For more than 30 years, Karen has represented individuals and families in all aspects of estate planning and estate/trust administration. Karen assists clients with the design and implementation of an estate plan that achieves their goals which include minimization of estate taxes, preservation of family assets, management of assets for children or beneficiaries with special needs, planning for life insurance and retirement plans, and Medicaid planning. Karen also counsels clients through the asset transition process after a family member has passed away.
A significant portion of Karen's practice concentrates on Elder Law which involves counseling seniors and their families regarding the legal and financial issues confronting seniors. This includes matters such as: selection and designation of financial and health care agents; design and implementation of Medicaid & VA qualifying trusts; navigating through eligibility and qualification for Medicaid and VA benefits such as Aid & Attendance.
In addition, Karen advises business owners with the organization and operation of their business entities working with them to design and implement a succession plan to ensure the continued profitability and viability of the business in the event of the owner's disability, retirement or death.
Karen is an avid recreational golfer. Karen loves to travel, read (mysteries, thrillers and suspense novels in particular), garden, and go on walks with her two dogs, Rosie and Mandy.
Areas Of Practice
- Estate Planning
- Probate
- Elder Law
- Veterans Benefits
Certified Legal Specialties
- Estate Planning
- Probate
- Elder Law
- Veterans Benefits
Bar Admissions
- Ohio
- Texas
- U.S. District Court Southern District of Ohio, 1987
- U.S. Tax Court, 1986
- Supreme Court of Ohio, 1986
- Supreme Court of the United States of America, 2015
- Supreme Court of Texas, 1992
- U.S. Court of Federal Claims, 1986
- U.S. Court of Appeals Federal Circuit, 1987
Education
- Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, Indiana
- J.D. - 1986
- Honors: cum laude
- Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana
- B.S. - 1983
- Honors: magna cum laude
- Major: Accounting/Business Administration
Honors And Awards
- Ohio Super Lawyers – Estate Planning – 2007 through 2018
- Best Lawyers in America – Estate Planning – 2010 through 2018
- Martindale Hubbell Client Distinction Award - 2015
Professional Associations And Memberships
- Ohio State Bar Association – Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law Specialty Governing Board
- Ohio State Bar Association (Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law Section; Elder and Special Needs Law Committee; Solo, Small Firms and General Practice Section)
- Elder Counsel
- NAELA (National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys) (Treasurer, 2010 - 2012 - Ohio Chapter)
- Cincinnati Bar Association ( Past Member, Board of Trustees)
- Cincinnati Bar Association – Estate Planning & Probate Section (Chair, 2014 – 2015: Vice Chair, 2012 – 2013; Continuing Legal Education Coordinator, 2011-2012;Planning Committee, Advanced Estate Planning Institute, 2007 – present, Chair - 2012)
- Cincinnati Bar Association ( Past Chair, Women Lawyers Committee))
- American Bar Association (Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Section; Taxation Section; Senior Lawyers Division (Elder Law))
- State Bar of Texas
- Butler University Alumni Association
- Indiana University Mauer School of Law Alumni Association
Pro Bono Activities
- Alzheimer’s Association – Walk to Remember (Butler & Warren Counties), Planning Committee, 2009 to 2015
- Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty (Board of Trustees 2010 - 2017; Chair – Planned Giving Committee 2011 - 2014)
- Hero’s Fund of the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty (Board of Advisors; Planning Committee – Hero’s Celebration 2012; Frozen Open (golf outing) 2013)
- Canines for Christ – Pet Therapy dog handler visiting nursing/rehab facilities
