About
Zaremba Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law
Welcome to the Zaremba Center, where we specialize in estate planning and elder law. Our dedicated team, led by attorney Christopher Woodfin, is here to provide you with expert legal assistance in creating estate plans that truly work for you and your loved ones.
We understand the importance of ensuring a secure and fulfilling future. Our comprehensive approach integrates our extensive expertise in estate planning, elder law, Medicaid planning, veterans benefits programs, special needs planning, and more. We are committed to navigating the complexities of these areas with you, providing peace of mind through a customized plan designed for your unique needs.
Don't wait to secure your future.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney at law in Williamsbug, VA.
Attorney, Christopher M. Woodfin
Christopher M. Woodfin began his legal journey in 2012 as a General Practice Attorney, specializing in estate planning, business organization, and election law/government compliance.
Prior to joining Zaremba Law, Chris operated his own law firm in Williamsburg for 12 years, where he focused on estate planning, traffic defense, and election law. He is also deeply committed to supporting families with special needs children, helping them navigate the complexities of the special education system to ensure these remarkable individuals have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers.
A dedicated member of the Virginia State Bar since 2012, Chris earned his Bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary in 1995. He spent 17 years in government relations as a lobbyist before returning to academia, where he earned his Master’s degree in Government in 2008 and his Juris Doctor from Regent University in Virginia Beach in 2012.
Chris resides in Williamsburg with his wife, Gina, and their two sons
Attorney, Jeannette M. Dodson-O'Connell
Jeannette M. Dodson-O’Connell began her legal career as part of a civil litigation team focused on personal injury and product liability. However, her true passion for estate planning and administration emerged during law school, leading to a transition toward a transactional practice. Today, she supports clients with estate planning, administration, and claims for the Veterans Affairs (VA) and Social Security Administration (SSA).
She earned her Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law in 2009. Prior to that, Jeannette obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Old Dominion University in 2006, where she focused on Pre-Law and International Relations and earned membership in both Gamma Theta Upsilon and Pi Sigma Alpha honor societies. Jeannette began her collegiate education at Christopher Newport University, where she was a cheerleader and a founding member of the Theta Phi chapter of Alpha Phi International Fraternity. She remains engaged with CNU as a member of the Theater Guild, the President’s Parents Council, and as an Alumni Advisor to her sorority chapter.
Jeannette is admitted to practice law in the District of Columbia, Virginia, the United States District Courts for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, as well as the administrative law jurisdictions of the VA and SSA. She is an active member of the Newport News Bar Association and the Virginia Bar Association.
Having moved to Newport News in 1981 as the daughter of a U.S. Marine, Jeannette is committed to her community. She resides there with her husband, Leo Kevin O’Connell, and their four children, along with three dogs and six chickens, actively participating in sports, scouting, and local charitable initiatives.
Our Law Services
At Zaremba Center, we provide comprehensive services to help individuals and families plan for their future and protect their assets. Our experienced estate lawyers have a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved in estate planning and elder law, and we are dedicated to providing personalized attention to each of our clients. Here are some of the specific law services offered at our law office:
Estate Planning
Our estate lawyers work closely with clients to create customized estate plans that help ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes and loved ones are taken care of.
Elder Law
Our elder law services focus on helping clients and their families navigate the complex legal issues involved in long-term care planning.
Trust & Probate Administration
Our estate lawyers can help clients manage the administration of trusts and probate estates.
Medicaid Planning & Veterans Benefits Programs
Our estate lawyers have extensive knowledge of Medicaid planning and veterans benefits programs, and we are dedicated to helping clients protect their assets and access the benefits they need to achieve long-term financial security.
Guardianships/ Conservatorships
Our estate lawyers are well-versed in guardianships and conservatorships and can help clients navigate the process of appointing a guardian or conservator for a loved one who is unable to make important decisions for themselves.
Special Needs Planning
For families with a loved one with special needs, our estate lawyers provide comprehensive special needs planning services to ensure a good plan for advocacy and support.
You've Come To The Right Place
To create an effective estate plan, it is essential to make a comprehensive list of all your assets. This includes properties, investments, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and valuable personal belongings. Taking inventory of your assets will help you understand the wealth you have accumulated and enable you to make informed decisions about how you want them handled.
Furthermore, it is equally vital to clearly identify and name the beneficiaries for each asset. A beneficiary can be a family member, friend, or charitable organization that you wish to benefit from your assets. By nominating beneficiaries for your assets, you ensure that the distribution of your estate aligns with your wishes while minimizing potential conflicts among your loved ones.
Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorneys
Estate planning is a complex and highly personal process that requires professional guidance. At the Zaremba Center, we have the experience and expertise to help you create an estate plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. We are committed to providing our clients with personalized and comprehensive estate planning services. We take the time to understand each client's unique situation and goals, and then work closely with them to develop an estate plan that meets their needs and provides peace of mind.
Comprehensive Services for Estate Planning
Our team at the Zaremba Center offers a range of services to assist with your estate planning and elder law needs. Our estate planning services include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more. We work closely with each client to understand their specific needs and goals, and then develop a customized estate plan that protects their assets and ensures their wishes are carried out.
Elder Law Services
Our elder law services focus on helping seniors and their families navigate complex legal issues that arise with aging. This includes
Medicaid planning, veterans' benefits programs,
special needs planning, and
guardianship matters. We have extensive experience in these areas and can guide you through the process while advocating for your best interests.
Plan Today, Protect Tomorrow
Don't delay securing your future—contact Zaremba Center today for a free consultation with our experienced professionals. We’ll guide you in creating an estate plan tailored to your needs, helping you protect your assets and ensure your legacy. Trust us to provide the support and expertise you need for informed decisions. Let’s start planning for a secure future together!
