Our Story
How you would like your property and assets to be handled after your death is something that everyone should think about, but are often reluctant to do so. We begin the estate planning process by listening to your goals and providing you with a series of options that may be available, as well advising you of any laws that may affect the estate distribution. By focusing on your individual needs, we will then tailor an estate plan that protects you and your family as well as your property and assets. In addition to this, we can also help you prepare for a time when you may no longer be able to handle your own finances, or make decisions about your healthcare. Lastly, when it is time to either probate your estate or distribute your assets, we compassionately seek to ensure your wishes are honored and your legacy enhanced for the benefit of your family. The attorneys for Life Leaf Legal are as follows:
Christie Coleman
Licensure:
Ms. Coleman is licensed to practice law in the states of New Mexico and California.
Education:
Ms. Coleman received her Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California where she was an editor for the International Law Journal and a teaching assistant. She completed her undergraduate training at University of California Berkeley.
Backround:
Ms. Coleman clerked for a national law firm throughout law school, where she focused on civil litigation for their Los Angeles and New York offices. She has worked at Jay Goodman & Associates since the fall of 2013 assisting attorneys in nearly all areas of the firm’s practice.
Areas of legal emphasis:
Family Law, Landlord Tenant, Estate Planning, and General Civil Litigation.
Divorce: 30%
Litigation: 25%
2 years, 30 cases
Family: 25%
2 years, 100 cases
Estate Planning: 20%
2 years, 45 cases
Cindy Sikelianos
Cynthia Sikelianos is a native New Mexican. She is a graduate of Highland High School in Albuquerque. Ms. Sikelianos received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico. While receiving her undergraduate degree, Ms. Sikelianos worked for a local estate planning law firm, where she developed an interest in this area of the law. After graduation, Ms. Sikelianos attended the University of New Mexico School of Law and received her Juris Doctor degree. She has been a practicing member of the New Mexico State Bar since 1997.
Since being admitted to the bar, Ms. Sikelianos’ legal practice has been primarily in the areas of estate and business planning, probate and estate and trust administration. Ms. Sikelianos’ served on the Board of Directors of the New Mexico State Bar Taxation Section and is a member of the State Bar of New Mexico Real Property, Probate and Trust Section.
In addition to her legal aspirations, she is also a small business owner and director of Triple Threat Performing Arts in northeast Albuquerque. She is also a former member of the Board of Directors of the historical Albuquerque Little Theatre.
Ms. Sikelianos finds assisting clients with their estate planning needs rewarding because of the benefit her clients receive as a result of these services. She is committed to providing exceptional legal counseling and service from the beginning phases of an estate plan through the administrative process.
Ms. Sikelianos joined the Santa Fe Estate Planning Attorneys at Life Leaf and Jay Goodman & Associates in November 2013.