Lea M. Finegan

I was born into a family of attorneys and learned from an early age how important it is to help people with their most sensitive issues and situations.  I also became aware that while everyone needs an advocate with legal expertise, they also need an attorney they can trust to really see the person and not just the problem.  These early lessons hit home when I became an attorney myself and later, in a very personal way, as I faced the demise of my own marriage. These lessons and experiences inspired me to start practicing family law and by natural extension, estate planning.        

I graduated with a B.A. in Sociology, magna cum laude, from Wake Forest University and received my Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  I am also certified by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission as a Family Financial Mediator. I began my career in 1995 as an Assistant District Attorney for the State of North Carolina, and subsequently transitioned my practice to the areas of criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and mediation. Today, my practice at Touchstone Family Law is focused on family law alternatives to litigation and estate planning.

After spending years litigating in the courtroom and practicing law the traditional way, I made the decision to practice differently. While filing a lawsuit or having a courtroom battle is sometimes necessary, I believe that there should be an option whereby the client can maintain a higher level of control and feel a real sense of empowerment when it comes to resolving their case.  I also believe that a higher priority should be given to preserving the emotional and financial resources of everyone involved. My goal is to maintain a high level of expertise in my field, while also seeking to offer the compassion, patience and understanding that clients need during a time that is often difficult and trying. Collaborative law, mediation, and other creative approaches allow my clients to take charge of their future by finding reasonable and practical solutions to their family law issues.

I firmly believe that estate planning should be a priority for every family and I am eager to help families of every shape and size ensure that their desires are understood and that their loved ones are protected.  I have a particular concern for young families who may not believe that they need to think about these issues yet, and for those whose children have grown and life priorities have changed. For those facing a separation or divorce, estate planning is a necessary step to move forward.  My goal is to make certain that these essential documents are something that every family can rely on so that wishes are followed and loved ones are secure.

When I am not engaged in the practice of law, I enjoy sharing good meals with friends and family, curling up with my two dachshunds and a good book, and traveling everywhere I possibly can.

 

Email: lea@touchstonefamilylaw.com

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