums. Alcohol violations by teens can result in the suspension of their driver's license, negatively impact their ability to become accepted at the college of their choice, or obtain meaningful employment upon graduation. Nicholas J. Dombalis, II can advise you as to the best approach to take to address your particular situation and will be there with you in court at all stages of the proceedings. Having an experienced trial attorney at your side can make a difference.