Portsmouth Estate Planning Lawyers

Bringing nearly 40 years of legal expertise to the Oast & Taylor team, Bill’s practice areas include Elder Law, Estate and Trust Administration, Estate Planning, Guardianships and Conservatorships, and Litigation.

Stephen Taylor earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law, where he served as Allen Chair Editor of the University of Richmond Law Review. He was a member of the John Marshall Inn of Court and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society. Stephen's primary practice areas include Elder Law, Estate Planning, Business Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, and litigation in support of these practice areas. Stephen is licensed to practice in Virginia and North Carolina.

Coming to the Oast & Taylor team with valued legal experience, Ms. Smith adds significant skill and talent to our practice. Certified as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF), she offers clients exceptional legal assistance in the areas of Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Asset Protection Planning, Special Needs Planning, Long-term Care Planning and Veterans Benefits Planning. Ms. Smith is a twenty year veteran of the United States Air Force. Her ongoing work with veterans in our community includes the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veterans benefits...

Brandon is a lifelong Virginian who grew to love Hampton Roads during his time at Christopher Newport University. After graduating from "CNU," Brandon attended law school at the University of Richmond. There, he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Law & Technology as well as the President of the Moot Court Board. During law school Brandon interned at a large civil defense firm in Norfolk. After graduating Brandon worked briefly as an Associate there before deciding that he could better help the community by working for Employees, Plaintiffs, and Small Businesses.

Brandon's practice focuses on employment law, family law,...

Bar and Court Admissions: Virginia State Bar (1977) and Alabama State Bar (1977); State Bar of Texas (1981); U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1979; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit (1981); U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (1984) Education: University of Virginia, B.A., with high distinction (1974); University of Virginia, J.D. (1977)

Lamont Maddox focuses his practice on general business law matters, such as business start-ups, mergers and acquisitions, finance, securities, contracts, leases, e-commerce and corporate governance. As a former business owner, Mr. Maddox understands the needs and objectives of business owners; he was president and founder of Maddox Technology, Incorporated, a computer consulting firm serving small and moderate size businesses, for over 10 years.

Caryn was born and raised outside Buffalo, New York. Caryn’s first love and passion is reading and writing, which naturally led to a career in law. She attended the State University of New York at Geneseo, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with Honors in Philosophy and English. From Geneseo, she moved South for warmer weather and attended Washington and Lee School of Law in Lexington, Virginia, graduating cum laude in 2002. During law school, Caryn was a member of the Editorial Board of the Washington and Lee Law Review.

Having visited her aunt...

Dominic P. Lascara is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia. He graduated in 1986 from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary after receiving his undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, in Business Administration in 1981 from Old Dominion University. Dominic P. Lascara joined the law firm of Roy, Forehand, Laine and Dale, P.C. as an associate in the fall of 1986 after being admitted to the Virginia State Bar. He was admitted to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in 1987. He became a partner...

John was named “Most Inspiring Graduate,” of the Regent University School of Law for his Class. An Honors student, John earned the Ronald L. Fick Book Award for highest academic achievement in:
His outstanding performance in Real Estate Transactions, Property, Contract, and Criminal Law propelled him to finish in the top fifth of the class.
Beyond the books, John established himself as an effective justice-oriented advocate. He represented Virginia on 86 cases, including felony prosecutions, under Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office. John interned for the Supreme Court of Virginia and assisted the Legal Advisor to the Supreme Allied Commander for Transportation...

Andrew H. “Andy” Hook is the president of Hook Law Center, where he practices in the areas of elder law, estate and trust administration, estate, tax, retirement and financial planning, long-term care planning, asset protection planning, special needs planning, business succession planning and personal injury settlement consulting. A 1975 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. Hook is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and a Fellow of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Mr. Hook is certified as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law...

A resident of Virginia Beach for over 30 years, Mr. Miyares has deep roots in our community. A graduate of Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, Mr. Miyares went on to attend Old Dominion University in Norfolk. After earing a B.S. in Political Science in 2000, Mr Miyares earned his J.D. in 2003 from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. After his admission to the Virginia Bar in 2003, Mr. Miyares proudly worked in the office of the Norfolk Public Defender. During 8 years in that office, Mr. Miyares gained...

Brian Boys brings his professionalism and significant legal skills to his clients and our community. Brian’s primary practice areas include Elder Law, Estate Planning, Estate and Trust Administration, Guardianships and Conservatorships, Special Needs Planning, and Personal Injury Settlement Consulting and Litigation in support of each of these areas. Brian is also qualified to serve as a guardian ad litem for incapacitated adults.

Mark L. Stevenson is a skilled attorney and short-sale negotiator barred in Virginia , North Carolina, and Michigan. Currently, his practice focuses on Real Estate, Estate Planning, and Business matters on the Peninsula.

Prior to joining Hanger Law, he spent three years processing and successfully negotiating short sales in some of the hardest hit regions of Michigan, including Flint and metro Detroit. Mark prides himself on facilitating deals with multiple parties to achieve positive results for clients.

