Why Choose Us?
Jeff and his team help every client overcome the complications and confusion that inevitably arise as they seek peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
“The best thing to give your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all others, charity.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Meet Jeffery D. Stinson
Jeffery D. Stinson is certified as an Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation, a distinction held by only a handful of lawyers in Indiana.
For a good part of his adult life, Jeffery Stinson has followed his passion for helping those with an immediate, critical need for long-term care as well as those who recognize the importance of legal planning for their own security and that of their families.
Jeff knows that there are too many people caught off guard when unfortunate circumstances occur and there is not adequate legal protection for loved ones and their assets.
Helping to care for his own family members and his many years of experience in the field have reinforced his care and compassion for those who get caught in such a situation. This is why Jeff has dedicated his law practice to elder law and special needs law.
He also takes pride in the careful preparation of a detailed and unique plan so that when certain episodes in life necessitate change, families can have peace of mind that their instructions will be followed by those they rely on the most.
Jeff has been actively working in these areas of law since 1998. When he passed the bar in 2002, he concentrated his own practice in elder law, estate planning, long-term care planning, Medicaid planning, Veterans Affairs benefits planning, special needs planning, guardianships, and estate administration.
He has maintained that focus throughout his career and carried these services to his own law firm in 2013.
He and his wife, Jennifer, have two young children, Josie and Jonah.
Education & Certifications
- Juris Doctor – Indiana University Law School
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Highest Distinction – Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
- Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by the National Elder Law Foundation
Presentations and Publications
- June 9, 2022, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, “Everything an Estate Planner Needs to Know About Elder Law in 60-Minutes.”
- October 7, 2021, Elder Law Institute on the topic of “Medicaid Mythbusters.”
- May 26, 2021, Representing Clients on VA Benefits on the topic of “Basic Eligibility for Benefits, Compensation for Service Connected Disability, Long Term Care Benefits, and Family Member Benefits.”
- October 1, 2020, Elder Law Institute on the topic of “Managing Miller Trusts: A Legal Health Check-up.”
- October 11, 2019, Elder Law Institute on the topic of “Different Benefits and Coverage Issues Under Medicare for Those Facing End of Life Issues.”
- August 16-17, 2019, Elder Law Masters Series-Brown County State Park, Nashville, Indiana, “Medicaid Waiver Issues.”
- May 17, 2019, Representing Clients on VA Benefits on the topic of “Basic Eligibility for Benefits, Compensation for Service Connected Disability, Long Term Care Benefits, and Family Member Benefits.”
- October 12, 2017, Elder Law Institute on the topic of “Funeral Trusts, Life Insurance and Medicaid.”
- October 13, 2016, Elder Law Institute on the topic of “Transfers in Medicaid.”
- October 15, 2015, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, The Use and Misuse of Trusts in the Medicaid and Veterans Planning World.
- August 15, 2015, Elder Law Masters Series-McCormick’s Creek State Park, Spencer, Indiana, The Use and Misuse of Trusts in VA and Medicaid Planning.
- October 8, 2014, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, Out with the Old/In with the New-A Comparison of the Old and New Versions of the Indiana Program Policy Manual (co-author of written materials).
- May 30, 2014, Indiana Health Care Coalition/Center for At-Risk Elders, The Nuts and Bolts of Special Needs Trusts.
- May 2014, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, Going Virtual? Real World Thoughts on the Virtual Practice of Law.
- October 10, 2013, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, Medicaid Resource Issues for Single Individuals.
- June 8, 2013, ISBA Solo & Small Firm Conference-French Lick, Indiana, The Basics of Benefit Programs, Reverse Mortgages, Medicare and Medicaid.
- October 12, 2012, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, Recent Case Law, Developments and Other Issues in Promissory Notes, Annuities, and IRAs: Erecting Minefields around Safe Harbors.
- August, 2012, Elder Law Masters Series-Lake Monroe, Bloomington, Indiana.
- December, 2011, National Business Institute’s Representing the Elderly and Disabled.
- October 6, 2011, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, Health Care Reform Update.
- October 8, 2010, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, Long Term Care Insurance: Partnership v. Non-Partnership Policies.
- October 7, 2010, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, Long Term Care Insurance: Partnership v. Non-Partnership Policies.
- October 8, 2009, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, Medicaid Annuities and Promissory Notes.
- June 9, 2009, Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, My Client has Public Benefits, What Do I Need to Know and What Do I Need to Do?
- October 10, 2008, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, Case Studies in Elder Law.
- October 9, 2008, Elder Law Institute-Indianapolis, Indiana, What’s New with DRA Implementation…And Where Do We Go From Here?
