As a partner with Fitzwater Law, my practice focuses on all aspects of estate planning, including planning for high-net worth clients with Oregon Estate tax concerns, blended families and planning for people with special needs. I received my J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1995, and I hold a LLM in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

 

After 25 years of practicing estate planning, I believe that promoting family harmony is the core of a good estate plan. My early background as a professor allowed me to develop the skills to explain the law, even technical aspects of the law like taxes and public benefits, in a way that is understandable and practical. I am a visual person so I tend to draw flowcharts and use a white board to illustrate the discussion points for my clients. I really enjoy working with the attorneys and staff here at Fitzwater Law. 

I grew up on the east coast and began my career in estate planning in New Jersey in 1995. My husband is from the Pacific Northwest and in 2002 we decided to make Portland our home with our 2 daughters and various furry "children". In my free time, I enjoy watching my kids play their team sports, hiking with my dog and enjoying all of the delicious food Portland has to offer. 
 

I am the past chair (2017) of the Executive Committee for the Estate Planning Section of the Oregon State Bar. I frequently speak on special needs trusts for the Oregon Bar Association and other national organizations such as the Academy of Special Needs Planners. I have published several articles on issues involving special needs and I am one of the authors of the special needs chapter in the Oregon State Bar treatise Elder Law.

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EDUCATION

• Seton Hall University School of Law - J.D. (1995)

• New York University School of Law - LLM Taxation (1998)

 

ORGANIZATIONS

• Oregon State Bar (OSB), Estate Planning and Administration Section and Elder Law Section Member

• Washington State Bar (WSBA), Elder Law Section, Real Property, Probate, and Trust Section Member

• American College of Trust & Estate Counsel (ACTEC)

• Academy of Special Needs Planners