Steve has been with the Van Winkle Law Firm since coming to Asheville in 1992. His practice emphasizes trust and estate disputes and fiduciary related claims. In addition, Steve handles guardianship matters, wrongful death and personal injury claims, commercial litigation and other complex matters. Steve is also a certified mediator and mediates a wide variety of cases.

Practice Highlights

• Steve preserved an inheritance for three daughters who were told that their father had no assets when he died. Following review of banking and financial records, Steve successfully negotiated an $800,000 settlement for the daughters.
• Steve recovered $350,000 for the beneficiaries of a trust in a case where he alleged that the Trustee had made inappropriate distributions from the Trust.
• Steve successfully turned back a challenge to a will probated in Arizona thereby preserving a substantial bequest to a non-profit in Western North Carolina.
• Steve led efforts to resolve the distribution of an estate worth more than $2.5 million where there was considerable confusion and uncertainty regarding the provisions of a will and trust.
• Steve has obtained favorable outcomes for several clients with claims involving management of investment accounts.

Professional Affiliations

• North Carolina Bar Association
  • Litigation Section
  • Trust & Estate Section