Melanie Lopez | Meet Our Team

Intake Specialist

A Little About Me

I am the first voice you will encounter when you call the firm!

I found my way into the legal field when I was in my early 20s after I lost my mother to ovarian cancer. I honestly had not a clue what to do with myself. A paralegal course was all it took to reel me in, and the rest was history. Since then I have accumulated over 20 years of paralegal experience working in estate planning, elder law, business law, real estate, employment law, insurance litigation, corporate law, and cannabis law.

I am a late bloomer. I went to college when I was 27 to receive an Associate in Applied Science degree at Brookdale Community College, the first ABA approved paralegal program in New Jersey. Twelve years later received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Thomas Edison State College in 2014, and finished a Master of Science in Psychology from University of Phoenix in 2016.

Outside of my career – I am married to a wonderful man who inspires me to be the best person I can be. I am the mother of three boys 11, 7 and 3, as well as a mom to 5 cats and 7 chickens. I work remotely out of East Tennessee, and I am excited to have a mini-farm and being able to buy my very first home. I love my greenhouse, orchard, and garden.

I have lived in New Jersey, New York City and Las Vegas Nevada – but none of those places ever felt like home. But Tennessee does.

Personal Life

In my spare time, I spend my time doing yoga, running, weight training and generally challenging myself physically. I defeated a weight issue when I was in my 20s when I was over 300 lbs so I greatly value physical fitness and self-determination. I am a vegetarian and love to learn to cook all sorts of foods ranging from Native American Indian to African stews. I find the challenge of cooking soothing and cathartic.

I read so much! I don’t read many newly published books I love the old classics that no one remembers anymore. I still think that is why I find this firm so comforting. My nerdy ways are embraced!

My biggest influence in my life was my Grandmother. She taught me how to be kind yet strong, patient and trustworthy. I follow in her footsteps in that I can disarm people with my open ways and willingness to help no matter the reason. We all could use a little more empathy and compassion in our lives, she used to tell me.

Lastly, I spend time learning about my faith, something I was not raised with. I became Catholic when my mother passed away to feel connected to our Creator. I dedicate time to reading the Bible to my boys and discussing what they hear so that I can facilitate their learning. I want to encourage them along their path and teach them to debate and challenge what they believe. That’s the best way to learn!

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Hear From Our Clients

Marshall P

Mr Crow and his staff are amazing! Especially the person assigned to my account, so a special thank you to Callie! Callie answered all of my questions and set expectations during a very confusing time in my life. Mr Crow and his team worked diligently with my specific situation and were very results driven. I would recommend Crow Estate Planning and Probate to anyone looking for an estate or probate attorney.

Benny H

Today my wife and I completed (at Crow Estate Planning and Probate) our Will, Living Will, Power of Attorney for Finance and Medical. As a Tennessee CPA for over 20 years (now retired), I’d like to leave this review so that others may benefit. Our experience rating with with Crow Estate Planning and Probate is EXCELLENT. Our legal team was Kyle Shannon, Callie and Julia. This team was competent, courteous, and professional. They made a potentially complex experience “easy” despite multiple minor trusts involved. The charge for professional services rendered was very reasonable. My wife (Denise) and I would like to thank Kyle and his team (Callie and Julia) for a great experience that exceeded our expectations. I will return for legal needs and I will refer family and others to Kyle, Callie and Julia.

Vic H

I’m very grateful to Mr. Shannon and Callie for the great job they did taking care of my muniment of title. Everyone in Mr. Shannon’s office was exceedingly kind and helpful.

Lisa M

They are caring, very helpful and not too expensive. I would recommend them to anyone that wants to plan for their future death and their children.

Ken A

Crow Estate Planning was caring, professional and took great care of our family. John personally prepared my mother’s estate and completed her final wishes. Their staff was always friendly and eager to assist. Our family strongly recommends John and Crow Estate Planning

Amanda H

Mr. Crow and his staff were very knowledgeable, prompt and pleasant to work with in the estate planning process. Very satisfied clients and highly recommend!

Nick D

Working with Kyle Shannon and Brittney Stewart to setup our Living Trust was nothing short than amazing! Very informative, very responsive, and made the whole process easy to complete.

Todd K

It was an absolute pleasure to work with Kyle establishing my Estate planning needs. Kyle was very thorough and knowledgeable. Kyle’s understanding and professionalism made for a simple and smooth process. Highly recommended!

George D

Be far the best estate planning firm in Clarksville.

Marc M

Warmly greeted. Attorney was very attentive to our needs. Reasonable fees.