Stoneman Law Office helps families plan for what comes next

At Stoneman Law Office Co., L.P.A. in downtown Carrollton, attorneys Kathleen Stoneman and Maureen Stoneman help families plan ahead for some of life’s most difficult moments, from estate planning and probate to powers of attorney and guardianships.

The practice also carries a three-generation family legacy. Kathleen Stoneman said the firm was originally her father’s practice. Her father, William T. Allmon, opened the firm in the early 1960s and, during his career, served in three judgeships in addition to practicing law.

Stoneman said she joined her father’s practice after attending law school, and her daughter, Attorney Maureen Stoneman, later returned to Carrollton to join her in 2013.

Kathleen Stoneman said she always wanted to become an attorney, though she first earned a teaching degree before deciding to pursue law. She later worked as a children services caseworker in Carroll County, a role that required her to testify in court.

“I decided that I could help them more if I went ahead and went to law school and became an attorney,” Kathleen Stoneman said.

Maureen Stoneman said her path to law developed more gradually. She majored in psychology and initially considered becoming a counselor, but found herself drawn toward the legal field.

“I had a desire to serve the people in Carroll County, in my hometown,” she said.

She attended law school in Washington, D.C., then returned to Carrollton in 2013 to practice with her mother.

The office also includes Bill Stoneman, who serves as office manager and oversees the firm’s title work. Kathleen Stoneman said both she and Bill Stoneman are licensed Ohio title agents, allowing the office to handle real estate closings.

The firm’s practice includes estate planning, probate, guardianships, adoptions, family law and real estate matters. Both attorneys said estate planning and probate are among the most important services they provide, especially for families trying to avoid confusion and conflict later.

Estate planning can include wills, trusts, powers of attorney and living wills.

Maureen Stoneman said one of the most common questions clients ask is about the difference between a will and a trust.

“They accomplish the same thing, which is to distribute your assets after you pass away,” she said.

A will generally goes through probate court, while a trust can allow assets to pass outside probate. Kathleen Stoneman said trusts are often preferred by clients who value privacy, since they are not typically filed publicly.

The attorneys said there is no single age when estate planning becomes necessary, but they encourage adults not to wait too long. Older clients often come in after a health scare, the death of a loved one or handling a parent’s estate, while younger clients often begin planning after having children.

A health care power of attorney allows a person to name someone to make medical decisions if they are unable to do so. A financial power of attorney allows a trusted person to handle financial matters.

Maureen Stoneman said having those documents in place can help families avoid the need for guardianship proceedings in probate court.

“If you become incompetent later on in life and you can’t handle your own finances anymore, your loved ones’ only recourse would be to go to the probate court and ask to be appointed as your guardian,” she said.

The attorneys said many people also confuse a living will with a last will and testament. A last will and testament directs how assets are distributed after death, while a living will addresses end-of-life medical decisions.

They said good estate planning can save families money and prevent disputes.

Kathleen Stoneman said families sometimes end up fighting not over large estates, but over small personal items when no clear instructions are left behind.

“Good estate planning can prevent families from falling apart after,” she said.

Maureen Stoneman said another important step is making sure loved ones know where important documents and account information can be found.

“It’s really a gift that parents can give their children,” she said.

Both attorneys said estate planning should be tailored to each client’s situation.

“You don’t know what you don’t know,” Maureen Stoneman said, noting the importance of working directly with an attorney rather than relying solely on online forms.

For both women, the most rewarding part of the job is helping people feel more secure.

“Being able to provide that relief to that client of peace of mind,” Maureen Stoneman said, “that they are taking care of what they need to take care of.”

Kathleen Stoneman said the legal profession is ultimately about service.

“We are here to serve people and to help people,” she said.

Both attorneys said planning ahead can give clients peace of mind while also making life easier for their loved ones.

Stoneman Law Office Co., L.P.A. is located at 63 Second St. SW in Carrollton. The office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 330-627-1000.