A local, Mark graduated from Tallwood High School and went on to get a B.S. in Chemistry at Old Dominion University, graduating cum laude, and...

Sean provides legal counsel to clients when they have a need for guidance on any matters involving Real Estate, Estate Planning, or Business Structuring. He works closely with clients to understand the unique issues they are facing and to customize a solution for their individual needs. Prior to joining Hanger Law, Sean was a commercial real estate broker and specialized in negotiating leases and purchase contracts for retail developments and Class A office space. With nearly a decade of real estate experience as a REALTOR®, Sean brings to Hanger Law his extensive real estate knowledge and unique perspective on the...

Letha Sgritta McDowell is an attorney with Hook Law Center who works primarily with the firm’s North Carolina clients. Her practice includes the areas of elder law, special needs planning, estate and trust administration, estate planning, asset protection planning, long-term care planning, and tax law. Ms. McDowell is a 2001 graduate of Purdue University and a 2004 graduate of the University of Maine’s School of Law.

Ms. McDowell is an Elder Law Attorney certified by the National Elder Law Foundation and Board Certified as a specialist in Elder Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Ms. McDowell...

Josh is a tenacious attorney with extensive courtroom and business experience that brings value to his clients. He has a broad area of practice with clients throughout the country. Josh’s focus of practice in the following areas of law: civil litigation, personal injury, criminal and traffic defense, divorce and family law, wills, trusts and estate planning, landlord and tenant law, business and corporate law, intellectual property, and general practice.

Unlike most attorneys, Hunter Hanger entered the legal field to be around people. His primary motivator is to see clients empowered through understanding, and protected by an assertive legal advocate.

Prior to practicing law, he worked in DC on Capitol Hill and in Real Estate in Los Angeles, CA. A natural activator, Hunter works tirelessly to get transactions moved to closing in a timely and exact manner.

Entering Real Estate Law during a significant market downturn, Hunter cut his teeth negotiating short sale deficiencies against Big Banks. The key to success requires skilled navigation of large bureaucracies and mastery of the...

Jeana P. McMurray is an experienced litigator with a strong background in matters of real estate, title, foreclosure, landlord tenant, collections, contracts, wills, estates, and business disputes. Jeana prides herself on being able to swiftly resolve matters for her clients using both alternative dispute resolution and tactful litigation when the situation calls for it.

Jeana has been in private practice representing homeowners, mortgage lenders, loan servicers, banks, landlords, business owners, and families since 2012 and has handled matters ranging from complex mortgage disputes to simple will or deed drafting. Jeana takes a personal interest in each of her clients ensuring...

Anna focuses her practice on individual consumer and business bankruptcies, tax compliance and controversy, corporate and business law, and estate planning and administration. Prior to joining Harry Jernigan CPA Attorney, P.C., Mrs. Dunkum was Staff Attorney for the Chapter 13 Trustee for the Middle District of North Carolina- Greensboro Division. Mrs. Dunkum is admitted to practice in the United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern, Middle and Western Districts of North Carolina and the Eastern District of Virginia as well as all courts in the State of North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia and U.S. Tax Court. ...

My legal practice involves both planning and litigation in my practice areas, all of which is done from Little Haven Farm, a 4-acre horse farm and my residence. Personal time is spent riding horses, working on my English gardens and playing the piano.

Harry Jernigan - Founder and CEO of Harry Jernigan CPA Attorney, PC., a dual practice of accounting and law with offices located in Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Richmond, Virginia.

Shannon Laymon-Pecoraro is a Certified Elder Law Attorney of Parks Zeigler, PLLC practicing in the areas of elder law, special needs planning, estate and trust administration, estate planning, asset protection planning, financial planning, guardianships and conservatorships. Prior to joining the firm Ms. Laymon-Pecoraro spent 10 years at Hook Law Center, P.C. Ms. Laymon Pecoraro has a passion for special needs planning, which has resulted in her becoming a go-to for personal injury attorneys who need assistance navigating public benefits or otherwise protecting a client’s funds. As a result, Ms. Laymon-Pecoraro has worked on hundreds of personal injury cases, developing settlement trusts,...

I am a former prosecutor who is a seasoned trial lawyer focused on achieving outstanding results for my clients. After mentoring under some of the region's top defense attorneys, I started my own practice in 2013. Focused on client satisfaction, we've grown to four employees. My firm handles state and federal criminal law cases, divorce and custody, estate matters, Title IX actions, and public sector employment hearings. Our firm stands out among the rest because of our experience in courtroom litigation. We fight for our clients!

Are you looking for an attorney that will understand not only the legal aspects of divorce, but the emotional and financial implications of divorce? At the law firm of Susan E. Donner, I work hard to be approachable. Divorce work can be contentious, but I emphasize the compassionate side of divorce representation. I care about the emotional impact of divorce and work with my clients to bring about the result that is in the best interests of their family and their relationship with their children.Divorce is emotionally draining, especially when children are involved.The decisions you...

