Attorney Profile

A Dedicated Attorney With Experience In Elder Law, Estate Planning, Tax And Business

As a sole practitioner, Paul S. Ward is able to give each of his clients the personal attention they deserve. From elder law issues such as Medicaid and guardianship to tax planning, IRS offer in compromise and other forms of tax resolution, and estate administration, he offers a range of legal services.  When you step into his Williamsburg, Virginia, office you can be sure that you will meet directly with him, and that he will be at your side throughout the process.

Paul S. Ward

Paul S. Ward, P.C., is a law firm located in Williamsburg, Virginia representing clients in the areas of:

• Elder law 
• Federal and Virginia tax law 
• Estates, Trusts, Probate and Guardianships
• Business Formation
• Estate and Trust Planning 
• IRS Offers in Compromise and Collections
• Current and Unfiled Tax Return Preparation

Mr. Ward is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Tax Representation Consultant (CTRC) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS).

Mr. Ward’s approach to estate planning is to evaluate each client’s personal goals and financial situation, and to develop a customized plan for each client. He utilizes both traditional estate planning vehicles and innovative techniques that integrate personal estate planning goals with a client’s business and financial plans. Mr. Ward represents his clients on a highly personal level and takes the time to understand issues and provide custom tailored solutions. His goal is to support clients in developing a sense of security for their families and themselves. 

Mr. Ward has extensive experience in the growing specialized area of elder law. The National Elder Law Foundation has certified Mr. Ward as an elder law attorney, making him one of only a few attorneys in Virginia to earn this designation. As an elder law attorney, Mr. Ward advises clients on a variety of legal issues concerning the elderly, including but not limited to Virginia Medicaid and nursing home planning, estate planning, guardianships, and taxes. Mr. Ward’s services include preparing and defending Virginia Medicaid applications. As a certified public accountant and member of the U.S. Tax Court Bar, Mr. Ward offers basic and advanced tax services to clients. Services include tax return preparation and representation before the Internal Revenue Service, Virginia Department of Taxation, and United States Tax Court. Mr. Ward has extensive experience in helping taxpayers resolve tax debts through the IRS offer to compromise (OIC) program. Mr. Ward’s tax clients include individuals, estates, trusts, partnerships, nonprofit foundations and corporations. Tax Rep Network, an organization of enrolled agents, CPAs and attorneys, has certified Mr. Ward as a Certified Tax Representation Consultant (CTRC). Mr. Ward is also a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), a credentialed title awarded by the AICPA to reflect substantial experience and knowledge of taxes, investments, estate planning, insurance and other financial subjects.

Mr. Ward is a retired Army National Guard finance officer and a life member of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). He understands the challenges and issues of military service and can help active duty and retired military personnel with their estate planning, elder law and tax needs.

Mr. Ward serves as Treasurer of The Lincoln Forum, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the study of Abraham Lincoln and the American Civil War.

Areas of Practice

• Estate and Trust Planning – Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Advanced Health Care Directives
• Guardianships
• Conservatorships
• Probate and Trust Administration – Estates, Small Estates, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
• Medicaid Nursing Home Planning
• Medicaid Applications
• Tax Return Preparation – Individuals (1040), Businesses (1120, 1120S, 1065) and Fiduciaries (1041)
• IRS Offers in Compromise
• IRS Collection Issues
• Virginia Department of Taxation Appeals
• Internal Revenue Service Appeals
• U.S. Tax Court Representation

Litigation Percentage

• 5% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Certifications

• Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA) by The National Elder Law Foundation
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Tax Representation Consultant (CTRC) by Tax Rep Network
• Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) by the American Institute of CPAs

Bar Admissions

• Virginia
• Indiana
• United States Tax Court
• United States Supreme Court

Education

• Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, Florida
  • J.D. – 1984
• Indiana University, USA
  • M.B.A. – 1998 (Finance)
• University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
  • B.S. – 1981
  • Major: Accounting

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Williamsburg Bar Association
• Virginia State Bar
• Virginia CPA Society
• American Bar Association (Tax Section)
• Tax Rep Network
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PFP Section)
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys