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Globe and Mail
21-07-2025
- General
- Globe and Mail
Estate Planning Attorney Stephanie Himel-Nelson of Jennifer Porter Law Featured in News Segment Highlighting Importance of Estate Planning for Families
In a recent WTKR News 3 segment, estate planning attorney Stephanie Himel-Nelson of Jennifer Porter Law emphasized the critical importance of early estate planning for families. The segment spotlighted Virginia Beach resident and firm client Danyiele Peterson, who turned to estate planning after experiencing firsthand the complications of managing a loved one's estate without proper legal preparation. Himel-Nelson's appearance underscored how early action can spare families from unnecessary stress and financial burdens during difficult times. As an estate planning attorney at Jennifer Porter Law, Himel-Nelson explained that most people don't realize how significantly estate planning can affect their family's well-being. 'Only about 30% of people have done any form of estate planning,' she noted, pointing to a widespread lack of preparation. Peterson's experience highlighted this gap. After her father passed away without a will or trust, she was faced with a process of sorting through assets during an emotionally taxing time. To avoid the same challenges for her own family, she established a trust with Himel-Nelson's assistance that clearly defines her medical and legal wishes, including who should make decisions on her behalf. The segment captured a growing awareness in Virginia Beach around estate planning and its impact. Estate planning attorney Stephanie Himel-Nelson of Jennifer Porter Law provided practical insight into the planning process, explaining how she guides clients through their various options. 'This is what a will might look like for an individual, this is what a trust might look like, and also, here's what happens when no planning is done,' she said. Without legal documents like wills and powers of attorney, the state decides how assets are distributed, which can lead to complications, especially in blended families or those with unique needs. Stephanie Himel-Nelson outlined the tangible benefits of estate planning: control, protection, and cost savings. 'The first benefit is that it keeps individuals in control, not the state. The second – it allows for protection of the family and the individual during a vulnerable time. And then finally, it can save the family a great deal of time, money, and stress,' she said. Her practical approach resonates with families seeking clarity, not complexity, during some of life's most uncertain moments. Beyond creating a will or a trust, Himel-Nelson urged residents to review and update their estate plans regularly. 'Look at your powers of attorney for health and finances. Are those agents still available?' she asked. Many individuals designate their parents for these roles, but aging parents may pass away or become unable to serve, making it vital to have backup decision-makers identified in the plan. The story also touched on the legal fallback when no estate plan exists. If the state steps in, a legal hierarchy determines how assets are distributed: beginning with a spouse and possibly children, and extending outward to parents, siblings, and other relatives. This default system may not reflect a person's actual wishes, particularly in blended families, and it often leaves families with more questions than answers. The local feature served as both a wake-up call and a helpful guide for Virginia Beach residents considering estate planning. Himel-Nelson's message is consistent: planning now can prevent hardship later. Whether it's drafting a will, creating a trust, or assigning powers of attorney, these decisions can make a lasting difference for loved ones during moments of vulnerability. Families who want to stay in control of their legacy, reduce burdens on loved ones, and ensure their personal wishes are honored can take a proactive step by speaking with an estate planning attorney. Stephanie Himel-Nelson continues to advocate for greater awareness and encourages regular reviews of existing documents to keep them up to date with life changes. About Jennifer Porter Law: Jennifer Porter Law is a Virginia-based law firm serving individuals and families with a focus on estate planning and related legal matters. The firm is committed to providing clients with thoughtful, practical solutions that reflect their values and priorities. Jennifer Porter Law offers compassionate, knowledgeable support to clients looking to secure their legacy and protect their loved ones through careful legal planning. About Stephanie Himel-Nelson, Esq.: Stephanie Himel-Nelson is the principal estate planning attorney at Jennifer Porter Law with over two decades of legal experience. She earned her law degree from George Washington University School of Law and is licensed to practice in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Himel-Nelson takes a practical approach to estate planning, guiding families through the differences between wills, trusts, and the consequences of having no plan at all. She is dedicated to making estate planning accessible and understandable for families throughout Virginia Beach and the surrounding areas. Embeds: Youtube Video: GMB: Email and website Email: jennifer@ Website: Media Contact Company Name: Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC Contact Person: Jennifer Porter Email: Send Email Phone: (571) 532-9070 Address: 8001 Braddock Rd Suite 102 City: Springfield State: Virginia 22151 Country: United States Website:
Fox News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Tim Walz blasted for costing Minnesota taxpayers $430K in legal prep ahead of Hill hearing
Republican state lawmakers in Minnesota have not held back with criticism after news Gov. Tim Walz spent $430,000 in taxpayer money to prepare for a House congressional hearing probing blue state governors on their "sanctuary city" policies. Invoices obtained by the Star Tribune of Minnesota uncovered that Walz's office contracted with high-powered global law firm K&L Gates to prepare for the governor's mid-June hearing in front of the GOP-controlled House Oversight Committee, which included questions about his and other blue state governors' "sanctuary city" policies. In May alone, Walz incurred legal fees of around $232,000, according to invoices the Star Tribune obtained. This balanced out to a rate of about $516 per hour, the local outlet noted. In total, according to the Star Tribune, K&L Gates worked with Walz's office from April 10 until the June 12 hearing, costing taxpayers $430,000 for the legal preparation. Minnesota GOP Rep. Jim Nash, one of two Republicans on the state's Legislative Advisory Commission, questioned why Walz felt compelled to get outside counsel rather than work with the state's attorneys and public relations specialists. "A half a million dollars of taxpayer money to prepare the governor to go to his old stomping grounds seems exorbitant, particularly since the AG for the state of Minnesota was in Congress with Walz at the same time, and the two of them certainly could have figured out how to do what they were needing to do," he said. Nash added that he intends to dig deeper into scrutinizing the invoices obtained by the Star Tribune. Republican Minnesota state Rep. Harry Niska noted there "appears to be no legitimate legal interest in the state racking up nearly half-a-million dollars in what amounts to PR consulting." "Tim Walz spent 12 years in Congress — he knows those hearing rooms inside and out, and he certainly knows how to conduct himself in that type of setting. So, why did the governor feel the need to spend $430,000 of taxpayer money on a private firm to 'prepare' for this hearing?" Niska asked. "To be clear, there appears to be no legitimate legal interest of the state in racking up nearly half a million dollars in what amounts to PR consulting as he tries to lay the groundwork for a presidential campaign that's going absolutely nowhere. It is unconscionable to make hardworking Minnesota taxpayers pay for the governor's personal national political aspirations." In response to the criticism over Walz's decision to contract with K&L Gates, both the governor and his team sidestepped offering an explanation. Instead, they suggested the blame fell at the feet of Republicans for holding a hearing that served no other purpose than to "grandstand," according to the Star Tribune. Teddy Tschann, a Walz spokesperson, described the hearing as a "planned political stunt on the taxpayer dime," the Star Tribune reported. "They were too busy performing for the cameras to even feign interest in hearing from Gov. Walz about Minnesota's balanced approach to immigration," Tschann added. "What's most frustrating is that Tom Emmer and Pete Stauber planned this spectacle knowing what it would cost and went through with it anyway." When asked directly about the legal bill, Walz told reporters the GOP-led hearing was "not where I wanted to spend money. It's not where I wanted to spend my time, and it certainly proved that there was nothing there other than using it as grandstanding." While the hefty legal bill has garnered Walz backlash this week, it wouldn't be the first time a governor has paid hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal advice. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said earlier this year after attending a hearing in the nation's capital she expected to pay around $650,000 to the law firm that helped her prepare. The City of Denver also forked over $250,000 for outside legal counsel earlier this year to prepare the city's mayor, Mike Johnston, for a congressional hearing. Fox News Digital reached out to Walz's office and K&L Gates for comment but did not receive a response from either.
