Attorney Lisa Meggs
Protecting Your Life’s Work When Long-Term Care Is Needed
Meet Lisa Meggs: Your Family's Legal Advocate
Education & Professional Credentials
Juris Doctor (J.D.):
[University of Mississippi], [Year]
Bar Admissions:
- Mississippi State Bar
- Alabama State Bar
- Any necessary federal court admissions
Professional Memberships:
- Mississippi State Bar Association
- Alabama State Bar Association
- Lowndes County Bar Association
Practice Philosophy & Approach
Lisa's Philosophy: Family-Centered Legal Excellence
Core Principles
Integrated Thinking
I saw too many families struggling to coordinate advice from multiple attorneys who didn’t communicate with each other. When your divorce attorney doesn’t talk to your estate planning attorney, important details fall through the cracks. My integrated approach ensures all your legal documents work together harmoniously.
Inclusive Excellence
Every family structure deserves the same level of respect and protection. As an LGBTQ+ family ourselves, we understand that love makes a family—not traditional definitions. Whether you’re a same-sex couple, a blended family, or any other family structure, you deserve legal representation that honors your reality.
Accessible Justice
Quality legal representation shouldn’t be a luxury available only to the wealthy. I’ve structured our practice to make excellent legal services accessible through flexible payment options, sliding scale fees, and efficient processes that control costs without compromising quality.
Long-Term Relationships
I don’t want to be your attorney for just one legal matter—I want to be your family’s legal partner through all of life’s changes. Whether you’re newlyweds needing your first estate plan or grandparents planning for long-term care, I’m here for your family’s entire journey.
Preventive Planning
The best legal problems are the ones that never happen. I focus on preventive planning that anticipates potential issues and creates solutions before they become crises. This approach saves families both money and stress.
Areas Of Expertise
Lisa's Legal Expertise
Family Law Specializations:
- Divorce & Separation: Comprehensive divorce representation with integrated estate planning updates
- Child Custody & Support: Protecting children’s interests while planning for their long-term security
- Adoption Services: All types of adoption with immediate estate planning integration
- LGBTQ+ Family Law: Specialized expertise in same-sex marriage, adoption, and family protection
- Blended Family Planning: Complex family structures requiring coordinated legal strategies
- Domestic Relations: Prenuptial agreements, paternity, and family mediation
Estate Planning Specializations:
- Comprehensive Estate Planning: Wills, trusts, and coordinated family protection strategies
- Medicaid Crisis Planning: Asset protection for long-term care needs
- Special Needs Planning: Protecting disabled family members while preserving benefits
- Business Succession Planning: Coordinating personal and business estate planning
- Multi-State Planning: Estate planning for families with ties to multiple states
- Tax Planning: Minimizing estate and gift tax implications
Integrated Services:
- Divorce + Estate Planning: Simultaneous handling of divorce and estate plan restructuring
- Adoption + Inheritance Planning: Ensuring adopted children are fully protected
- Custody + Educational Planning: Coordinating custody arrangements with educational funding
- Business + Family Planning: Aligning business succession with family protection goals
- Crisis Management: Emergency planning for immediate family protection needs
Professional Experience
Professional Background & Experience
Notable Achievements:
- Successfully integrated family law and estate planning practice areas
- Developed sliding scale fee program for accessible legal services
- Created comprehensive LGBTQ+ family protection protocols
- Established emergency Medicaid crisis planning procedures
- Built reputation for complex blended family legal coordination
Case Highlights:
- Saved family over $300,000 through strategic Medicaid crisis planning
• Represented high-net worth individuals through contested divorces - Successfully coordinated complex multi-state adoption with estate planning
- Protected business assets during high-conflict divorce proceedings
- Created innovative special needs planning for multi-generational family
- Developed comprehensive LGBTQ+ family protection across state lines
Community Involvement & Leadership
Community Leadership & Service
Professional Service:
- Mississippi State Bar Association: Active member and committee participation
- Alabama State Bar Association: Dual-state practice coordination
- Lowndes County Bar Association: Local legal community leadership
- Family Law Section: Continuing education and best practices development
- Estate Planning Council: Advanced planning strategies and coordination
Educational Outreach:
- Estate Planning Essentials Seminars: Free community education programs
- Divorce Survival Workshops: Supporting families through difficult transitions
- LGBTQ+ Family Protection: Presentations: Specialized planning for diverse families
- Medicaid Planning Basics Classes: Asset protection education for seniors
- High School Career Days: Inspiring next generation of legal professionals
Pro Bono Services:
- Domestic violence survivor legal assistance
- Low-income family estate planning
- LGBTQ+ family protection for underserved communities
- Senior citizen legal clinics
- Adoption assistance for qualifying families
Why Community Matters to Lisa:
Strong communities create strong families. By investing in our communities through service, education, and advocacy, I help create an environment where all families can thrive. My legal practice is just one way I serve—community involvement is equally important to building a society that supports and protects all families.
