Lessons from Local Leaders:

Melanie Hammelman

Navigating Life and Business with Melanie Hamelman: A Conversation on Estate Planning, Business Law, and Family Values

When it comes to estate planning, business formation, and marital agreements, few attorneys bring as much personal insight and expertise as Melanie Hamelman of Hamelman Law. Melanie’s journey from litigation to running her own firm was fueled by a desire for flexibility and family balance, making her practice not only legally sound but also deeply compassionate.

From Luxury Fashion to the Courtroom

Melanie’s career path was anything but traditional. Initially, she aspired to work for a luxury fashion house, even completing an internship in New York. However, after gaining industry experience, she realized it wasn’t the right long-term fit. Encouraged by her parents (who recognized her strong debating skills early on), she pivoted to law. After graduating from law school, Melanie embraced litigation, spending her early career in the courtroom.

“I was set on being in court every day,” she recalled. “And for a while, I was.”

However, as she and her husband began planning for a family, Melanie faced the same dilemma many professionals do: balancing a demanding career with parenthood. Long hours and unpredictable schedules weren’t conducive to the life she envisioned. That realization led her to open her own firm, allowing her to maintain control over her schedule while continuing to help clients in meaningful ways.

Building a Law Firm with Purpose

As the sole attorney at Hamelman Law, Melanie specializes in three key areas:

• Estate Planning: Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to ensure a smooth transition of assets and responsibilities.
• Business Law: Formation, operating agreements, bylaws, and employment contracts.
• Marital Agreements: Pre- and post-marital contracts designed to protect individuals and families.

Starting her firm six months postpartum, Melanie built a practice that aligns with her family-first values. “I wanted to be the mom who could attend class parties and school events while still having a fulfilling career,” she shared.

The Impact of Being a Military Spouse

As the spouse of a military veteran, Melanie brings a unique perspective to her legal work. Understanding the challenges of military life, including frequent relocations and complex retirement benefits, she prioritizes helping service members and veterans with tailored estate planning.

“I’ve had clients come to me two weeks before deployment needing everything set up,” she said. “Because I understand that world, I make it a priority to accommodate their tight timelines.”

Family Dynamics and Estate Planning

With a blended family background and in-laws who span eight siblings, Melanie knows firsthand that estate planning is rarely one-size-fits-all. Her approach is both practical and empathetic, ensuring that every client’s unique family structure is accounted for.

One common concern? Clients feeling uncomfortable about leaving assets exclusively to direct heirs rather than in-laws. “I tell them all the time—I drafted my own in-laws’ estate plan, and I skipped myself!” Melanie laughed. “It’s not about excluding anyone unfairly; it’s about ensuring assets go where they are truly intended.”

Why Avoiding Probate Matters

Probate can be a long, costly, and often stressful legal process. Melanie helps clients structure their estates in ways that minimize or bypass probate altogether, using trusts and beneficiary designations. “When everything is set up correctly, the court simply acknowledges your plans and lets your family move forward without unnecessary delays or expenses,” she explained.

Balancing Law and Life

Running a law firm while raising young children isn’t easy, but Melanie manages it through structured time blocking and clear boundaries. “Once my kids are home from school, I don’t take calls,” she said. “I still handle emails and drafting, but my focus is on them.”

Her approach to business mirrors the personalized care she gives her family. Clients work directly with her from consultation to document signing, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience. “I think that’s why my Google reviews are so good,” she joked.

Final Thoughts: A Piece of Advice

When asked about her guiding philosophy, Melanie keeps it simple: “You can do hard things.”

“I tell my kids this all the time. Hard work pays off, whether it’s learning a new skill, recovering from a setback, or building something from the ground up. It’s about perseverance.”

And persevere she has—creating a thriving law practice, supporting military families, and making estate and business planning approachable and effective for her clients.

For those looking to secure their future with a trusted legal partner, Melanie Hamelman is proving that estate and business planning doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be a thoughtful, empowering experience.

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