Personal service. Competitive fees. When you need to work with a lawyer about important personal issues such as estate planning, elder law, or an unpaid tax debt, you want your case addressed by a professional in a cost-effective and efficient manner.

When you enter the Williamsburg law and CPA office of Paul S. Ward, you will deal directly with your lawyer and CPA. Why go to a large firm where your case will get passed to a paralegal or legal assistant? Paul S. Ward is ready to answer your questions and explain your options directly on elder law issues, estate planning, tax planning, tax resolution and business formation.

A CELA, CPA, CRTC and PFS

With more than 32 years of legal experience as an attorney, Paul S. Ward focuses his practice on taxation, estate planning, elder law and business law. The National Elder Foundation has certified Mr. Ward as an elder law attorney (CELA).

In addition to his legal credentials, Paul S. Ward is a certified public accountant (CPA). He understands the needs of his individual and business clients and how to get the best possible results in a variety of focused legal areas.

Tax Rep Network, an organization of enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys, has certified Mr. Ward as a Certified Tax Representation Consultant (CRTC). CRTCs have received training and passed examinations in various aspects of professionally representing clients in IRS matters, including audits, collections and offers in compromise.

Mr. Ward is also a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS). The American Institute of CPAs awards the PFS credential to CPAs who are licensed, active members of the AICPA, who meet education and examination requirements, and who have provided not less than 7,500 hours of counsel to the public in the areas of taxes, investments, estate planning, insurance and other financial subjects.

Mr. Ward assists clients in planning their estates and trusts and their executors and trustees in administering them. He offers comprehensive basic and advanced estate planning, including wills, living trusts, irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives. He practices regularly in probate courts throughout Hampton Roads.

For more information about Mr. Ward’s legal services, please call 757-378-3537 to schedule a consultation.

Providing a Wide Range of Legal Services

Elder Law

Paul S. Ward helps people protect their rights as they grow older and has extensive experience in the growing specialized area of elder law. From Medicaid planning and guardianship to tax law and special needs trusts, he can help.

Many Americans end up depending on Medicaid benefits to pay for long-term care. Mr. Ward has extensive experience in planning for Medicaid, using federal and Virginia laws with a goal of caring for you or your loved ones while legally preserving assets for you, your spouse and your family. The National Elder Law Foundation has certified Mr. Ward as an certified elder law attorney (CELA), a professional designation achieved by relatively few elder law attorneys.

Pursuant to rules of the Virginia Supreme Court, Mr. Ward is qualified to accept appointment as a Guardian Ad Litem for incapacitated persons in Virginia guardianships and other proceedings.

Tax Return Preparation, Tax Lien, Levy and Offer in Compromise Resolution, IRS Audits, IRS Appeals and US Tax Court Litigation

Paul S. Ward understands the challenges that come with tax debt. The law invests the Internal Revenue Service with incredible power to collect taxes. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Member of the U.S. Tax Court Bar, and Certified Tax Representation Consultant (CRTC), Mr. Ward offers tax services to clients that include tax return preparation and representation before the Internal Revenue Service, Virginia Department of Taxation, and United States Tax Court. Mr. Ward’s services in the tax area are broad and include, but are not limited to: offers in compromise, tax resolution, audit representation and comprehensive tax planning. He helps people deal with tax liens and tax levies. He prepares a variety of tax returns, including individual (1040), corporate (1120 and 1120S), partnership (1065) and fiduciary (1041) returns. He can counsel clients on a variety of tax issues.

Business Formation and Business Law

From initial business formation to business succession planning, Paul S. Ward can assist you with your business’s legal needs. He can explain the legal and tax consequences of different business entities such as corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and sole proprietorships. He has extensive experience preparing and filing articles of incorporation, LLC articles of organization, corporate by-laws, LLC operating agreements and corporate minutes.

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