Rebecca began her business with the goal of helping families through a range of family issues from divorce and separation to creating cohesive estate plans. Through a strong focus on people - both clients and employees - the firm has grown and expanded into new markets. Our offices now serve northern Virginia, Richmond, Virginia Beach, and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lindsay M. Barton is an associate focusing her practice and providing client guidance in Real Estate, Estate Planning, Civil Litigation, and miscellaneous legal matters.

Lindsay graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. While at Berkeley, Lindsay was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority and had the fortunate experience of working and studying in Spain where she gained command of the Spanish language and exposure to its cultural, political, and legal systems.

Lindsay received her Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. During her tenure at Loyola, Lindsay was distinguished as a top oralist and...

I am a Virginia Beach trial lawyer who served previously as an Assistant Public Defender in the City of Virginia Beach and also as a Magistrate. Today I focus my legal practice on delivering excellent results for clients of Toscano Law Group primarily on state criminal cases, divorce and custody, and estate matters.

Husband, father, and Christian. My firm handles estate planning and elder law throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Thoman Law, P.L.L.C is a boutique law firm, headed by an experienced former prosecutor, that focuses on Criminal Defense, Traffic Defense, DUI Defense, Divorce, Child Custody, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Medical Directives, Adoption, Personal Injury, and General Civil Litigation cases. The mission of the firm is to provide the best possible representation and service for our CLIENTS. Great customer service, flexible office hours, and payments plans are always available. Call for a free consultation! 757-447-4090 Managing Partner, Brian Thoman began practicing law in the Hampton Roads area after earning his law degree from the Regent University School of Law in 2006....

Before practicing as an attorney, I worked in greater Boston, MA and in Washington, DC in certified public accounting firms and currently hold my CPA license. I joined my law firm in 1998 and have been practicing and advising business owners and individuals ever since. In 2015, I graduated from the University of Alabama with my Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Business Transactions. In 2018, I became certified as an exit planning advisor by the Exit Planning Institute to better serve and assist my business clients.

I focus my practice areas in working with business owners and their advisors...

I am often asked “Why don’t people seriously plan their estates?” I’ve heard many different reasons over 40 years as an Estate and Trust Planning attorney. The most common reason, I believe, is at one time or another, we tend to PROCRASTINATE. Why? Because we think that acting – doing something now – will produce more pain (and cost) than not doing anything. As I explain to clients, look at estate planning as LIVING PLANNING – just as you would plan a vacation, retirement or wedding. In fact, it is your attempt to use...

Since 2000, my practice of law has focused on divorce and family law. Please contact me regarding your divorce or family law matter and I should be able to help you. My commitment is to handle your matter personally, effectively and efficiently.

Timolyn Whitney Tillman is licensed to practice law in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas. Attorney Tillman received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Howard University in 1988 and her Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1992. She has been in private practice for over twenty-five years and has also served as an Assistant Public Defender for the City of Virginia Beach. Attorney Tillman is a Member of the American Bar Association and the...

The Law Firm of John W. Lee, PC has office locations in Newport News, Hampton, Chesapeake, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach. We have six experienced attorneys on staff that focus their practice in the areas of bankruptcy, family law, estate planning, and criminal defense. With over 90 years of combined legal experience our attorneys are ready to help you face your legal challenges. Our attorneys have helped thousands of people eliminate debt through the bankruptcy process. If you are struggling with garnishments, repossessions, collection calls, or foreclosure you should call us for a free consultation. Our...

Ross Greene focuses his practice in the areas of eminent domain and right of way, real estate, estate planning and administration, business legal services and litigation.

In his right-of-way practice, Ross represents condemning authorities for right of way projects, including state government agencies, utilities, municipalities and right of way consultants. His right-of-way practice includes litigation in state and federal courts regarding property valuation, eminent domain/condemnation and inverse condemnation, and the Uniform Relocation Act.

In his real estate practice, Ross represents and advises residential and commercial clients on transactions and related litigation. He serves as foreclosing trustee and represents creditors with regard to...

George Gorman is a seasoned corporate attorney with substantial experience in a wide variety of legal matters. He has practiced in both state and federal courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and has also successfully handled numerous arbitrations and mediations. George has had the privilege of representing large corporations and international businesses in multi-million dollar cases as well as small companies, entrepreneurs, and other individuals facing a variety of complex legal issues. George's experience includes complex civil litigation, corporate law, wills, trusts, and estates. He has successfully represented large and...

Beth Ann R. Lawson is an attorney at Carrell Blanton Ferris & Associates, PLC. She assists seniors, baby boomers and families with estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid and Veteran’s Aid and Attendance planning, special needs trusts and estate administration.

Prior to joining Carrell Blanton Ferris, Beth Ann was the principle of the Law Office of Beth Ann R. Lawson, PLLC as well as a co-founder and a former managing partner of the Virginia Beach Law Group. Prior to her legal career, Beth Ann was President of the consulting firm, Strategic Planning and Teamwork.

Beth Ann has published articles on various topics to...