For Stephanie, a day does not start until she has had her coffee. She is a firm believer that iced coffee is a year-round drink (particularly in the Austin climate). On the weekends, you can find her hiking around Texas state parks or paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake.
Best Estate Planning Attorney in Austin
Rashmi Krishnappa
Estate Planning Attorney
Rashmi Krishnappa was born in Chicago and grew up in Texas after her parents moved to Spring, when she was a child. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from Baylor University. Prior to joining Robbins Estate Law, Rashmi worked for a personal injury firm in San Antonio and gained valuable experience in litigation and court procedures.
As a first generation American, Rashmi grew up learning Indian traditions and had the opportunity to study in India from ages 8-10. Rashmi comes from a large, close-knit family and she decided to begin practicing probate administration after personally experiencing how complex the process was for those who are unfamiliar with it. Rashmi is constantly looking for new ways to enhance her clients’ experiences with the firm as she helps them navigate through the probate process.
Beyond her work as an attorney, she enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her furry kids and her family.
Ann Lumley, JD
Estate Planning Attorney
Ann Lumley focuses her practice on administering estates after a loved-one has passed. She considers it a privilege to be able to help during such a difficult time, and is able to use her experience and knowledge from this area of law when assisting with the development of estate plans.
Ann grew up outside of Houston in Seabrook, Texas. She graduated with honors from Texas A&M University before earning her Doctor of Jurisprudence at California Western School of Law in San Diego, California.
She is an active member of the State Bars of Texas and California, and is licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and the Texas Supreme Court. She is also a member of the Estate Planning and Probate Section of the Austin Bar Association, the Williamson County Bar Association, Austin Financial Planners Association, and the Texas Bar College. Ann is a member of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.
Ann and her husband, Michael, have four children. She enjoys spending time with her family and is currently serving as President of her local community’s volunteer fire department.
Jessica Ramirez
Accident Lawyer
Jessica Ramirez grew up in the small town of Hallettsville, Texas, and is a country girl at heart! Jessica, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and St. Mary’s University School of Law in San Antonio.
Prior to law school, Jessica Ramirez worked as a petroleum landman where she researched mineral title for oil and gas companies. Working as a landman involved conducting genealogy research and reviewing Wills. Her 12 years of experience as a landman helped make a natural transition into probate law and estate planning.
The city of San Antonio is special to Jessica because it is where she met my husband, and started a family. Jessica Ramirez has three little girls and feels so lucky to be their mom. Jessica knows how important it is to plan for the future and to protect her children. She also knows how difficult it is to go through the probate procedure after losing someone that you love.
Jessica Ramirez takes pride in her ability to navigate through the legal process while maintaining a compassionate understanding of the feelings of those that she is privileged to help. It is rewarding, and Jessica feels honored to help her clients as they make decisions to protect the people they care about the most.
Jessica Ramirez is a member of the Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law Section of the State Bar of Texas, The San Antonio Young Lawyers Association, and the San Antonio Bar Association.
Texas Law License #24105973, November 2017
Melissa Stone Myers
Estate Planning Attorney
In 2006, Melissa Stone Myers and her family moved to Austin from Delaware, where she practiced patent litigation with Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell LLP. Planting new roots in a new state, Melissa and her family started a new life chapter in Texas. As her community grew, Melissa realized how many other families were transplants, like her, without nearby family for support.
Understanding the need to gain clarity and peace-of-mind around a future full of uncertainties, Melissa decided to pursue a new legal path and career centered around helping others – and StoneMyers Law was born from this passion. Since then, she and her team have helped countless individuals, families, and small businesses plan for the future and achieve their goals.
Professional Background:
J.D. cum laude, Boston University School of Law (1998)
B.S. Biochemistry (minor Chemistry), magna cum laude, University at Albany, SUNY (1995)
Bar Admissions:
- US Supreme Court (2023)
- Texas (2013)
- District of Columbia (2002)
- US District Court for the District of Delaware (2001)
- Delaware (2000)
- Pennsylvania (1999)
- Massachusetts (1998))
Professional Associations:
- Austin Bar Association
- Austin Bar Foundation Fellow
- Texas Bar College
- Texas Bar Association
- Phi Beta Kappa Society
Liz Nielsen
Estate Planning Attorney
Liz has guided hundreds of families through the estate planning process, serving as their trusted advisor to bring peace of mind to their lives. As a wife, mother, and business owner, she understands how overwhelming an estate plan can feel. As an attorney, she knows just how important it is to have that plan in place. Liz developed her passion for estate planning while in law school and, after the birth of her first child, Liz dedicated her career to helping families plan for whatever the future may bring. Liz is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She practices exclusively in the areas of estate planning, special needs planning, and estate administration.
Before founding Nielsen Law PLLC, Liz was an associate attorney at one of Austin’s premiere estate planning law firms, where she gained valuable experience in advanced estate and business planning, asset protection, trust administration, special needs planning, and charitable and income tax planning. Before entering estate planning, Liz served as in house legal counsel for one of the largest nonprofit organizations in Austin for several years. This experience gives Liz a unique perspective in advising clients who want to include charities in their estate plans.
