The Carolina Family Estate Planning Team
Jackie Bedard
Personal Family Lawyer
Jackie Bedard’s estate planning practice is focused on guiding her clients through the complicated and often confusing maze of balancing family protection, wealth preservation, and cherished family values in the planning process. Jackie is one of only about 70 lawyers nationwide to earn the designation of Personal Family Lawyer by the Family Wealth Planning Institute, a national organization dedicated to providing affordable access to a lifetime relationship with a personal lawyer. Joining the Personal Family Lawyer program was a natural fit for Jackie as she has always believed that traditional estate planning, which typically only focuses on financial wealth, is far too limited and short-sighted. Jackie believes it’s not just about passing on financial wealth, but also intellectual, spiritual and human wealth.
In addition to being a Personal Family Lawyer, Jackie is also a member of the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys, a cooperative alliance of nationally recognized estate planning attorneys aimed at providing the support and tools needed to better serve their clients. Locally, Jackie is on the board of Wake Women Attorneys and is a member of the Wake County Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Association.
Jackie earned her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She graduated law school magna cum laude in the top 10% of her class at the University of Richmond School of Law. On a personal level, Jackie resides in Cary with her husband, Dan, and their two dogs, Kylie and Nelly. Jackie is actively involved in the community through her church and children’s ministry, civic and networking groups, and a marathon training group. She also enjoys cycling, hiking, baking, music and more.
Cindy Gebelein
Client Services Director
Cindy Gebelein, Client Services Director, serves as the liaison between our clients and the legal team, guiding them through the estate planning process. She also oversees the marketing efforts for the firm, schedules workshops and speaking engagements and maintains our PR contacts. She is the mother of two grown daughters both of which live nearby. Her eldest daughter is married and is a mother of her darling grandson with another grandson on the way. Her youngest daughter is an ER nurse. Cindy thrives on helping families and small business enjoy the richness of life while leaving a legacy of financial strength and happiness.
Bari Vallas
Funding Coordinator
Bari Vallas, Funding Coordinator, was an attorney practicing in civil litigation for 20 years before joining our firm. As Funding Coordinator, Bari assists with the review and organization of asset information for each client, prepares a Family Wealth Inventory, and works diligently with our clients and their financial institutions to make sure their assets are properly funded in coordination with their estate plans.
Contact Cindy, our Client Services Director at (919) 443-3035 and schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session today!