Kristen Richard Matthews

Kristen R. Matthews is an Estate Planning and Certified Elder Law Attorney located in Exton, PA. Kristen’s law career has been exclusively devoted to helping clients with estate planning and elder law issues. She works closely with individuals and their families on all aspects of estate and trust planning and administration, by implementing necessary legal documents, such as a Will, Living Will, and General Durable and Healthcare Powers of Attorney.

Kristen counsels families through the emotional and often daunting process of qualifying for government benefits such as Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, and Social Security. Through strategic planning, Kristen helps individuals and families facing the high costs of long-term care to safeguard their lifetime savings. Kristen also assists families with disabled loved ones through establishing and administering special needs trusts, as well as obtaining permission from the Pennsylvania Orphans Court to appoint a guardian.

Kristen assists veterans and their surviving spouse with qualifying for the Aid & Attendance benefit, a monthly cash payment that can be used to offset escalating medical expenses.

Kristen has achieved the designation of Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) from the National Elder Law Foundation. The CELA designation is recognized and authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and is only awarded to attorneys who have demonstrated extensive experience in practicing in the areas of estate planning and elder law, passed a day-long exam, and received recommendations from other attorneys who hold the CELA designation.

Since 2015, Kristen has been recognized as a “Top Lawyer” in Elder Law by Main Line Today magazine and the Daily Local News. In 2016 and 2019, Main Line Today named Kristen #1 Top Lawyer in the Elder Law category. Since 2017 Kristen has earned the title of Pennsylvania Rising Star, an award given to less than 3% of Pennsylvania attorneys.

Prior to founding Kristen Matthews Law, Kristen was one of the first female associate attorneys promoted to partner at the oldest and largest law firm based in Chester County.

The first attorney in a family of teachers, Kristen connects with her clients on a meaningful level, equipping them with the requisite knowledge to gain confidence and control over their affairs. A lifelong resident of Downingtown, Kristen and her husband Lee are the proud parents of 3 active boys.

Admissions:
Pennsylvania, New Jersey

Education: 
University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

Villanova University School of Law
(J.D., LL.M. in Taxation)

Professional Memberships:
United Way’s Leadership Chester County, Class of 2020