Today we take you behind the scenes to learn more about Lisa Mathews, Esq., the heart of Mathews Law, PLLC.
As the driving force behind our commitment as estate attorneys in Alexandria, VA to helping individuals secure their futures, Ms. Mathews brings a unique blend of legal acumen and a genuine passion for making a lasting impact on the lives of our clients. In this exclusive glimpse, discover the inspiration that fuels her dedication to estate planning, unravel the philosophy that guides her practice, and understand why she has chosen this path to serve others.
What inspired you to practice estate planning law?
I had a profound experience in my family that has always stayed with me. My dear mother spent the last few days of her life in the hospital.
While my family was in the hospital making decisions for her, we were faced with the choice of whether to allow her to continue to be intubated – something that the emergency medical personnel had done when my father called the ambulance when she did not wake up one morning.
As a family, we knew that she did not want to be intubated. She had made it clear to us that she did not want to be on life support at the end of her life. While it was a profoundly sad day for us – when we instructed the doctor to remove the life support – we knew as a family that this is what she wanted.
Meanwhile, in the very next room, I heard another family, presumably facing the same choice, debating and arguing about whether to remove life support for their loved one. I know nothing about this family. However, I assume that their loved-one’s wishes were not known by them at this tender moment, and it appeared that they were being torn apart as they were faced with the decision.
I became very aware of the importance of planning for death and disability while one is alive and able. While it can feel like it is not urgent during life – and therefore is easy to put off – it has profound implications. I hear similar stories from my clients all the time – whether they have experienced an end-of-life issue similar to my experience with my mother, or they had to deal with consequences after the death of a loved one due to that loved one not planning for their demise during life. Planning (and documenting that plan) matters!
Can you share a memorable success story or client experience?
There are so many! I’ve literally had clients give me big hugs when we execute their documents out of excitement that they finally got this done after thinking about it for years! Clients are excited and want to celebrate, and I love being a part of that.
I know that the work we do at Mathews Law matters and makes a difference. For instance, I had a client about a year ago who had been moved into a nursing home. He needed help managing his finances. I helped him execute a financial power of attorney that gives authority to his brothers to manage his affairs. I found out recently that my client recently passed away. His brothers reached out to me to let me know, and also told me that the power of attorney really made a difference those last few months.
I heard from another client recently who, with his wife, had executed a revocable living trust to ensure that his minor children are cared for should something happen to them. This trust had specific provisions tailored to make sure one of their children, who has special needs, is cared for. My client told me that he was grateful for the plan that we built together for their family and especially the simplicity of it.
Another client told me just yesterday that she considered it a gift that she found me and my law practice. She was so happy to have her plan in place.
These and countless other stories bring me such gratitude as an attorney who is able to make a difference in the lives of my clients.
How do you deal with the emotional aspects of estate planning? (For you or for clients?)
I know very well that this can be an emotional experience for my clients, which is perhaps one reason that so many procrastinate their estate planning. Recognizing that, I do everything I can to make the experience as gentle as possible. My team and I have thoughtfully designed every step of the process. I want every client to experience relief and joy when they execute their plan!
One key aspect of our service model is that we charge flat rates that are all-inclusive. This means that clients can feel comfortable to contact me without worrying about paying more. I am not nickel and diming my clients. If they need to discuss something at length, or even multiple times, while they are processing the choices they need to make, I am here for them.
How do you customize your approach for client needs?
This is one of my favorite aspects of my job – helping my clients design the best plan for them! Estate planning isn’t just drafting documents, it is taking a 360 degree view of each client’s estate and goals and building a plan that will serve their needs and wants. Drafting documents comes after the plan is designed, and serves the purpose of documenting my clients’ wishes.
The advice, planning, and document drafting is tailored for each client, with my personal involvement in each step of the process.
What lessons have you learned along your career journey?
So much! Probably the most important thing is that there are always people along the way to help me move to the next level. I’m so grateful for advisors, colleagues, friends and family who have helped me along the way.
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