MELA STAFF
About Maine Elder Law Attorneys
Here at Maine Elder Law Attorneys, we understand the challenges that come with legal matters related to aging, and we are here to provide Full-Circle Planning, Probate, and Estate Planning for you and your loved ones.
Whether you are seeking assistance with estate planning, long-term care, or guardianship, our dedicated team is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of elder law.
Our Value Proposition:
PLAN IT
Our goal is to understand your objectives; plan into the objectives and implement.
Call to Schedule a Consultation
Claudia Raessler, Esq.
Founder and Managing Member of Maine Elder Law Attorneys
Asset Protection Planning & Probate Litigation
Expertise and empathy are the descriptors Claudia hopes are the takeaways for anyone she has had the chance to work with in providing legal services. Whether assisting a client or collaborating with another attorney, financial consultant, or industry expert, her goal is always to achieve the client’s objectives.
The proactive nature of Elder Law – transitions in lifestyle and managing the accompanying financial impact – are core concerns when a client talks with Maine Elder Law Attorneys, P.A. To be of value in this practice area requires a high degree of expertise balanced against life experience. At the end of the day, the practice is about individuals.
In 2019, Claudia elected to combine her healthcare background with her legal knowledge to establish Raessler Law, P.A. – evolving very quickly into Maine Elder Law Attorneys, P.A. with the addition of two legal assistants developing their own areas of expertise – by understanding access to healthcare and the organizational skills for navigating the probate process. In addition, MELA provides a range of legal services based on Claudia’s business law skills and by collaborating with other Firms and attorneys having experience and skill in complementary areas of practice.
In 2023 we are continuing to grow Maine Elder Law Attorneys in size and experience while providing additional space for collaboration through a co-sharing environment for legal professionals.
When she is not practicing law, Claudia thinks about “daughters” – there are six, grandchildren – there are thirteen, and is an avid reader starting with the Nancy Drew series as a young girl. Today she is known to binge-watch on occasion almost any Britbox mystery series. 2024 is the year she is going to knit to completion her first pair of socks .
She lives in Skowhegan, Maine along with her husband Ken and FINN, a high-energy Irish doodle. She describes the practice as a 500 piece, 1000 piece or 2500 piece puzzle that she delights in helping clients how best they may be able to put the pieces together.
Amanda Bisol, VMD, Esq.
Estate Planning
We welcome to the MELA Team, Amanda Bisol, a recent graduate from the University of MaineSchool of Law. Many in the community know her as Dr. Amanda, a veterinarian who has practiced small animal medicine in the community since 2011. Amanda is ready to serve the community in a complimentary but different manner and looks forward to the opportunities associated with estate planning and navigating the world of elder law. She believes in practicing and leading with transparency, ethics and accountability and recognizes how important it is to help people during difficult times.She lives in Skowhegan with her husband and their three children, who attend MSAD 54. They of course have multiple pets including a dog and five cats. She loves creating, and is part owner of Happy knits, the local yarn store.
Ashley Hall, Esq.
Attorney at Law | Estate Planning & Estate Administration | Admitted in New York & New Jersey
Ashley Hall is a dedicated and compassionate attorney whose practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate proceedings, and the administration of Estates and Trusts. She has guided countless individuals and families through the complexities of planning for the future and navigating the legal challenges that arise after the loss of a loved one. Her estate planning work includes the meticulous drafting of Irrevocable and Revocable Trusts, Last Will and Testaments, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives, and other essential documents tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. She also represents clients in Court, providing guidance through probate and estate administration proceedings with clarity and care. Ashley’s legal career began in litigation, where she developed strong advocacy skills and courtroom experience. Over time, she transitioned to estate planning and estate administration, driven by a desire to support clients and their families during some of life’s most challenging moments. Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, magna cum laude, from Dowling College. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor degree, summa cum laude, from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. Known for her warm demeanor and unwavering professionalism, Ashley strives to build lasting relationships with her clients. She understands that many come to her feeling overwhelmed, and she meets them with empathy, patience, and a fierce commitment to protecting their interests.
Ashley Quiambo, Esq.
Estate & Business Planning
Coming Soon!
Farva Scott, Esq.
Probate Litigation
Farva Scott received her B.A. from New York University, an M.P.H. from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and an M.B.A. and J.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She helped build the world’s first two-sided marketplace for health data and analytics at a GE Ventures/Pritzker Capital-backed start-up in Chicago. Farva then served as the Chief Operating Officer for a Chicago-based litigation finance company, and was also hired by its parent company (a family office) to serve as an associate. She is an experienced litigator admitted to practice law in eight states, several federal courts and agencies.
Hollie Nash, Certified Paralegal
Medicaid Planning and Probate
With over 25 years of experience, Hollie Nash is a seasoned paralegal specializing in Medicaid applications and appeals, estate and trust administration, estate planning, and elder law. Known for her compassion, attention to detail, and deep understanding of complex legal processes, she has helped countless clients navigate sensitive matters with clarity and confidence. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys painting, singing, and spending quality time with family and friends—interests that bring balance and creativity to her life.(started working with MELA in December, 2024).