Liz grew up in Barrington, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. She received her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Psychology and Religion with a concentration in Human Rights from Barnard College of Columbia University. After graduation, Liz moved to Austin and received her J.D. with Honors from The University of Texas School of Law, where she was the recipient of the Dean’s Achievement Award for obtaining the highest grade in Wills & Estates.
STEPHANIE LONG
Estate Planning Attorney
Stephanie is from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia and went to college just over the mountains at the University of Virginia. Staying in the ACC, she attended law school at the University of North Carolina (while remaining a Virginia fan). Here at Mike Massey Law, Stephanie focuses her practice on providing comprehensive and compassionate estate planning services to her clients. She is committed to helping families meet their estate planning goals and giving them peace of mind that their loved ones will be taken care of. She is also passionate about her pro bono work here in Texas as a volunteer attorney for the Veterans Assistance Clinic and the CANlaw Wills Clinic for clients battling cancer.
For Stephanie, a day does not start until she has had her coffee. She is a firm believer that iced coffee is a year-round drink (particularly in the Austin climate). On the weekends, you can find her hiking around Texas state parks or paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake.
Tracy J. Willi
Estate Planning Attorney
I advise my clients on estate planning, estate administration, probate litigation, and civil appeals. I have been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1992, and I have extensive trial and appellate experience. I have been Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2001.
I have litigated matters involving guardianships, trusts, will contests, heirship disputes, and real estate divisions in probate. I have represented clients at all levels of Texas courts including County Courts, District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Texas Supreme Court. I have represented clients at all levels of federal courts including District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the United States Supreme Court.
I am also a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Additional practice areas of mine are litigation and appeals involving commercial disputes and intellectual property.
- Extensive Experience Handling Estate Planning & Elder Law Cases
- Rated 10.0 out of 10.0 on AVVO
- Selected as a Texas Super Lawyer (a Thomson Reuters service) each year from 2009 to present
- Committed to putting our clients’ needs first
- Dedicated Estate Planning & Elder Law Practice focused on helping clients in their hour of need
STEPHANIE LONG
Estate Planning Attorney
Stephanie is from the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia and went to college just over the mountains at the University of Virginia. Staying in the ACC, she attended law school at the University of North Carolina (while remaining a Virginia fan). Here at Mike Massey Law, Stephanie focuses her practice on providing comprehensive and compassionate estate planning services to her clients. She is committed to helping families meet their estate planning goals and giving them peace of mind that their loved ones will be taken care of. She is also passionate about her pro bono work here in Texas as a volunteer attorney for the Veterans Assistance Clinic and the CANlaw Wills Clinic for clients battling cancer.
Having an estate planning attorney in Austin can provide several advantages for individuals and families when it comes to planning and managing their estates. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Customized Estate Plans: An estate planning attorney can create personalized estate plans that cater to your specific needs and goals. They will take into account your unique financial situation, family dynamics, and any special considerations to develop a comprehensive plan that aligns with your wishes.
2. Asset Protection: With an estate planning attorney’s guidance, you can implement strategies to protect your assets from potential creditors, lawsuits, or other threats. This can help ensure that your hard-earned wealth is preserved and passed on to your chosen beneficiaries.
3. Minimization of Taxes: Estate planning attorneys are well-versed in tax laws and can assist in structuring your estate in a way that minimizes tax liabilities. By utilizing various tax-saving techniques, you can potentially reduce the estate tax burden on your heirs.
4. Avoiding Probate: A well-crafted estate plan can help your assets bypass the probate process or streamline it significantly. This can save time, money, and keep your affairs private, as probate proceedings are often public.
5. Healthcare and End-of-Life Decisions: An estate planning attorney can help you establish healthcare directives, living wills, and powers of attorney. These documents ensure that your medical and financial decisions are made according to your preferences if you become incapacitated.
6. Guardianship Designations: If you have minor children, an estate planning attorney can assist you in designating guardians to care for them in the event of your passing. This ensures that your children are cared for by someone you trust and avoids potential disputes over custody.
7. Business Succession Planning: If you own a business, an estate planning attorney can help you develop a business succession plan, ensuring a smooth transition of ownership and management in the event of your retirement, disability, or passing.
8. Charitable Giving: If you have charitable intentions, an estate planning attorney can help you set up philanthropic vehicles like charitable trusts or foundations, allowing you to support causes you care about while potentially enjoying tax benefits.
9. Family Harmony: Having a clear and well-documented estate plan can prevent family disputes and conflicts among beneficiaries. An estate planning attorney can help communicate your intentions clearly, minimizing the potential for misunderstandings and disagreements.
10. Updating Your Plan: Life circumstances change over time, and an estate planning attorney can help you regularly review and update your estate plan to ensure it remains relevant and reflects your current wishes and circumstances.
Overall, having an estate planning attorney in Austin ensures that your estate planning needs are addressed comprehensively, providing you and your loved ones with peace of mind and security for the future. They can guide you through the process, offer legal expertise, and help you make informed decisions about your assets and legacy.