Norfolk Portsmouth Bar Association CLE – Estate Planning Fundamentals for Clients in Transition

Event Details

Thursday, July 16, 2026 

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room 

Free for NPBA members | $30 for non-members 

1 CLE hour 

Area of Law: Estate Planning

Melone Hatley, P.C. attorneys Rebecca Melone, Erik McCauley, and Jeff Sodoma are pleased to present Estate Planning Through Life’s Transitions, a practical CLE program focused on the estate planning issues that often arise during major family changes such as divorce, separation, remarriage, and custody modifications.  

This presentation will provide an overview of the core estate planning tools clients should review during transitional periods, including wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and guardianship provisions. The discussion will also address how these planning documents intersect with family law matters, settlement agreements, and long-term client protection.  

Attendees will leave with a clearer framework for identifying estate planning risks during times of personal and legal change, as well as a better understanding of when coordination or referral may be necessary to help protect a client’s future interests.  

Presenters: 

Rebecca Melone, Esq.

Rebecca Melone, Esq. is the Founder, Owner, and Managing Partner of Melong Hatley, P.C., a nationally recognized family law and estate planning law firm serving clients across Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas. Known for her entrepreneurial leadership and client-focused approach, Rebecca founded the firm in 2014 with a vision to redefine the client experience in family law and estate planning. She is an accomplished litigator, frequent speaker, and mentor within the legal community, and has received numerous professional recognitions for her leadership and advocacy.  

Erik W. McCauley, Esq.

Erik McCauley, Esq. serves as the Managing Litigation Attorney for the Virginia offices of Melone Hatley, P.C., where he oversees litigation strategy and mentors attorneys across a broad range of family law and estate planning matters. With extensive experience handling complex and high-stakes cases, Erik is known for his strategic approach and commitment to helping clients navigate difficult legal transitions.  

Jeffrey “Jeff” Sodoma, Esq.

Jeffrey Sodoma, Esq. is an estate planning and elder law attorney in the Virginia Beach office of Melone Hatley, P.C. His practice focuses on helping individuals and families create comprehensive estate plans designed to protect assets, preserve wealth, and provide long-term security for loved ones. Jeff advises clients on wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, guardianships, conservatorships, and estate administration, bringing a thoughtful and compassionate approach to long-term planning. 

About Melone Hatley, P.C. 

Melone Hatley, P.C. is a family law and estate planning firm serving clients across Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas. The firm provides strategic legal representation in matters including divorce, custody, support, asset division, and comprehensive trust and estate planning. Led by founding partner Rebecca Melone and CEO Charles D. Hatley, the firm emphasizes thoughtful advocacy, community engagement, and long-term client relationships.