Catherine Deist

Catherine Deist focuses her practice on Estate Planning and Asset Protection, Family Formation via Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), and Family Law. She joined Ernest Law Group after spending almost five years in Air Fore JAG Corps, where she gained extensive litigation experience prosecuting a wide range of criminal cases.

During her time with the JAG Corps, she handled countless family law issues, and drafted over 300 wills for military members, their dependents, and military retirees.

Estate Planning and Asset Protection:  Catherine believes first and foremost in educating members of the Hampton Roads community about the importance of asset protection and preservation, regardless of age or income level.

Whether you need a simple will, complex trust, or Medicaid qualification, it is imperative that you understand your level of risk and how you can protect yourself and your family in the event of a death or crisis.

Family Formation:  Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is a method used by so many who are unable to conceive on their own, which may require an egg donor, sperm donor, and/or gestational carrier.

A fast-changing area of law, Catherine counsels couples and individuals on the legal issues involved in utilizing ART before drafting a contract that meets their specific and unique needs.

Family Law:  Catherine also handles Family Law issues, including divorce, custody, visitation, and support. Not only is Ms. Deist a former military member herself, she is also a military spouse who has a deep understanding of the complexities of military life and the specialized knowledge that is necessary for a successful resolution in any family law situation.

Education:

• Juris Doctor (Cum Laude), St. Mary’s University School of Law (2009)
• B.A. English Rhetoric, Texas A&M University (2006)

Admissions:

• Texas State Bar
• Virginia State Bar
• Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
• Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces