Member
Business
J.D. West Virginia University
B.S. West Virginia University
Office:
Bridgeport, WV
(304) 933-8347
Biography
Heather Graham’s natural curiosity is a quality that her clients recognize and appreciate. She cut her teeth as a lawyer in the complex world of energy and mineral law, putting together the puzzle pieces related to the division of interests for oil, gas, coal, leasehold, and surface estates, due diligence, and transactions. Building on the skills she gained as an energy lawyer, Heather continues to put the puzzle pieces together for her clients in the areas of estate planning and estate administration.
Motivated by a desire to help clients attain peace of mind, Heather takes time to get to know her clients. She understands that each person has a unique set of circumstances that should be addressed by a comprehensive estate plan that not only provides for the future with wills and trusts, but that also includes lifetime planning with powers of attorney and healthcare directives, and asset protection measures. Estate planning can be emotional, and clients know that Heather will focus on identifying and refining client objectives to create a unique plan, whether simple or complex, that will allow them to rest easy.
In addition to helping clients through the delicate nature of estate planning, Heather also helps clients navigate the complexities of estate administration. With sensitivity toward what can be an emotional and confusing time, Heather eases the burden of those clients responsible for the testate (with a will) or intestate (without a will) administration of an estate by guiding them through the probate process and assisting with the preparation and recordation of required administration documents.
Memberships & Awards
Professional
CALI Excellence Award for Ethics
Key Experience
Prepared estate plan for a client which included complicated oil and gas holdings in multiple West Virginia counties. To finalize the estate documents, a thorough multi-generational title search and affidavits of heirship were completed to correct the chain of title and protect the assets for future generations
Prepared trust documents to protect high value financial, personal, and real property, including provisions to skip generations as beneficiaries
Advised clients on best practices related to trusts and trustee responsibilities for the maintenance, care, wellbeing and education of children and grandchildren
Work Experience
2010 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
2007-2008 Inner Life Yoga Studio
2007-2008 Inner Life Yoga Studio