MEET FRANCINE
Most people don’t realize how exposed they are until something forces them to find out. An outdated will that no longer reflects their life. A brand name they assumed was “theirs” until someone else claimed it first. A family left guessing because no one ever talked about what should happen. These are the moments that create chaos, conflict, and unnecessary pain — and they’re almost always preventable.
I built my practice to prevent those moments.
With 35 years of experience as an attorney and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, I’ve spent my career helping people protect what matters most: their families, their legacies, and the identities of the businesses they’ve worked hard to build. My work sits at the intersection of law, clarity, and real life. I don’t believe in overwhelming clients with legal jargon or pushing them through a process they don’t understand. I believe in truth, transparency, and thoughtful guidance.
My approach is intentionally different. I listen deeply. I ask the questions most people avoid. I help you see the bigger picture — not just what documents you need, but why you need them, how they work, and how they protect you in real life. Estate planning and trademark protection aren’t just legal tasks; they’re acts of responsibility, love, and foresight.
Clients come to me because they want more than paperwork. They want a lawyer who tells the truth with compassion, who understands the complexity of family dynamics, who respects the emotional weight of planning for the future, and who can translate complicated issues into clear, grounded decisions. They want someone who understands that life changes — and their legal planning should evolve with them.
My work blends legal strategy with clarity coaching and honest conversation. I help you think through the decisions that matter: who will make medical choices for you, how your assets will be managed, how your business identity will be protected, and how to ensure the people you love aren’t left with confusion or conflict.
Legal planning should feel empowering, not intimidating. It should give you peace of mind, not stress. It should reflect your values, your relationships, and your real life — not a generic template.
If you’re ready to stop hoping things will “work themselves out” and start creating real protection for your people, your legacy, and your work, you’ll find a grounded, honest, and compassionate partner here. My goal is simple: to help you make decisions today that stand the test of time.
BOOKS
Francine D. Ward is the author of a life-changing book entitled, Esteemable Acts – 10 Actions for Building Real Self-Esteem. This is a must read for anyone ready for a better life. Based on the principals that led to Francine’s own remarkable recovery from drug addiction, alcoholism, and low self-esteem.While many think self esteem is all about having the right job, the right boyfriend (or girlfriend), or living in the right neighborhood, Francine demonstrates how self esteem is all about how you behave. She says, “Believe it or not, your behavior determines your feelings about YOU!”
Francine knows how to turn around the struggle with low self-esteem – not with drugs or other chemicals – but with consistent, small, manageable, daily actions she calls esteemable acts.
When you read Esteemable Acts you will learn how to break down big, scary actions into small doable steps so you can build your self-esteem and live the life of your dreams! Hardcover Edition.
CONTENT
AS the years have passed, Francine’s look has changed, her thinking has changed, and her life condition has changed. What has not changed is her powerful message of hope. Her ability to dig deep into our souls and have us relate—regardless of who we are—is a testament to the power of her honesty and authenticity. As a young woman, her riveting rags to riches story inspired us. Now as a mature woman who has experienced many of life’s challenges, her story is more compelling. In her own words, Francine says:
At 18, I thought I was invincible.
Yet at 25, I didn’t think I’d live to see 26.
By the time I turned 30, I was in the middle of a significant life change.
Then by 40, I was living my dream.
At 50, I couldn’t believe how awesome I felt. 50 rocked!
Then I hit 60 and I felt my life was over. I cried for days and weeks at the thought of being old. I was probably watching way too may television shows, where 60-year-old people were in rocking chairs.
By 61, I started to appreciate the gift of a long life.
Now at 71, I am living and loving every fabulous moment of it.
Life is not a destination, it’s a journey. The power of the journey depends on our attitude. The true test of a successful person is their willingness to weather life’s “inevitable” storms. Everyone has their turn in the barrel. Aging is one of life’s storms. Loss is one of life’s storms. An unexpected experience, like a pandemic, is a life storm. If we are lucky, we GET to experience all with room to spare. I speak from experience.