Additional Distinctions and Affiliations
- Active member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and the Elder Law Section of the Indiana State Bar Association
- Regular faculty member for the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum and other organizations that hold seminars for legal professionals
- Member and Past Master of Century Lodge No. 764 F&AM
- Member Lodge Vitruvian No. 767 F&AM
Previous:
- Past President of the Indiana Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
- Named Outstanding Member of the Indiana Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in 2010
- Past Chair of the Elder law section of the Indiana State Bar Association
- Previously served on the Board of Directors of the Parkinson’s Awareness Association of Central Indiana
- From 2010 – 2016, Jeff was named as one of the State’s “Rising Stars” in Super Lawyer magazine
- From 2018-2021, Jeff was named as a Super Lawyer in Super Lawyer magazine
What Makes a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) Unique?
Elder law is a growing field. It can be difficult to discern skills and experience level when so many attorneys are entering this field. A CELA is a good method to confirm that the attorney is qualified in elder law. It helps to ensure that that attorney has the experience and unique, cutting edge knowledge to solve elder law problems.
In order to become a CELA, an attorney must first apply to the National Elder Law Foundation (NELF). Upon application, the attorney must demonstrate he is in good standing with his state bar and dedicates a substantial portion of his practice to elder law related issues. Then NELF will survey a number of the applicant’s peers to get their review of whether the applicant is competent in elder law areas. Finally, the attorney must take and pass an exam. Every five years the attorney must also recertify.
The Story Behind the Peacock
When Jeff left his previous firm, he was struggling with whether to continue a career in law or do something different. However, the desire to continue helping his clients was overwhelming. Advocating for others’ legal needs and benefits is Jeff’s calling.
The peacock came about when Jeff was trying to decide what qualities he wanted his new firm to be known for. Integrity was the first word that came to mind. Being a Freemason and one who appreciates symbols, he decided to make the symbol of integrity the symbol of his brand. Thus, the peacock: A universal symbol of integrity.
Meet The Staff
Liz Detrick
“Keep looking up… It’s the secret to life.”
– Snoopy
Education
Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Cum Laude) – Western Illinois University
Her Role at Stinson Law Firm
Liz came to Stinson Law Firm in the Fall of 2016 with a strong desire to use her case management and social services background to serve people, and a specific interest in assisting clients in obtaining needed help through Medicaid and VA benefits. Since joining the firm, she has greatly enjoyed learning about Medicaid and Veterans Affairs laws, as well as estate planning and special needs planning.
She loves having the opportunity to learn and grow in a new field while also honing and further developing her skills of service to people in need. She looks forward to meeting you and supporting Jeff to assist you in clarifying your goals and developing a plan specific to your situation that will meet your needs.
Biography
Liz Detrick grew up in Lansing, Illinois. She attended Western Illinois University after high school, graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (with a minor in Sociology).
Following her college graduation, she moved to Central Indiana and entered the field of social services as a Therapeutic Foster Care Case Manager. For five years, she engaged in direct service of children with special needs who were in foster care, learning a great deal about compassion, patience, and the resilience of the human spirit, as well as the system of child welfare and other programs that support vulnerable populations and their caregivers.
In 2011, she began working as a Service Coordinator for the First Steps early intervention program in Marion County. Working closely with families of children who have developmental delays and disabilities furthered her desire to support and advocate for individuals and families who are seeking resources to meet their own needs and the needs of their loved ones.
After four years in the First Steps program, she transitioned to a position within the Child Mental Health Wraparound program as a Wraparound Facilitator, an opportunity that allowed her to get a glimpse of the unique needs and services available to children and families with mental health challenges.
Each of these opportunities provided a chance for her to engage with and serve people while developing an understanding of the variety of systems and networks of support available in the state of Indiana.
Charity Hornback
“Life, with its rules, its obligations, and its freedoms, is like a sonnet: You’re given the form, but you have to write the sonnet yourself.”
— Madeleine L’Engle, A Wrinkle in Time
– Snoopy
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Psychology, Magna Cum Laude – Wright State University
Master of Arts, Political Science – Wright State University
Paralegal Certification – Ohio University
Her Role at Stinson Law Firm
Charity joins Stinson Law Firm as a senior paralegal. Charity has over nine years of paralegal experience with specialties in estate planning, probate, and litigation.
While working the past five years in litigation, Charity saw first-hand the struggles senior clients and their families had navigating the legal system. Charity is eager to start assisting our senior clients in making the best choices when planning their estates and helping families at the end of their loved one’s life.
