Thursday, July 16, 2026
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Norfolk Courthouse First Floor Training Room
Free to NPBA members; $30 non-members
1 CLE hr
Area of Law: Estate Planning
Summary:
A practical overview of the core estate planning tools every client should address during major life changes such as divorce, separation, remarriage, or custody modifications. This CLE will cover the basics of wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and guardianship provisions, with a focus on how these documents intersect with family law matters and settlement agreements. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for identifying estate planning risks in transitional periods and knowing when to coordinate or refer to protect their clients’ long-term interests.
Presenters: Rebecca Melone, Erik McCauley, and Jeff Sodoma, Melone Hatley, P.C.
Rebecca Melone, Esq. is the Founder, Owner, and Managing Partner of Melone Hatley, P.C., a nationally recognized family law and estate planning law firm with a growing presence across multiple states. An entrepreneur at heart, Rebecca launched the firm in 2014 as a solo practitioner with a vision to redefine client service in family law. Under her strategic leadership, the firm has expanded into a multi-office operation with more than two dozen attorneys serving clients in Virginia, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas. Her growth-driven mindset, combined with a deep commitment to client advocacy, has positioned Melone Hatley as a premier destination for families seeking trusted legal guidance.
Driven by a vision to provide families with trusted legal counsel during life’s most challenging times, Rebecca built her firm on the principles of compassion, integrity, and relentless advocacy. Her leadership continues to reflect these values, guiding the firm’s growth while maintaining a deep commitment to personalized service. Under her direction, Melone Hatley has become one of the fastest-growing family law practices in the country.
A respected litigator and dynamic leader, Rebecca has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including Virginia Lawyers Weekly “Leaders in Law” 2025, Costal Virginia Business NextGen 2025, SuperLawyers Rising Star, and Inside Business Top 40 Under 40. Beyond her legal practice, she is actively involved in the legal community — mentoring young attorneys and speaking at professional events. Rebecca has spent time in the community volunteering with Wills on Wheels, Pets on Wheels, and served on the Board of the Society of Virginia.
Erik W. McCauley, Esq. is the Managing Litigation Attorney for the Virginia offices of Melone Hatley P.C. In this role, Erik leads complex cases, manages and mentors attorneys, and guides the firm’s overall litigation strategy across a wide spectrum of family law and estate planning matters, always prioritizing the needs and goals of his clients.
With extensive experience in high-stakes family law and estate cases, Erik is recognized for his steady judgment, courtroom poise, and strategic approach. He works closely with clients at every stage – developing case strategy, gathering evidence, and navigating negotiations, mediation, or trial – always focused on achieving durable, positive outcomes.
A long-time resident of Hampton Roads, Erik has successfully represented clients across the state. His experience in both large and boutique firms has honed his ability to quickly assess disputes, evaluate risk, and determine the most effective path forward, whether through strategic settlement or assertive litigation, always with the client’s long-term interests in mind.
Jeffrey “Jeff” Sodoma, Esq. is an estate planning and elder law attorney in Melone Hatley, P.C.’s Virginia Beach, VA office, where his practice is focused on helping individuals and families create comprehensive estate plans that protect assets, address future needs, provide long-term security for loved ones, and preserve generational wealth. He works closely with clients to develop thoughtful, forward-looking plans tailored to each client’s goals and circumstances that offer peace of mind for the future. Jeff always places his client’s best interests first and foremost.
Jeff regularly advises clients on all aspects of estate planning, including wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance medical directives, advance planning strategies, and estate and trust administration. He also represents clients in guardianship and conservatorship matters, guiding families through complex legal and fiduciary responsibilities with compassion and legal clarity. He is also a VSB-registered Real Estate Settlement Agent.
Before joining Melone Hatley, P.C., Jeff founded and led his own Virginia Beach-based estate planning and elder law practice, where he advised clients throughout Virginia on long-term planning, incapacity preparation, and fiduciary duties. This experience gave him firsthand insight into the importance of clear communication and intentional planning, particularly when addressing aging, disability, and family dynamics. Jeff also was employed with another regionally focused law firm in the Hampton Roads area.
In addition to estate planning and administration, Jeff assists clients with fiduciary and compliance-related issues that often arise during the planning and administration process. His background supports a detail-oriented, analytical approach to estate matters, particularly when plans involve multiple parties, long-term oversight, or heightened legal responsibility. These skills help him with any estate planning matters for Virginia Beach families.
