The Heartland Law Firm Team

Martin Fogarty

The truth is that we’re here for a short time. Even if I live to be 100 I’ll have a long list of new things I want to do and learn. I always have several projects running at once, and I seem to work best bouncing between the projects, giving my attention in high energy bursts to them individually then moving on.

The thing about Estate Planning that I love is that I’m contributing. By planning we increase our best options and eliminate our bad options. We help minimize suffering and we increase control and protection.

I always say that I’m in the “Nightmare Prevention Business” – when we prevent the nightmare – we’ve really added value to the client. Clients universally have a similar experience with us. Its one of relief and well-being.

It’s good to know that a group of people good at what they do are watching your back. So that you can go forward and do what it is your supposed to be doing, unhindered by your messy lack of planning, and filled with the satisfaction that you’ve met your responsibility on this point.

Let us know if you have any questions!

Marty

Laura Ellis

My name is Laura Ellis. As a mother, daughter, granddaughter, wife, and lawyer, I am always listening to others and helping them with their issues.

I enjoy helping people with their estate planning. It is something every person needs to do. When I told a friend my law practice focused on estate planning, she jokingly remarked that she had no “estate “ to speak of to plan and therefore had no use for “estate planning.”. But that is completely untrue. She has three young kids, a house and a husband. If my friend suddenly died or became seriously ill, she would have nothing in place to protect her rights or wishes.

The amazing aspect of estate planning is that its primary function is to be able to give what you have to whom you want, the way you want to give it when you want. In addition, the estate planning can save money on taxes, attorney fees, and court costs.

What I love about working at HLF is our energy. It is our energy to help, to educate to work together and to really make an impact on the life of our clients. We are not a law firm composed of typical lawyers. We are real people with specific legal knowledge that will help you put up guardrails whether it is for your own estate or helping a loved one. I’m looking forward to working with you!

Laura

Jeanine

I love working to reach solutions that satisfy my clients’ needs and circumstances. I love the discovery process and being the ‘Solution Lady’. I loved ending the day with a smile, remembering client’s I’ve connected with and thinking ‘Girl, you rock!’

When my mom was diagnosed with cancer I was thrown into a dark scary world where I was grasping for the questions-an unfamiliar and unwelcomed role. The ‘Solution Lady’ from work had no solutions at home.

How could I come up with solutions for a mother who has devoted her life to me when I didn’t know how to articulate the questions. Luckily, I have met ‘Solution Ladies” and men in hospitals, nursing homes and amongst friends and family who have made my journey bearable.

I wish in some ways the journey of caring for ailing parents and loved ones could be avoided: but in fact it can’t and shouldn’t. The journey adds texture to your life. Some say ‘it grows you up’ and makes you focus on what’s important. I’ve found the journey can be made bearable with appropriate support and solutions.

I love providing the legal support and solutions families caring for loved ones need to make their journey less stressful, less dark and less scary. I love being a part of a ‘Solution Team’ for our clients, and making a positive difference in their lives. I’m lookng forward to working with you!

Jeanine