I am a partner with the law firm of Fitzwater Meyer Hollis & Marmion, LLP.  My practice focuses on all aspects of estate planning and administration, including planning for high-net worth clients, complex trust administration, preparation of estate tax returns, and planning for people with special needs. I received my J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, and I hold a LLM in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

After 17 years of practicing estate planning and estate administration, 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.

For my estate planning practice, I specialize in working with families who have complex issues such as special needs, blended family, or estate/gift tax concerns. I also enjoy estate administration and helping people organize and manage the distribution of assets when a friend or a family member has passed away. 

In my time off I am entertained by the antics of my two lively young girls, my charming husband, and all of our loveable pets.

“FMHM has a fantastic reputation with our clients and colleagues. I enjoy coming to work daily and building on that reputation.”

I frequently speak on special needs trusts for the Oregon Bar Association and other organizations. A sampling of my presentations and articles include:

“Planning for a Loved One With Special Needs”
          Medford Estate Planning Council (March 2014)
          Edwards Center (March 2014)
          OHSU Foundation (May 2014)
          NW Planned Giving Roundtable (July 2011)

“Estate Planning For Modern Families”
          Oregon Community Foundation (November 2013)
          Oregon State Bar (November 2013)

“The Complexities of Modern Relationships- Planning for Same-Sex Partners”- Financial Planning Association (October 2012)

“Distribution Provisions in Special Needs Trusts” Estate Planning Newsletter (Spring 2012)

“Planning for the Incapacity and Disability for Ourselves and Family Members- Seminar Group (2011)

“Selected Tax Issues for Special Needs Trusts” Estate Planning Newsletter (Winter 2011)

“Drafting Special Needs Trusts”- Oregon State Bar (October 2010)

EDUCATION

• Seton Hall University School of Law - J.D. (1995)
• New York University School of Law - LLM Taxation (1998)