Elderkin, Martin, Kelly & Messina

Practice Areas

Abusive Relationships

For purposes of the Protection From Abuse Act, the term "abuse" is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family or household members, sexual or intimate partners or persons who share biological parenthood: More...

Adoption

Our Matrimonial Law attorneys can assist you with third party adoptions (unrelated persons), kinship adoptions (family or related persons) and step-parent adoptions. More...

Animal Attacks

If you’re bitten by an animal you thought was a friendly pet, the resulting pain can be both physical and psychological.  This is especially true for children, who can be traumatized by even a minor injury from a dog bite or animal attack. More...

Bankruptcy

The Elderkin Law Firm has assisted in bankruptcy matters, including the following:  Debtors in Chapter 7 cases; Debtors in Chapter 11 and Chapter 13 Reorganizations; Secured lenders in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 matters; and General unsecured creditors in all manner of bankruptcy proceedings.  More...

Business Law and Planning

When you are starting a business or evaluating the growth of your business in the last few years, it is critical to choose the correct entity within which to operate that business. In Pennsylvania, you have many different options, including, corporations, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability companies, non-profits. More...

Car Accidents

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day, injuring and killing thousands of people.  If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by the negligence of another person, there is a remedy.  Injured people and the families of those killed can file a claim or a lawsuit against the responsible party to recover medical expenses, lost income, and to be compensated for pain and suffering and other losses. More...

Commercial Litigation

The Elderkin Law Firm recognizes that our local companies now work in a global economy. Thus, the issues that face everyone from sole proprietorships through multinational corporations have changed dramatically in the past decade. More...

Criminal Defense

While we hope that our clients never have to be represented in a criminal matter, the fact is that sometimes there is a need for these services. When that happens, our attorneys are prepared to protect your rights or the rights of your business and guide you through this complex and intimidating system. More...

Custody and Support

As a spouse or a parent separated from your significant other, you may be entitled to spousal support or child support. As the higher-earning party (in a spousal support case) and/or the non-custodial parent, you may be obligated to pay support. More...

Divorce/Separation

When facing a separation or divorce, one will likely have many legal questions, such as: "What might happen if I leave the marital residence?" and "I can't afford all of my expenses on my own. Am I entitled to support or alimony from my spouse?" More...

Estate Planning

With the growing complexity of tax laws, Estate Planning has become much more than the drafting of an appropriate Will.  Critical components of a competent and complete Estate Plan include stating your wishes, tax guidance, business succession, Medicaid planning, and estate administration.  More...

Guardianships

Upon a finding that an individual is incapacitated, the Court may be requested to appoint a guardian or guardians of his or her person or estate (property). More...

Labor and Employment Law

Employers today are faced with more regulation than ever before from a variety of federal, state and local laws leading to difficult and sometimes contradictory obligations.  Businesses need access to informed, experienced and prompt counseling to find their way through these complex issues. More...

Medical Malpractice

When we are sick or injured and go to the hospital, we all share the expectation that our treatment will come from competent, trained professionals.  However, as our health care system becomes more and more strained, the incidence of mistakes by doctors and other medical personnel is becoming more prevalent.  More...

Motorcycle Accidents

Many motorcyclists suffer serious or fatal injuries simply because drivers don’t see them.  However, drivers have a duty to look out for other vehicles, including motorcycles. More...

Municipal and Zoning Law

The Elderkin Law Firm represents both public and private clients on almost all matters involving state and local governments. The attorneys working in our Municipal and Zoning practice area have extensive experience representing municipalities, individuals, and governmental authorities in a wide variety of areas. More...

Pension and Benefits

The Pension and Employee Benefits practice group provides practical legal solutions for pension and employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts, including drafting, administration and compliance.  More...

Personal Injury

Personal injury laws define the type and amount of compensation that a personal injury victim may seek from the person or company responsible for their injury. There are two main categories of personal injury: Negligence and Strict Liability. More...

Prenuptial Agreements

A Prenuptial Agreement is a contract entered into prior to a marriage which sets forth the property and financial rights of both spouses in the event of a separation or divorce or death. A Postnuptial Agreement is contracted for the same purpose, only it is entered into after the parties have been married. More...

Product Liability

If a defective product causes injury or death, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit to obtain compensation. Product liability law covers almost any type of product, and the Elderkin Law Firm has helped people injured by defects in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of products."  More...

Real Estate

The Elderkin Law Firm's Real Estate practice involves representation in all facets of the purchase and maintenance of property. Not only do we represent buyers, sellers, and financial institutions through the real estate sales process, but we also deal regularly in the negotiation, resolution and litigation of easements, restrictive covenants, and boundary disputes.  More...

Slip and Fall

If unsafe property conditions have caused an injury to you or a loved one, you may be able to claim payment for your pain and suffering, your medical bills and other associated costs. More...

Social Security

If you or a family member suffer from an injury or disease that prevents you from working or is expected to prevent you from working for one year or longer, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits. More...

Workplace Injury/Workers' Compensation

Workers' Compensation is a benefit available to nearly every employee in Pennsylvania who suffers an injury in their employment.  When you are hurt while performing your duties as an employee there are laws that govern how much you can recover, and from whom. This differs from other types of injuries. We assist our clients in working through this complicated area of law in order to receive the proper benefits from all sources. More...

Wrongful Death

The sudden death of a loved one is devastating, and when that death is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another person, you need a place to turn for counsel and support. More...