Van Matre Law Firm, P.C. - Columbia, MO

Comprehensive Legal Counsel and Business Advocacy in Columbia, Missouri

For three decades, Van Matre Law Firm, P.C. has stood as a cornerstone of the Mid-Missouri legal community, providing sophisticated counsel to emerging businesses, established corporations, institutional developers, and local families. Founded in 1996 by veteran attorney Craig A. Van Matre, the firm blends the elite capabilities of national commercial firms with the dedicated, responsive approach of a trusted regional practice. Holding an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible standard for legal skill and ethical standards, the firm represents clients throughout Columbia, Boone County, and Jefferson City. Whether structuring a multi-million-dollar commercial transaction, resolving a complex real estate controversy, or preparing generational estate assets, you can hire an experienced lawyer who provides decisive advocacy, deep statutory knowledge, and cost-effective representation at every juncture.

Strategic Business Formation, Corporate Law, and Commercial Litigation

Navigating Missouri corporate statutes and regulatory compliance requires rigorous preparation and forward-looking guidance. Van Matre Law Firm, P.C. serves as trusted outside corporate counsel across every phase of the business life cycle, representing small enterprises and large corporations in matters such as:

• Business Formation and Structuring: Establishing limited liability companies, corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures with customized operating agreements and corporate governance frameworks.
• Commercial Contracts and Transactions: Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating vendor agreements, service contracts, equity purchase agreements, and executive compensation packages.
• Business Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Resolving breach of contract claims, shareholder disputes, partnership dissolutions, and fiduciary duty litigation in Missouri state and federal courts.
• Employment and Labor Law: Guiding employers through non-compete covenants, severance packages, workplace policies, and state labor regulations.

Commercial and Residential Real Estate Transactions and Zoning

Real estate development and property ownership represent substantial financial investments that demand meticulous legal oversight. The real estate attorneys at Van Matre Law Firm, P.C. guide developers, commercial landlords, property managers, and individual buyers through title examinations, commercial leasing, land acquisitions, and zoning approvals. The firm also provides assertive courtroom representation in boundary disputes, partition actions, mechanic liens, and property contract enforcement across Mid-Missouri.

Thorough Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration

Preserving family wealth and ensuring smooth generational transfers requires customized legacy instruments. The firm estate planning team crafts comprehensive revocable living trusts, last wills and testaments, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. When a loved one passes away, the firm assists personal representatives and trustees through the Boone County probate court process, handling estate administration, trust distributions, and beneficiary negotiations with sensitivity and discretion.

Dedicated Family Law and Criminal Defense Representation

In addition to its business focus, the firm features accomplished litigators who represent individuals confronting life-altering personal crises. In family law, shareholder Anne E. Kern handles high-asset divorce, complex business valuations, child custody, and support determinations. In criminal defense, shareholder Richard B. Hicks draws upon extensive prosecutorial background to defend clients against driving while intoxicated, drug allegations, and municipal court charges. Contact Van Matre Law Firm, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney in Columbia.