Shelley Thompson

Shelley Thompson was hired to help my 84-year old mother to update her estate planning documents. At an initial consultation, preliminary decisions were discussed. However, upon further reflection, my mother desired material changes. Per my mother's request, I asked Shelley to incorporate these ch...anges into the first-draft plan. Shelley sent a first draft of the estate plan completely that ignored my mother's requested changes. Instead, Shelly scheduled a signing meeting. My mother requested my presence at the signing meeting to help her understand things that were very complex and overwhelming to her and to help ensure her desires were reflected in the plan. In the signing meeting, Shelly attempted to make changes to the plan to reflect my mother's desires. However, my mother was at times overwhelmed and confused and still unclear about some key decision points. Points of uncertainty for my mother included material decisions including who to choose as Trustee and Durable Power of Attorney. To my surprise, instead of encouraging us to take the time to be very clear about very important life decisions, Shelley strongly pressured my mother to sign on that day. Shelley had a strong opinion about how certain parts of the plan should look, and at times discouraged open discussion about alternatives. Instead of offering counsel on how to gain clarity on key decisions, and contrary to my advice to avoid rushing, Shelley pushed my mother to make final decisions in the meeting and to sign the documents immediately, Shelley seemed to me to be more interested in getting something signed hastily than ensuring that my mother and her family were clear and confident. Knowing that I (as her son and attorney-in-fact) had very strong reservations, Shelly nonetheless pressed forward and got my mother to sign documents in the meeting. When voicing my concerns with my mother during the meeting in an attempt to make sure she understood what she was signing with crystal clarity, Shelley became defensive and insisted she knew best without asking clarifying questions. She did a terrible job of presenting options and seemed to do the bare minimum based on things my mom knew to ask--instead of helping her understand what needed to be in place. In my opinion, this is a cookie cutter service designed to get people in and out without taking individual care for the people involved. This was a radically different and exceptionally disappointing experience compared to the firm I recently used to obtain my own estate docs.

Shelley is an excellent attorney. She is that rare person who really takes the time to listen and help and take the "legal" speak out of things. My father passed away unexpectedly and we reached out to Shelley for help. She made a very hard and emotional time for my mom much easier to navigate throug...h. Shelley has made something that the normal person doesn't do every day, easier to handle. She also helped my elderly mother understand what needs to be accomplished for her will, not just financially, but also from a health standpoint. I trust Shelley and highly recommend her.

Shelly is compassionate lawyer. She was there when we need an advisor to help us with our medical power of attorneys and set up our estate planning with trust for our children. At the time I had just been diagnosed with cancer and was a wreck. I knew with a blended family it would be complicated. Whe...n Shelly was done I felt confident that my wishes and my family would be taken care of no matter what the outcome would be. Shelly helped me feel in control when everything around me felt out of control. She was kind and patient. I consider her not only a great attorney but a friend.

Shelley is an extremely detail oriented and knowledgeable lawyer. She truly cares about her clients and looks after your best interest. Shelley is a strong lawyer who can take a tough stance on your behalf, but she is also willing to pull back when necessary, which many lawyers don't seem to underst...and! She is very professional and will exceed your expectations. Thanks Shelley for all the help you have been to my family and our business over the years!