Meet a Mom: Katrina Hofstetter, Cornerstone Legal PLLC

It is Monday and that means GLAMoms has the opportunity to learn more about and share the story about an awesome mom in our community!  This week we are honored to feature mompreneur – Katrina Hofstetter, boy-mom of 3, Estate Planning Attorney and owner of Cornerstone Legal PLLC.

Learn more about Katrina, her family, some stories of the past few years and how she started her own business during COVID – amazing!  Also, why the type of law she specializes in – Estate Planning – is essential.  Katrina is knowledgeable and kind and she is passionate about helping others prepare for their future.

Welcome to GLAMoms, Katrina, we are thrilled you are here!  

And GLAMoms, Katrina is offering a free review of your existing Estate Plan or 5% off a new Estate Plan when you mention Greater Lansing Area Moms! 

Please introduce yourself!  
My name is Katrina and I am a Christian, Wife, Boy-Mom, Estate Planning Attorney from Lansing.  I’ve been married to my amazing husband Ryan for over 16 years.  We both grew up in Ithaca, Michigan, and we currently live on the northwest side of Lansing.

I received my undergraduate degree in History and Political Science from Ferris State University in 2015 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from WMU Cooley Law School with my Juris Doctor in 2020.

 I love reading, crafting, wine, long walks in Target or Horrocks, and visiting the UP.

How old are your children? 
We have three amazing boys: Rowen is almost 10, Carsten is 5, and Fallon is 2.5

What do you think is one of the best parts about being a mom? 
Lately I would say catching a moment when one of our boys reflects really great character and just feeling so proud of them.  And the laughter.  There’s something about those contagious giggles!

What is a piece of advice for new moms you wish you would have known when you were a new mom? 
You’re not a failure if you have a c-section or can’t figure out breastfeeding!  My first birth and first few months as a new Mom were nothing like I expected.  And I had very little support beyond my husband.  I didn’t know how to ask for help.  

So many Moms experience difficult pregnancies, birth trauma, breastfeeding struggles, postpartum depression, etc.  These experiences and struggles do not define you and do not make you a failure.  There are so many support resources as well!

Please tell us more about being an Estate Planning Attorney. 
I really love the Estate Planning field.  I work with clients to create either a Will or Living Trust plan that is completely customized to meet their needs.  I’ve found that many people don’t understand the importance of Estate Planning or the benefits of avoiding Probate Administration.  So I always focus on educating my clients on the Probate process, and how Wills and Living Trusts work. 

When a client makes a final decision on the plan that’s right for them, I can really see how the information empowered them to take control and protect their family.

What is one thing you wish parents of like-aged children knew about estate planning and planning ahead? 
It’s not just about naming a Guardian for your minor children.  Many young parents think that they just need a Will and to name a Guardian, and that will suffice.  But there are so many other factors to consider.  Not having solid Financial and Healthcare Powers of Attorney can create a stressful situation for the whole family if Mom or Dad becomes incapacitated.  Just having a Will means the family will have to Probate the assets for the children if Mom and Dad pass away.  

And never underestimate the power of life insurance.  I recently learned about the LIFE model of determining how much life insurance to get.  I think this is really important when there are minor children involved.  L is for liabilities (mortgage).  I is for income (8-10 years).  F is for funeral expenses (they are running $15k or more).  And E is for Estate Planning.  How much do you want to leave to take care of your children?

Did you work during COVID?  
I did work during COVID.  I worked for the State of Michigan for the latter half of law school, which coincided with the beginning of the pandemic.  It was both a blessing and a huge emotional and physical drain to work from home, with three boys, and juggle online schooling.  

I also started my practice virtually last summer and this “new normal” has actually created a very interesting niche for me to offer my legal services all across the state by traveling to my clients.

How has your work been affected since March 2020? 
Finishing up law school during the beginning of the pandemic wasn’t too difficult.  I was used to online classes from my undergrad.  But studying for and taking the Bar Exam during COVID was something that I don’t wish on anyone.  Work itself wasn’t terribly difficult.  My coworkers at the State of Michigan were amazingly flexible and we all adjusted gracefully.  

What did school look like last year for your children? 
Last year was rough and inconsistent…  Our boys are in the Montessori program through Eaton Rapids Public Schools.  Our oldest transferred there from Lansing Christian for the start of 2nd grade.  By March of his first year there, COVID hit.  Then last year he spent about 75% of 3rd grade using Zoom.  The teachers were really amazing though and I think it helped that he was under the Montessori structure and had the same teacher both years.  

What are you looking forward to in 2022? 
A couple of things really.  Obviously continuing to grow my practice is a big goal as I transition to full-time.  I’ve also committed myself to taking back my health and truly loving my body by the time I turn 40 in December.  

We are also looking forward to a Disney vacation in December.  Our whole family has sacrificed a lot over the last few years as I finished up law school and started the practice, so we really wanted to do something special to celebrate.

How do you balance being a mom and being an attorney and small business owner? 
It takes a lot.  I’m not gonna sugarcoat it.  But my husband is so supportive, both with the boys and the practice, and our strong communication skills really help.  We have a shared calendar that we review at least weekly.  

And we have a pretty consistent schedule during the week that helps to keep us all on track.  I’ve also had to create some boundaries since I’m working from home and it’s easy to either keep working past “closing time” or pick work back up when the boys are in bed.  

Here are a couple questions to get to know you better 🙂  

What gets you up in the morning?  
Usually our youngest son with entirely too much pep!

And how do you take your coffee? 🙂  
I used to go to Biggby everyday.  But since the pandemic hit, I started grabbing big bottles of dark chocolate iced Starbucks from the grocery store.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 
Either a lawyer or a marine biologist.

Last book you read?
I can’t remember the last time I actually finished a book that wasn’t a law school textbook!  I’m currently bouncing between Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ and ‘My Own Words’ by Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Audible, and then a paperback version of ‘The Big Enough Company’ by Adelaide Lancaster and Amy Abrams.  It’s really great for female entrepreneurs.

What is your favorite show? 
I don’t know how to possibly narrow it down… Suits, Dr. Who, Grey’s Anatomy, The Crown, Bridgerton, How To Get Away With Murder, Madam Secretary, just to name a few.  I tend to rewatch an entire series multiple times.

The children’s book you most enjoy reading?
Any of the Little Blue Truck books and anything Pete the Cat.

Mind sharing a mom trick another mom will be happy to learn? 
MediHoney.  $15 on Amazon.  I’m sure it has a ton of applications, but it was a life saver for me through my breastfeeding struggles.

Would you rather build a snowman or a sand castle? 
Sand castle.  I definitely would choose a warm beach over bundling up to play in the cold!

Where are some of your favorite places locally to spend time with your family?
Our favorite family restaurant is Piazzano’s on N. Grand River in Lansing.  My husband and I also love Horrocks.  We’ve always loved the movie theater and our youngest went for the first time last November (our first time as a family since COVID) and we saw Encanto.  And I recently/finally checked out Kean’s in Mason and it’s such a fun store!

Thank you for joining us, Katrina! Your story is inspiring and we look forward to learning more about all Cornerstone Legal PLLC has to offer Greater Lansing area families.