Estate planning is one of the most important steps that a family, spouse or individual can take to protect loved ones and be confident that important decisions, such as those relating to asset distribution, asset preservation in the face of long-term health care and end-of-life decisions, are their own.

With new federal and state legislation impacting older Americans, even leading edge baby boomers are wondering how to best prepare for the possibility of high cost long-term medical care. Whether one’s assets are moderate or considerable, sound planning can save legal wrangling, family problems, and ensure that at death, assets will be protected and distributed as desired.

Linda Sherfey, an attorney specializing in estate planning, guardian and conservator appointment, probate administration, Medicaid planning and real estate closings, says she was drawn to these particular fields of law because she wanted to have a positive impact on the lives of others.

Linda's practice is located on Poplar Hill Road in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake. She is thrilled about her office location, but is even more excited to continue her practice in the local area where she and her husband, Sol, have lived for 15 years. Both are retired from the U.S. Navy and have been stationed all over the country. Her first tour of duty was in Hawaii. "I know my mother was unhappy about me being so far away from home, but I thought it was wonderful and exciting," Linda recalls with a smile.

By the time they reached the end of their military careers, both Linda and Sol knew Hampton Roads would be their home. "Although we do not have any family in Hampton Roads, we do have terrific long-time friends." Their daughter, Joanna and her family live in Georgia.

Sol retired from the Navy 11 years ago and today works for Northrop Grumman at the Joint War Fighting Center in Suffolk. Linda, a self-described consummate planner, began preparing for a law career years before retiring from the military. "Opening up my own practice has been a dream of mine almost from the moment I realized that I wanted to become a lawyer," Linda reveals.

A grandmother of five, Linda urges others not to ignore their dreams no matter how old you are. "I was 34 when I started my career as an officer in the military. Late by some standards perhaps, but the experience and maturity that comes with age actually worked in my favor then and in my law practice now," she asserts.

A native of Indiana, Linda heard an orientation by a Navy recruiter and was intrigued.

"There were so many attractive benefits to a military career. It was something I had not thought of before, but I have never considered myself someone who would shy away from a challenge," she says. Linda made her decision to join the Navy and never looked back. A quick study and natural leader, she had a variety of positions throughout her military career including undersea surveillance at Hawaii and Oregon, public relations at Washington state, Family Service Center director at Iceland, and assistant port operations officer at Norfolk. The military experience refined her skills in multi-tasking, meeting deadlines, communicating clearly and attention to details. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Linda says experience and knowledge
are important to her clients, but it is the personal touch
that makes her practice unique.

The Navy first introduced Linda to thoughts of a career in law. She graduated with honors from the Naval Military Justice Course in 1985 and went on to serve many times as the Senior Member of Administrative Discharge Boards and was a Brig Magistrate at Naval Station Norfolk for three years. She also served as Legal Officer at two commands. Linda attended law school at night during her last four years in the Navy and received her law degree from Regent University School of Law in May of 2002. With sights and goals firmly set, Linda joined the firm of Jean & Luscomb, LLC, in Yorktown, a practice concentrated in estate planning, guardian and conservator appointments, Medicaid planning and estate administration.

Linda loved her work and fellow staff members, but was eager to return to south Hampton Roads to establish her own practice. She credits the example set by her parents, Roscoe and Mary Geyer, for her love of helping others, integrity, striving for excellence and old-fashioned work ethic.

Linda says experience and knowledge are important to her clients, but it is the personal touch that makes her practice unique.

As an example, when clients can not come to Linda, she goes to them. "Some clients are in nursing homes or hospitals or can not get out of their own homes due to physical disabilities. Others have full-time jobs and can not meet during normal business hours so I make evening appointments. I try to make it easy for them to get the help and counseling they need to make these important life decisions," she says.

What is also important to Linda is educating others about their choices. "I ask a lot of questions and listen to the answers because I want to know what my clients want to accomplish. Most often the goal is to protect assets and make decisions that will impact distribution," she says. Wills, trusts and powers of attorney can save time, money and ensure assets will be managed and distributed following client goals for loved ones.

Understanding new laws impacting programs such as Medicaid and knowing about regulations that allow using special needs trusts to improve the quality of life for disabled family members are also critical to the planning process. So much so that Linda volunteers to speak to groups in Hampton Roads about these and other planning tools. "I love public speaking and want to have the opportunity to share my knowledge with others. Most importantly, I want to give people peace of mind," she says.

She recalls a client who anxiously asked if a will could be prepared for her because surgery was scheduled the next week. "I responded quickly to get the will done and my client felt so much better knowing that her estate planning was completed before her surgery," Linda says. "The ability to help others and meeting wonderful people are the things I love most about my work."