At TuckerAllen estate planning attorneys, estate planning is for everyone, not just those with means. “People hear the word ‘estate’ and they think [that kind of planning] doesn’t apply to them,” says CEO Mary Elizabeth Coleman. “But we are here to make life better for the average family.”
TuckerAllen, a subsidiary and extension of the law firm Lewis Rice, was formed last year with that clear purpose—to make sure everyone has access to quality legal services once mostly the province of the wealthy. In step with that mission, the firm recently has merged with The Elder & Disability Advocacy Firm of Christine A. Alsop, expanding its services to meet the needs of seniors, people with disabilities and those facing life-altering diagnoses. Both legal areas focus on important protections later in life: estate planning predetermines what happens after death; elder law plans for continuity of care in case of disability or incapacity.
“With increased longevity, elder law is becoming more and more relevant,” Coleman says. “But because it deals with government programs like Medicare, Medicaid and veterans’ benefits, it’s extremely complicated.” She stresses, however, that TuckerAllen is committed to “uncomplicating the complicated,” and says there may be no one better than Alsop to help families navigate the legal intricacies of programs that have ever-changing laws and regulations.
“It can be overwhelming, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there,” says Alsop. “I try to be a central place where people can come to get answers and reassurance.” Alsop says she was drawn to focus on elder law because of her respect for the elderly. “I was raised by older parents and have always understood the loneliness and frustration that can come in later years,” she says. “It’s difficult and expensive to age, especially if you’re faced with having to spend your life savings on long-term care.” She also says she and her team understand that decision-making can become harder as we age, so guiding seniors through that process is a big part of TuckerAllen’s mission. “Christine has a gentle manner and really listens to clients,” Coleman says. “This area of law is a special kind of calling, and it’s in high demand.”
TuckerAllen’s elder law estate plan packages are custom-designed to preserve assets for the client’s spouse and family in the event they need long-term care. Services include advanced planning revocable trusts, pour-over wills, healthcare directives (living wills), medical and financial powers of attorney, HIPAA releases and beneficiary deeds.
While The Elder & Disability Advocacy Firm of Christine A. Alsop has officially become TuckerAllen, it remains in its location on Chippewa Street as TuckerAllen’s sixth regional office. The group consists of two attorneys, three paralegals and administrative staff. “I think this merger is very exciting,” Alsop says. “We were a successful firm before, but we were small. Now, with more manpower, we have the ability to reach many more people in their time of need.”
TuckerAllen’s elder law estate plan packages are custom-designed to preserve assets for the client’s spouse and family in the event they need long-term care. Pictured on the cover: CEO Mary Elizabeth Coleman and Christine A. Alsop. For more information, call 314.335.1100 or visit tuckerallen.com.
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Cover photo by Bill Barrett
