#1 Choice for Wills, trusts, & Medicaid strategies

Your Peace of Mind is
Worth Planning For.

Our wills, trusts, and Medicaid strategies ensure your voice dictates your family's future.

Ensure the assets and property you worked a lifetime to earn get passed on to future generations.

Medicaid eligibility is complex at best. Develop a proper plan to qualify and receive coverage.

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Elder Law in Springfield, MO

// Why Choose us

The Cost of Waiting Could Be Everything You've Built

Elder law is about protecting everything you’ve worked for and ensuring your loved ones are cared for.

Without a plan, you could face unexpected costs, legal hurdles, and financial strain. In fact, families who plan ahead preserve 60% more of their assets on average, avoiding the high costs of probate and long-term care.

Whether you need a will, trust, Medicaid planning, or guidance for an aging parent, we’re here to help you make the right decisions.

// Why Choose us

Legal Tools That Safeguard
What Matters Most

From proactive planning to crisis intervention, our elder law team provides the full spectrum of legal services designed to protect your assets and honor your wishes

Vector

Estate Planning

Personalized estate plans that protect what you've built and the people you love.

Medicaid Coverage

Medicaid Planning

Our strategic Medicaid planning helps you qualify for benefits while preserving assets for your family.

Guardianship Springfield, MO

Guardianship

When a loved one can’t advocate for themselves, we help you stand in their corner.

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Powers of Attorney

The legal shield that lets you call the shots even when you can't speak for yourself.

Probate Lawyer

Probate

Probate shouldn't be a second tragedy after losing someone you love.

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Veterans Benefits

When a loved one can’t advocate for themselves, we help you stand in their corner.

Special Needs

Special Needs

Build a plan that protects your loved one with special needs while preserving their benefits and quality of life.

Trusts in Springfield, MO

Trusts

From avoiding probate to securing assets, create the right protection to give your family peace of mind.

Conservatorship 1

Conservatorship

Obtain the legal authority to protect your loved one when they cannot protect themselves.

// Our locations

No Matter Where You Are in the Ozarks, We're Nearby

We have offices in 10 cities across SW Missouri so you never have to go far to protect everything you've worked hard for.

Lori Rook

Lori Rook

Lori Rook is the owner and managing attorney of Ozarks Elder Law. She was born and raised in the Springfield area. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Missouri State University in 2003 where she graduated with honors.

In 2006, Lori received her law degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law before returning to the Springfield area to practice and raise her family.

Elyse Hartley

Elyse Hartley

Elyse Hartley is a partner at Ozarks Elder Law. She grew up on a farm in central Missouri. Upon graduation from the University of Missouri School of Law, she decided to pursue a career in estate planning and elder law after recognizing a need for these services, especially in the farming community. 

Mel Myears Smith

Mel Myears Smith

Melanie “Mel” Myears Smith received her undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri, majoring in Journalism with minors in Spanish and Business. In 2012, she earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri School of Law, where she was the associate-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Dispute Resolution and Vice President of the Women’s Law Association. She worked as a law clerk for a private law firm that focused on workers’ compensation and personal injury in Columbia, Missouri during law school. 

Katherine Douglas-Johnson

Katherine Douglas-Johnson

Katherine grew up on a farm in Eastern Kansas and attended UMKC where she earned a Bachelors in Business Administration, a Masters in Business Administration, and a Law Degree, with a special emphasis in litigation. While earning her Juris Doctorate, Katherine earned the “Top Oralist” award, as well as an award for the Best Petitioner’s Team Brief in Appellate Advocacy and awards for the highest score achieved in multiple classes.

Lisa Dewoody-Clark

Lisa Dewoody-Clark

A native of Oklahoma, Lisa grew up in Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation. She received her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement from the University of Oklahoma. Lisa is a graduate of Oklahoma City University School of Law, where she served as the Board of Governors Senior Class President.

Prior to moving to Missouri, Lisa was in private practice in Oklahoma City and later worked for Oklahoma City University Law School as Director of Law Alumni Relations and Development. After moving to Branson, Missouri, she was in private practice, representing clients in real estate transactions, estate planning, and family law, while also serving as the City Attorney for Hollister and Rockaway Beach and General Counsel for the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors.

Emily Blinzig

Emily Blinzig

Emily Blinzig is an experienced Estate Planning and Probate attorney who graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society, the Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society, and the Golden Key Honor Society. She obtained her law degree from the University of Tulsa in 2012, where she was a Phi Delta Phi International Fraternity member, and where she also served as the Secretary of the Student Animal Legal Defense Fund.

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// client testimonials

Real Families. Real Peace of Mind.

Our clients aren’t just cases—they’re families, just like yours. Our success is measured by the peace of mind we provide.

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“Ozarks Elder Law is as good as it gets. Lori and her team know their stuff. I always leave feeling confident about our game plan. Highly recommend!”

Jenny Fauscett
Customer

"I strongly recommend Ozarks Elder Law for their estate planning services. They provided clear answers to all of my questions and maintained excellent communication throughout the entire process. I was very pleased with the outcome and will certainly return to them for any future legal needs."

Ben Johnson
Customer

Our attorney Katherine was amazing in telling us the ins and outs of what we needed done. Explained things in layman terms so we could understand what needed done. She was very patient with us. The staff at the Joplin location was very friendly and accommodating. We will be returning customers when the need arises.

Robert Cherry
Customer

My husband and I met with Vera Moritz in the Marshfield office and were very pleased with the help she gave us. She was professional and friendly, directing us to the document we needed to meet our needs. She explained things in a way easy to understand and answered all our questions, even doing research to provide answers. She took all the time we needed and we would turn to her again for future needs. We thank her and the receptionist who was welcoming and helped us feel at ease.

Nancy Auten Gann
Customer

Elyse was wonderful to work with on our will and estate plan. She made something that we were dreading very painless and enjoyable. We are glad we went to Ozarks Elder Law, and are happy to have our affairs in order

Sheila Cox-Hines
Customer
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// our locations

Not All Elder Law Attorneys
Are Created Equal

Founded by women who understand family dynamics, our firm brings compassion and fierce advocacy. Our attorneys pride themselves on explaining complicated matters clearly, ensuring you make confident decisions based on genuine understanding, not confusion or intimidation.

Decades of Experience

Women-Owned and Community-Focused

Personalized Plans for Every Family

Recognized Leaders in Elder Law

// faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Your guide to everything wills, trusts, and Medicaid strategies

The Best Time to Plan Was Yesterday. The Second Best Time is Today.

The longer you wait, the fewer options you have. Schedule your free consultation today and discover how proactive planning preserves your choices.

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