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
Join Our Team
Paralegal
Associate Attorney
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.
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).
Cindy Forister, Certified Paralegal
Medicaid Planning and Probate
Cindy Forister, CP is a Certified Paralegal with more than 30 years of experience in probate and estate planning. Throughout her career, she has developed a reputation for providing compassionate, patient, and knowledgeable support to clients navigating the probate process. Cindy is dedicated to helping individuals and families understand complex legal matters, guiding them with professionalism and care during what are often challenging and emotional times. With a commitment to exceptional client service, Cindy takes pride in assisting families through each stage of the estate administration and planning process, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way. Outside of the office, Cindy enjoys cooking, singing, and crafting. She values spending time with her husband and family and is especially fond of her beloved Dachshund mix, Samantha Lynn.
Lynette Landry, LVT, MBA
Practice Manager
Lynette acquired her B.S. at Michigan State University in 2003, her Veterinary Technician License in 2006 and her MBA in Organizational Leadership from Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC in 2017. She and her family founded, owned, and managed an animal shelter contracted with local city and county officials in Michigan. Lynette was an assistant manager and the Head Veterinary Technician in a privately owned AAHA veterinary hospital in Fayetteville, NC. There Lynette excelled with project management, client communication and employee relations. The Landry’s were stationed as American Diplomates at the American Embassy in Ottawa, Ontario Canada. There Lynette established her own accounting business. Lynette and her husband have three children who attend MSAD 54. The Landry family have a dog, a cat and recently acquired a tortoise. Lynette’s husband was born and raised in New Portland, ME. After 22 years active duty in the US Army, he moved the family to Skowhegan for his “retirement”. Lynette is looking forward to helping others navigating the world of elder law.
Cheyenne Whipple
Paralegal
With 6+ years of experience, Cheyenne Whipple is a certified paralegal. She spent the beginning of her career working for a private attorney and most of her career within the State of Maine Judicial Branch. Known for her compassion and empathy, ability to work under pressure, and profound understanding of legal processes. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys watching football, spending time with her children, cooking and reading. Cheyenne joined MELA in 2026.
Stockton Brockbank, Esq.
Of Counsel | Estate Planning, Probate & Civil Litigation | Admitted in Arizona & Utah
Stockton Brockbank is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in Arizona and Utah who brings a broad litigation and transactional background to Maine Elder Law Attorneys. He has completed more than 300 projects for law firms across the country, including estate planning documents, probate filings, dispositive motions, discovery, and contract drafting. His earlier experience includes drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney at an estate planning firm, serving as an employee and labor relations manager for a national health system, and supporting counsel to healthcare startups on regulatory and corporate matters. Stockton earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law on a Dean’s Merit Scholarship and his B.S. in Business Management from Utah Valley University. Fluent in Tagalog, he spent two years in the Philippines leading an English and public speaking program and coordinating relief efforts after Super Typhoon Haima. He lives in Queen Creek, Arizona.