Personal Background
Lisa's Personal Story: Understanding Family from the Inside
Family Life:
Lisa is married to Donna, and together they have two children and a house full of beloved animals that truly make their house a home. As an LGBTQ+ family living in the South, Lisa understands firsthand the unique legal challenges and planning needs that diverse families face.
Why Personal Experience Matters:
Being part of an LGBTQ+ family in Mississippi has given me invaluable insight into the legal challenges that non-traditional families face. I understand the importance of having legal documents that protect your family across state lines, the complexity of adoption and parental rights, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is legally protected.
Life with Children and Animals:
Our household is beautifully chaotic with two kids and multiple rescue animals. This daily experience of family life—with all its joys and challenges—keeps me grounded in what really matters. When I’m helping families plan for their futures, I’m drawing on my own experience of wanting to protect the people and animals I love most.
Values in Action:
- Authenticity: I bring my whole self to my legal practice because authentic relationships create better legal outcomes.
- Empathy: Having navigated my own family’s legal needs, I understand the emotions and concerns my clients experience.
- Inclusion: Our family’s experience has taught me that love makes a family, and every family deserves equal protection under the law.
- Balance: Managing a law practice while raising children has taught me efficiency and the importance of focusing on what truly matters.
Hobbies & Interests:
- Animal rescue and welfare advocacy
- Family outdoor activities and travel
- Curling up on the couch with Cooper and friends
- Reading and continuing education
- Cooking and family traditions
- Local arts and cultural events
- Travel addict!
Approach To Client Relationships
How Lisa Works with Families
Initial Consultation Philosophy:
Every family’s story is unique, and I need to understand your complete picture before I can provide meaningful advice. Our initial consultation isn’t just about legal issues—it’s about understanding your family dynamics, goals, values, and concerns.
Communication Style:
- Clear, Jargon-Free Explanations: Legal concepts should be understandable to everyone, not just lawyers.
- Regular Updates: You should never wonder what’s happening with your case.
- Responsive Availability: When you have questions or concerns, you deserve timely responses.
- Honest Assessments: I’ll give you realistic expectations and honest advice, even when it’s not what you want to hear.
Problem-Solving Approach:
- Holistic Thinking: I consider how every legal decision impacts your entire family situation.
- Creative Solutions: Sometimes the best answer isn’t the obvious one—I look for innovative approaches that serve your unique needs.
- Preventive Planning: I help you anticipate and prevent problems before they become crises.
- Long-Term Perspective: Every decision should serve your family’s long-term goals and values.
Working with Diverse Families:
Whether you’re a traditional nuclear family, a same-sex couple, a blended family, or any other family structure, my approach remains the same: understand your unique situation, respect your values, and create legal solutions that truly protect your family.
Handling Sensitive Situations:
Family law and estate planning often involve deeply personal and emotional situations. I provide a safe, judgment-free environment where you can share your concerns openly and work toward solutions that honor your family’s needs.
