Sterling S. Waggener, Bankruptcy Attorney in Topeka, Kansas
Over 73 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, General, and Probate · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatWaggener, Arterburn & Standiferd
Topeka, KS
Practicing bankruptcy in Topeka since 1953.
- 73+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Sterling S. Waggener?
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Quick answer
Sterling S. Waggener is a member based in Topeka, KS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Probate. Sterling has over 73 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Waggener, Arterburn & Standiferd. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Topeka, KS
- Experience
- over 73 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · General · Probate
- Handles Bankruptcy, General, and Probate matters from Topeka, KS.
- Over 73 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Sterling S. Waggener: Sterling S. Waggener is a member based in Topeka, KS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Probate. Sterling has over 73 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Waggener, Arterburn & Standiferd. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Sterling takes on
Sterling concentrates on bankruptcy, general, probate, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sterling handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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General
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Probate
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Workers Comp
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Bankruptcy cases in Topeka, Kansas
Sterling takes bankruptcy matters in Topeka, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sterling agrees to represent you.
General cases in Topeka, Kansas
Sterling takes general matters in Topeka, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sterling agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Topeka, Kansas
Sterling takes probate matters in Topeka, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sterling agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Topeka, Kansas
Sterling takes workers comp matters in Topeka, Kansas. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sterling agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Sterling S. Waggener — bankruptcy lawyer in Topeka
Sterling S. Waggener is a member based in Topeka, KS. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, General, and Probate. Sterling has over 73 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Waggener, Arterburn & Standiferd. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Sterling S. Waggener is a lawyer practicing probate law, workers compensation, domestic and 1 other area of law. Sterling received a degree from American Graduate School of International Management in 1957, and has been licensed for 73 years. Sterling practices at Waggener, Arterburn & Standiferd in Topeka, KS.
Working with Sterling on a bankruptcy matter
Sterling S. Waggener is a lawyer practicing probate law, workers compensation, domestic and 1 other area of law. Sterling received a degree from American Graduate School of International Management in 1957, and has been licensed for 73 years. Sterling practices at Waggener, Arterburn & Standiferd in Topeka, KS.
Who Sterling represents
Sterling reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, general, and probate matters in Topeka and the surrounding Kansas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Kansas
J.D. · 1953
American Graduate School of International Management
F.T.B. University · 1957
Jurisdictions
Sterling's state bar admissions
Kansas
1953 · ACTIVE
Sterling studied at J.D. in University of Kansas and F.T.B. University in American Graduate School of International Management.
Law school and academic background
Sterling completed J.D. in University of Kansas and F.T.B. University in American Graduate School of International Management. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sterling runs in Kansas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Sterling has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Sterling's professional memberships and bar associations
Topeka (Member, Executive Committee, 1973-1974 Chairman, Probate Committee, 1988-1991) and Kansas Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Sterling S. Waggener's office in Topeka
Sterling's primary office is at The Law Building, 1400 S.W. Topeka Boulevard, Suite 1, Topeka, KS, 66612-1819. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Waggener, Arterburn & Standiferd
The Law Building, 1400 S.W. Topeka Boulevard, Suite 1
Topeka, KS 66612-1819
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Sterling S. Waggener — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Sterling. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Topeka.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Sterling S. Waggener claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Sterling S. Waggener — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sterling usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sterling charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sterling's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Sterling will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Topeka, Kansas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Sterling
Sterling discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Sterling confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sterling's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sterling S. Waggener
How much does it cost to hire Sterling for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sterling walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sterling offer a free consultation?
Sterling charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sterling's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Sterling's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Kansas typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sterling gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sterling take my case if I'm outside Topeka?
Sterling is licensed in Kansas. Matters governed by Kansas law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sterling will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Sterling?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sterling will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sterling accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Sterling's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Topeka, Overland Park and Wichita in Kansas
Sterling handles bankruptcy matters throughout Kansas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Kansas
If Sterling's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Topeka handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





