KRISTEN MATTHEWS LAW - Key Persons
Kathy Boyer brings over thirty years of paralegal and law firm management experience to Kristen Matthews Law. She and Kristen worked together many years ago during the early stages of Kristen's career. Kathy will be the calm and reassuring initial contact when you call the office.
Kathy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Financial Management from Immaculata University and Paralegal Certificate from Penn State University.
As a lifelong Chester County resident, Kathy lives in Exton with her husband and Rhodesian Ridgeback, Leia.
Job Titles:
- Certified Elder Law Attorney
Kristen R. Matthews is an Estate Planning and Certified Elder Law Attorney located in Downingtown, PA. Kristen's law career has been exclusively devoted to helping clients with estate planning and elder law issues. She works closely with individuals and their families on all aspects of estate and trust planning and administration, by implementing necessary legal documents, such as a Will, Living Will, and General Durable and Healthcare Powers of Attorney.
Kristen counsels families through the emotional and often daunting process of qualifying for government benefits such as Medicaid and Social Security. Through strategic planning, Kristen helps individuals and families facing the high costs of long-term care to safeguard their lifetime savings. Kristen also assists families with disabled loved ones through establishing and administering special needs trusts, as well as obtaining permission from the Pennsylvania Orphans Court to appoint a guardian.
Kristen has achieved the designation of Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) from the National Elder Law Foundation. The CELA designation is recognized and authorized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and is only awarded to attorneys who have demonstrated extensive experience in practicing in the areas of estate planning and elder law, passed a day-long exam, and received recommendations from other attorneys who hold the CELA designation.
Since 2015, Kristen has been recognized as a "Top Lawyer" in Elder Law by Main Line Today magazine and the Daily Local News. In 2016 and 2019, Main Line Today named Kristen #1 Top Lawyer in the Elder Law category. Since 2017 Kristen has earned the title of Pennsylvania Rising Star, an award given to less than 3% of Pennsylvania attorneys.
Prior to founding Kristen Matthews Law, Kristen was one of the first female associate attorneys promoted to partner at the oldest and largest law firm based in Chester County.
The first attorney in a family of teachers, Kristen connects with her clients on a meaningful level, equipping them with the requisite knowledge to gain confidence and control over their affairs. A lifelong resident of Downingtown, Kristen and her husband Lee are the proud parents of 3 active boys.
Job Titles:
- Paralegal
- Paralegal Experience to
Nicole E. Stoner brings over ten years of paralegal experience to Kristen Matthews Law. Nicole brings to the firm a broad range of experience in matters of estate and trust administration and taxation, probate, estate planning, real estate, and corporate and tax law matters. Her career experience brings to our office a wealth of knowledge that allows her to understand the various legal circumstances that can surround our clients legal needs.
Nicole provides kindness and empathy when working with our clients and helps them relate to and understand the legal issues that can be challenging to clients who are facing the recent loss of a loved one. Her compassionate nature helps our clients through the loss of a loved one, one of the most difficult times in their life, allowing them entrust tedious and complex tasks in Nicole's competent care.
A Delaware County native, outside the office Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband Dave, their two young children, and their dogs, Pumpkin and Maizy.
Job Titles:
- Law at the Paralegal
- Paralegal
Rachael Haupt serves Kristen Matthews Law at the Paralegal level, specializing in Estate Administration. Plucked from the finance industry, where she collectively managed over 1,000 investment accounts, as a Senior Portfolio Manager and Backup Trader, Rachael is efficient, deadline-driven and highly productive.
Rachael graduated from PJA School in 1998 with a Legal Secretary degree. In her downtime, Rachael enjoys spending time with her husband, Mike, their three children and the family's black Labrador retriever.
Job Titles:
- Law at the Paralegal
- Paralegal
Sean M. Graybeal serves Kristen Matthews Law at the Paralegal level, specializing in Estate and Elder Law Planning. With a background in personal injury law from Philadelphia and New York City firms, Sean brings smarts, accuracy and a fun and friendly energy to the table.
Born and raised in Downingtown, Sean graduated from Downingtown West High School, and from the University of Pittsburgh, having majored in Political Science and Philosophy. When Sean isn't in the office, he can be found eating, beaching or shopping with family and friends; or petting his English Cocker Spaniel, Buddy.