Biography
Charity Hornback grew up in a small town outside of Dayton, Ohio. She grew up always wanting to be a lawyer or a doctor. She had a passion to help people and make an impact on society. Charity attended Wright State University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Psychology, with a focus in forensic science. She went on to The Southern New School of Law in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. After attending one year, she set aside law school to start a family.
Charity and her husband, Doug, spent seventeen years raising their two boys, Chase and Parker, in Doug’s hometown, Cincinnati, Ohio. For thirteen of those years, Charity worked in education for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati where she taught history, literature, and religion. During her years as a teacher, Charity completed her Masters in Political Science.
Once her boys entered high school, Charity returned to law as a paralegal. Never one to stop learning, Charity spent her first three years as a paralegal becoming certified with specialties in litigation, probate, estate planning, and medical malpractice.
In 2018, Charity and her husband moved to Westfield, Indiana. From 2018 to early 2023, Charity has been a litigation paralegal specializing in personal injury and medical malpractice. She is a member of the Indiana Paralegal Association and volunteers to assist editing and publishing The Precedent, the paralegal association’s newsletter. In 2022, Charity took and passed the “baby bar” furthering her education in law.
When not at work, Charity is spending time with her family and fur babies. In her downtime, she enjoys reading, nature hikes, yoga, and gardening.
Samantha Lamberth
“All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
– J.R.R. Tolkien
Education
BS in Business Management – Western Governor’s University
AAS in Culinary Arts (Summa Cum Laude) – Volunteer State
3 year Apprenticeship at Opryland Hotel
Her Role at Stinson Law Firm
As the office manager for Stinson Law Firm she is eager to assist clients as well as support the law team in any of their needs.
Biography
Samantha has spent most of her career in hospitality management working with numerous restaurants, cooking schools, catering companies, golf and country clubs and owning her own café and catering company in Nashville, Tennessee.
She and her husband, Scott, have two grown sons, Matthew and Mark and are guardians to their nephew Grayson.
When looking for a change in careers, Samantha knew she wanted to focus her on passion for serving people in need.
Sheryl Miller
“There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few that will catch your heart. Pursue these.”
– Michael Nolan
Education
Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science – Indiana University Bloomington
Master of Public Health, Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Health – Indiana University Bloomington
Juris Doctorate Candidate – Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law, graduation May 2023
Her Role at Stinson Law Firm
Sheryl is the newest addition to the Stinson Law Firm Team and is with us part time while finishing up her law degree.
Sheryl has always been passionate about helping seniors and their families because of the simple fact that everyone is aging. After personally going through this with her own family, she knew she wanted to do more to help other families. This is when she decided to attend law school to give back to the community by helping Hoosiers and their families make the best decisions when planning for their futures.
Biography
Sheryl is a born and raised Hoosier from Indianapolis, Indiana. She is currently a Juris Doctorate Candidate at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and will graduate in May 2023. Sheryl completed her Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science and Master of Public Health with a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Health from Indiana University Bloomington.
Prior to attending law school, Sheryl worked in healthcare with seniors and their families. She has been a Clinical Liaison for an inpatient geriatric psychiatric hospital, a Director of Resident Care for a senior living community, and a Program Manager at a behavioral health hospital. She has also externed for the Center for At-Risk Elders and AARP Indiana. In addition, she spent several years on the Marion County Council on Aging board and as a member of CICOA’s Aging and In-Home Solutions Advisory Council.
Sheryl and her husband, Eric, have a young son named Elias. She grew up having weekly Friday dinners with her grandparents and this tradition has carried into the next generation. When Sheryl is not spending time with family, she is practicing yoga or planning her next cruise.
What Makes Us Different
What is Elder Law?
Unlike many other areas of the law, elder law is defined by the needs of the client rather than by a particular feild of law.
Peace of Mind: Now and Later
Superior legal services are just the start. With an empathy that comes only from personal experience, Stinson Law Firm goes above and beyond to deliver services with care and compassion.
Downloadable Resources
Stinson Law Firm is proud to offer free resources on a variety of topics. Make an informed decision before even speaking to an attorney.
My business is a part of me. I celebrate my clients’ achievements, and I suffer through their losses with them. They are getting a full investment out of me when they hire me. I enjoy working with folks, learning more about them, and not just focusing on the situation.
-Jeffery D. Stinson, Certified Elder Law Attorney
My business is a part of me. I celebrate my clients’ achievements, and I suffer through their losses with them. They are getting a full investment out of me when they hire me. I enjoy working with folks, learning more about them, and not just focusing on the situation.
-Jeffery D. Stinson, Certified Elder Law Attorney