Wetta, Dennis P.
Dennis Wetta grew up in rural west Sedgwick County, 20 minutes west of Wichita. Prior to joining Martin Pringle in 2003, Dennis practiced with his father’s law firm for 12 years. He maintains close ties to the small communities of western Sedgwick County, with a small law office in Colwich that has had a presence in the community for 50 years. Working in these neighboring, but distinct, communities has afforded Dennis an uncommon perspective on the needs of the residents of rural communities, cities, and suburbs. He practices in the areas of estate planning and administration, real estate, and business law.
Education
- Washburn University School of Law, J.D., 1991
- Benedictine College, B.A., 1987
Bar Admissions
- Kansas, 1991
Professional Affiliations
- American, Kansas, and Wichita Bar Associations, Member
- Past President of the Wichita Bar Association, 2002-2003
- Wichita Bar Association, Real Estate Committee
- Wichita Bar Association, Estate Planning Committee
- Wichita Bar Association, Service to the Bar
Civic/Social Involvement
- Benedictine College Alumni Board, Member
- St. Jude School, Vice President of the Parent Teacher Organization
- Colwich Baseball Club, Attorney
Awards and Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV Rating
Practice Area
Estate Planning and Estate Administration
Dennis assists clients with estate planning, including asset protection, asset transfer, and estate tax planning. He drafts wills and trusts, including those involving complex estates and family business succession plans, depending on the needs of the client. No matter how small or large an estate is, orderly transfer of a client’s assets is always a prime goal. Dennis is well versed in the ever-changing law in this area and employs wealth transfer strategies that protect assets and minimize tax burdens.
Estate administration is another important facet of this area of law. Dennis has ably handled the administration of decedents’ estates throughout his nearly 20 years of practice. Dennis pilots each client through the Kansas Probate Law to a destination best suited to that client’s particular needs. He has an excellent track record of representing clients in probate litigation and other contested matters. He also analyzes fiduciary surety bonds and provides coverage opinions for insurance carriers facing claims asserted against their bonds.
Real Estate
Dennis maintains a thriving real estate practice. He represents buyers and sellers in real estate transactions ranging from agricultural land to commercial property. Dennis has a comprehensive understanding of different types of real property transactions and, therefore, is able to tailor and perform pre-purchase due diligence specifically suited to his clients’ needs. A shrewd negotiator, Dennis’s skills are recognized as a true asset in land acquisitions and sales alike.
Business Law
Dennis assists his clients establish, or restructure, their businesses in a variety of corporate entities. He helps clients determine whether a limited liability company (LLC), limited liability partnership (LLP), subchapter “S” corporation, or chapter “C” corporation will best suit their needs. He also handles business sales and acquisitions, such as assisting in the performance of due diligence, and offering consulting services on a one-time, or ongoing basis.