Estate planning is never one-size-fits-all, and for high-net-worth families in Tennessee, it is often far more complex than simply deciding “who gets what.” Wealth is tied to business ownership, investment portfolios, charitable foundations, partnerships, and real estate holdings that require sophisticated planning. That’s why choosing the right attorney is so important and why Kelly Champagne-Deutekom brings a unique approach.
Prior to founding Champagne Law Firm, Kelly built her career as one of the youngest licensed financial advisors in the United States. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Kelly gained valuable insight into the world of finance and investments while working for one of the nation’s leading firms. She advised clients on the workings of Wall Street, guiding them through advanced investment vehicles, valuations, and asset management strategies. Today, as a practicing attorney, she brings that unique financial insight directly into her estate planning practice. For clients, this means not only receiving strong legal documents but also strategies designed to safeguard wealth across generations.
Kelly’s clients are often business owners, entrepreneurs, and families who have spent decades building significant estates. She understands the challenges they face—whether it’s reducing estate taxes, shielding assets from creditors, or preparing the next generation to responsibly inherit wealth. Her background allows her to speak fluently about investment accounts, retirement planning, and succession structures in a way that most attorneys cannot.
At Champagne Law Firm, Kelly designs trusts and estate plans tailored to each family’s needs. For blended families, she helps balance the needs of a surviving spouse with children from prior marriages. For entrepreneurs, she develops buy-sell agreements, succession plans, and business continuation strategies that keep companies stable through transitions. For families with charitable goals, she structures trusts and foundations that maximize impact while minimizing tax burdens.
What truly sets Kelly apart is her ability to connect the financial and legal worlds. Many attorneys focus solely on documents, while financial advisors focus solely on investments. Kelly bridges that gap. Her dual expertise allows her to work closely with a client’s financial advisor, CPA, and other trusted representatives to ensure that every plan is both legally enforceable and financially sound.
Based in Tennessee with offices serving Nashville, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Rogersville, Kelly works closely with families who want more than cookie-cutter solutions. Her clients value her depth of knowledge, her practical experience, and her commitment to protecting what matters most—their legacy.
Estate planning for high-net-worth families is about more than avoiding probate. It is about creating stability, preserving values, and ensuring wealth continues to serve generations to come. With Kelly Champagne-Deutekom as your estate planning attorney, you gain more than legal counsel—you gain a partner who understands the full picture of wealth and law.
