Rhoades Heather J

Welcome to "Lawyers Near Me," your comprehensive resource for discovering highly skilled and reputable legal professionals in your local area. Today, we are pleased to introduce Heather J. Rhoades, a distinguished attorney specializing in estate planning and probate law, based in West Hartford, CT. You can find her office at 75 Isham Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107, USA. For direct contact, you can reach her at (860) 313-4933 or via mobile at +1 860-313-4933. Heather J. Rhoades is a prominent figure in the Connecticut legal community, particularly renowned for her expertise in private wealth management and estate-related matters.

Heather J. Rhoades practices at Cummings & Lockwood LLC, a highly respected law firm with offices in various locations, including the West Hartford branch at 75 Isham Road. This address is part of Blue Back Square, a vibrant mixed-use development in West Hartford, known for its professional offices, retail, and dining establishments. While detailed specifics of the firm's interior design are not publicly available, offices in such a modern and professional complex typically feature a sophisticated and comfortable environment. Clients can expect a professional reception area, private conference rooms for confidential discussions, and an atmosphere conducive to discussing sensitive financial and personal matters related to estate planning and administration. The location itself suggests an accessible and well-maintained professional setting, designed to provide a discreet and efficient experience for clients.

Heather J. Rhoades' practice areas are exclusively focused on the intricate field of Private Wealth Law, with a particular emphasis on estate planning, estate settlement, trust administration, and charitable planning. Her services are comprehensive and include:

• Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning: Assisting clients in creating robust wills, establishing various types of trusts (such as revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and charitable trusts), and developing comprehensive estate plans to ensure the efficient transfer of assets and minimize tax liabilities.
• Probate and Estate Administration: Guiding executors and trustees through the complex process of probate, including asset collection, debt payment, and distribution of assets to beneficiaries, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Fiduciary and Trustee Services: Advising fiduciaries on their duties and responsibilities, as well as representing them in trust and estate administration matters.
• Wealth Protection Planning: Strategies designed to protect assets from various risks, including creditors and lawsuits.
• Philanthropic Giving and Charitable Planning: Assisting individuals and families in developing charitable giving strategies, establishing foundations, and navigating the legal aspects of philanthropy. She is also a member of the firm's National Charitable Planning Group.
• Business Succession Planning: Helping business owners plan for the smooth transition of their businesses to the next generation or other successors.
• Estate Planning for Corporate Executives: Tailored estate planning services addressing the unique financial situations of corporate executives.
• Tax Controversy and Litigation: Representing clients in disputes with tax authorities related to estate and gift taxes.

A distinctive feature of Heather J. Rhoades' practice is her highly acclaimed expertise and consistent recognition within the legal profession. She serves as the Chairman of Cummings & Lockwood's Private Clients Group and is also the Partner in Charge of the West Hartford office. Her extensive experience, dating back to her bar admission in Connecticut in 1999, is complemented by a strong academic background, having graduated summa cum laude from the University of Connecticut School of Law and the University of Connecticut for her undergraduate studies.

Promotional information and peer reviews consistently highlight her exceptional capabilities. Heather J. Rhoades has been repeatedly selected to "Super Lawyers" from 2014-2018 and again for 2024-2025, and was previously recognized as a "Rising Star" from 2008-2013. She has also been recognized in "The Best Lawyers in America" since 2013, earning the prestigious "Lawyer of the Year" honor for Trusts and Estates in Hartford in 2016, 2019, and 2021. Chambers and Partners, a highly respected legal directory, has ranked her as a "Band 2" practitioner in Private Wealth Law in Connecticut for eight consecutive years, with editorial comments describing her as "phenomenal - great with clients, breaks things down simply, and excellent technically." This attests to her ability to simplify complex legal concepts for her clients, a crucial skill in estate planning. She is also a Fellow of The American College of Trusts & Estates Counsel (ACTEC), an invitation-only organization for top trusts and estates lawyers.

Her professional engagements extend beyond her casework. She is an active member of the Connecticut Bar Association's Estate and Probate Section Executive Committee, the American Bar Association, and is a past President of the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford. She also contributes to thought leadership in the field, co-authoring numerous articles in publications like "Trusts & Estates Magazine" on complex topics such as charitable remainder trusts, charitable gifts, and tax-wise planning, demonstrating her deep commitment to the evolution of her practice area.

While specific client testimonials are not as widely published for this area of law due to the private nature of estate matters, the consistent peer recognition and the qualitative feedback from Chambers and Partners ("great with clients, breaks things down simply, and excellent technically") strongly indicate a client-focused and effective approach. Clients seeking legal assistance with their wealth and legacy planning can expect an attorney who is not only technically proficient but also capable of clear communication and empathetic guidance through sensitive discussions. Her role as Chairman of the Private Clients Group further implies a leadership position that ensures high standards of service across the firm's private client offerings.

In summary, for local users in West Hartford, CT, searching for "Lawyers Near Me" with expertise in estate planning, probate, and private wealth management, Heather J. Rhoades presents an exceptionally strong choice. Located at 75 Isham Rd, West Hartford, CT 06107, and available at (860) 313-4933, she offers comprehensive legal services in wills, trusts, estate settlement, and charitable giving. Her extensive accolades, leadership role at Cummings & Lockwood LLC, and consistent peer recognition underscore her technical excellence and client-friendly approach. Heather J. Rhoades is positioned as a trusted advisor who can provide strategic, clear, and compassionate guidance to individuals and families seeking to secure their financial futures and legacy.