Personal, thoughtful counsel for Louisville families — from planning your estate to settling a loved one's, and resolving conflict along the way.
Six areas of practice, one attorney who knows your file. Mitigate present and future conflict by preparing for it now.
If you've recently lost a loved one, we identify heirs, settle debts, and distribute assets — handling the district court process from petition to final settlement.
Our focus →Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and business succession plans that avoid probate, save on taxes, and leave a lasting legacy.
When an adult loved one can no longer make decisions for their safety and well-being, a caregiver can be appointed guardian, conservator, or both.
Entity structuring, contracts, and agreements for closely held and family businesses — with economically sensible options at every step.
A neutral mediator guides you and your spouse or partner to cooperative solutions for family and estate issues — outside the courtroom.
Clear agreements covering property division and spousal maintenance — protecting both partners and the families behind them.
In Kentucky, an estate is opened in the district court of the county where your loved one lived. Creditors get six months to bring claims, the executor files an inventory within two months of appointment, and the estate closes with a final settlement. We handle every filing and deadline — and tell you plainly what to expect.
Three questions. A general guide, not legal advice.
Spouses, children, parents, grandchildren, and siblings are fully exempt. Nieces, nephews, and more distant heirs may owe tax on what they inherit.
Small estatesEstates under $30,000 may skip full administration.When a surviving spouse or child is entitled to the property and it falls under Kentucky's exemption, the court can dispense with formal administration.
Adult guardianshipKentucky is one of the few states that puts guardianship before a jury.An interdisciplinary evaluation and a six-person jury determine disability unless the jury is waived — so preparation matters.
A respected and compassionate attorney with 27 years of experience in estate planning, business structuring, contract law, and family law. Elizabeth takes the time to truly listen, understands what you need, and crafts customized, thoughtful legal strategies around it.
She is a sixth-generation attorney in a family that has served Greater Louisville since 1869, admitted in Kentucky and Indiana, a Vanderbilt University graduate, and an alumna of Cumberland School of Law. She founded Coordinating Compromise, LLC for mediation and conflict resolution.
"Since the inception of my firm, I have been steadfast in my dedication to offering my clients attentive service and customized legal representation."
"Elizabeth Dodd is very professional and skilled. She deals with high conflict divorces, understands the need to compromise, negotiates effectively…"
"Elizabeth Dodd was approachable and put me at ease. She has a remarkable ability to clarify the complexities of the legal process…"
A neutral path for families and estates who would rather resolve than litigate — faster, more private, and less costly than trial.
Visit Coordinating CompromiseElizabeth serves of counsel with a Louisville firm, so complex or multi-practice matters have depth behind them without losing the personal attention of a single attorney.
Elizabeth's of-counsel profileTell us a little about your situation and we'll follow up to schedule a time — in the office on Goss Avenue, by phone, or on a weekend by appointment.