About Us
Our Attorneys
Experienced Virginia Attorneys Focused on Lifelong Relationships
Attorney Helena S. Mock is the founder and owner of The Peninsula Center for Estate and Lifelong Planning. Ms. Mock — who has been practicing estate, probate, trust, business, and tax law in Virginia since 2000 — provides personal attention and service to each of the firm’s clients. Ms. Mock, a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorney and an Accredited Estate Planning Attorney, has been named seven times to Virginia Business’s Legal Elite list, was selected in 2007 and 2008 for inclusion in Virginia Super Lawyers — Rising Stars, has been selected for inclusion in Virginia Super Lawyers from 2013-2017, has received the Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award in 2013 and 2015, has received a rating of 10.0 from the legal website Avvo, and has just received recognition as an Accredited Estate Planner®.
Attorney Catherine E. Sears has been practicing law since 2017 and has worked extensively with The Peninsula Center since 2015. Ms. Sears feels passionately about providing quality legal services to all clients, especially the elderly and their families. Her practice focuses on estate planning and elder law.
The Peninsula Center for Estate and Lifelong Planning attorneys have the experience and insight to assist clients with a wide range of estate, business, and elder law matters. To learn more about their backgrounds, please review their comprehensive profiles:
Our Staff
Our staff has been hand-selected by Helena to ensure that every client feels like they are the only client and receives the care and assistance necessitated by the client’s individual situation.
Debra Pecor
Senior Paralegal, Estate Planning and Administration
Debbie is our Senior Paralegal; she is well-versed in all facets of estate planning and administration and brings a wealth of knowledge to our staff. With over 38 years of paralegal experience, including 21 years with Helena, Debbie has helped hundreds of clients prepare their estate plans and administer estates and trusts upon the death of a loved one. Her knowledge and expertise are unparalleled, and clients love working with her.
Valerie Hollar
Estate Planning Paralegal
Valerie is our Estate Planning Paralegal. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies. She has over 15 years of experience in the legal industry, where helping clients achieve their goals is her top priority. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, a military spouse, and a momma of four, Valerie became interested in estate planning and the legal profession when her grandparents took her along to their estate planning appointment when she was in high school.
Teresa M. Clemons
Office Manager
Teresa is our Office and Human Resource Manager, Account Supervisor, part-time Trust and Estate Administration Paralegal, and Marketing Director and has a background in accounting and a degree in paralegal studies. Teresa moved to Williamsburg in 2004 from Northern Virginia. After working in the Title business for 16 years, she had resigned to stay home and raise her son. After he entered school, she found that she had more time. She started working with TPC as our part-time Bookkeeper in 2011, working only a few hours a week. Over the years, her hours, job description, and duties changed significantly. She has grown along with TPC, and today fills many roles for our firm. As you can see, the firm wouldn’t run with her.
Leslie Salvo
Estate Administration Paralegal
Leslie is our Estate Administration Paralegal. She has over 20 years of experience working with both the Court system and in private practice. She previously held the position of Deputy Clerk in the Probate Division of a Virginia Circuit Court and subsequently worked as a paralegal assisting with preparation of estate plans, guardianship and conservatorship pleadings, and estate administration. In her spare time, she enjoys cycling, reading, and spending time with her friends.
To discuss how The Peninsula Center can assist you with your concerns, please contact us at our offices in Williamsburg at 757-847-5596 or by e-mail.