When I am not at work, I experience the adventures of everyday life with my husband, Troy, and our two daughters, Madelyn and Sydney. Troy and I were both born and raised in Salem, and met when we were in high school. Our daughters joined us through international adoption from China. The lessons we learned through that process were life-changing. Both girls exhibited amazing courage and fierce tenacity as they navigated a change of people, language, and country. Earning their trust and love, as their parents, will always be our proudest accomplishment. My time with Troy, Madelyn and Sydney is my greatest joy.
I also advise local businesses with new business formation, drafting and reviewing leases and contracts, and business sales and purchases.
Business Disputes
Running a business is no easy feat, and it is made even more difficult in the face of non-paying customers and lawsuits. It is my privilege to advise my clients every step of the way to help them collect difficult debts, represent them as creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, and resolve their difficult business disputes. My job as an attorney does not stop with advising my clients of every possible legal option available. More importantly, I advise my clients of the costs, risks, and likelihood of reaching my clients’ goals by using available legal and non-legal tools in a cost effective manner. Every client, and every case, is different, and I strive to provide quality legal advice specifically tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. I enjoy assisting my clients in recovering assets and money owed to them and in reaching quick and efficient resolutions to their business disputes.
Construction Contracts
We provide a wide range of services to contractors large and small. We prepare and review construction contracts as well as enforce those contracts when needed. We assist contractors in preparing lien claims and bond claims when they have not been paid. We also help contractors navigate the maze of federal and state regulations on public construction projects.
In addition to real estate matters, I advise clients through all stages of land use processes, including applications for permitting, rezoning, and comprehensive plan changes. I present applications and appear before hearings officers and local government bodies. In addition, I have served as a Marion County Hearings Officer, presiding over public land use hearings and drafting orders, opinions, and recommendations, which expanded my knowledge about the intricacies of Oregon land use laws.
Construction Litigation
We also represent property owners in construction matters. Construction defect litigation has become very common in recent years. Unfortunately, water penetration into structures is a common occurrence in western Oregon. We have experience representing property owners who have suffered construction defects as well as contractors accused of defective work.
Real Estate Transactions
At the same time, the sale, leasing and development of real estate have become complicated and highly regulated activities. We enjoy helping people navigate the complicated legal and political landscape governing the sale, leasing, and development of real estate to help make their goals a reality. When real estate transactions go awry, we use our experience to work out practical solutions and, when necessary, vigorously assert our client’s position.
Easement
Land Use and Zoning
At Heltzel Williams, our lawyers have provided legal services to generations of owners and operators of farms, nurseries, and other agricultural businesses. We have experience representing these businesses with farm leases, land sales, employment law, lending and borrowing, zoning and land use, family business transition planning, and many other legal matters.
We believe estate planning should reflect each client’s deeply-held values and passions, not only the transfer of property after death.
Wills
Trusts
When the next generation comes in after a death in the family, it is a difficult time. I am sensitive to the needs of the family, listening to their goals and respecting their timing. I seek to help the family find ways to alleviate the legal burden that rests on them to transition their loved one’s wealth according to his or her wishes.
Our firm has been practicing law since before the passage of the 16th Amendment to the Constitution in 1913 – the nation’s first permanent income tax law.