Stacey M. Valentine is a partner at Avelino Law, LLP, working with A. Jude Avelino to lead the Trusts and Estates Practice group. A graduate of Colgate University and Washington & Lee University School of Law, Ms. Valentine leverages her extensive experience in analyzing, structuring and administering sophisticated estate plans to assist individuals and families in achieving their wealth planning goals. In an intricate and ever-changing complex area of the law, clients not only appreciate her vast knowledge, but also her unique ability to communicate clearly and plainly, avoiding overwhelming jargon. She makes the entire planning process straightforward and works tirelessly to make sure that her clients understand the implications of the plans they set in place.

Ms. Valentine’s practice encompasses all aspects of trusts and estates law. She handles income, estate, inheritance, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax issues, and helps clients maximize the benefits of charitable giving. As a valued advisor and empathetic counselor, she is often entrusted by her clients with the fiduciary duties of executor or trustee. She also assists estate and trust beneficiaries and fiduciaries to enforce their rights and adhere to their obligations in the event of a dispute. As legal counsel to numerous financial institutions and corporate trustees, Ms. Valentine has assisted those entities in the implementation of their fiduciary duty while addressing the risks inherent to the role of executor or trustee.

In addition to providing estate planning services, Ms. Valentine assists clients with the administration of estates following the death of a loved one. During this challenging time, she streamlines the process and guides her clients through the difficult and trying responsibilities of probating wills, collecting assets, paying final debts and expenses, filing appropriate tax returns, making distributions and generally completing the administrative tasks required to protect the interests of the fiduciaries and/or beneficiaries of an estate.

More broadly, Ms. Valentine advises clients in general corporate matters arising in closely-held family businesses. She also has experience working with individuals with special needs, with an emphasis on providing guidance to families and representing individuals in guardianship matters.