About Us
Steve Darty
CEO/J.D., LL.M
Steve Darty hung a shingle in 2012 intent on providing a different experience for Montanans looking to preserve both their assets and their family story. With a belief in flat fees and straight talk, he built a practice focused on the client, not the law firm. Those early principals evolved into the firm’s current mission statement: “To utilize every applicable law and opportunity to protect the assets, peace of mind, and the dignity of aging for Montanans”.
Steve writes an Estate Planning column for The Missoulian, is a frequent speaker on the topics of Estates and Elder Law, and is a member in good standing with many highfalutin organizations. However, his greatest pride and joy is his 14 year old son Gus. The two of whom can often be found chasing adventures in the great Montana outdoors. And despite the older of the 2 getting outwitted by much of Montana’s fish and game, the 2 never fail to score their endeavors as a success beyond reproach! A family man first, and lawyer second, Steve is proud to call Missoula home and always welcomes the opportunity to make a new friend.
Stefan Kolis
Managing Attorney – Missoula
Stefan Kolis, Esq, got his start in the law through his AmeriCorps services, helping low income Montanans file civil cases on their own at the Self-Help Law Center in Great Falls and Kalispell. Discoveringpersonal value helping others, he went to work for Montana Legal Services Association for two years, until he decided he could do more to help those in need with a law degree. During his law school career at the University of Montana School of Law, he was a Volunteer Hearing Officer for Missoula Housing Authority, ex officio board member of the Montana Justice Foundation, on the Montana Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission’s Law School Partnership Committee, and organized law students to volunteer for Missoula’s End of Life Document Clinic. Stefan graduated in 2017, and received the 2017 Equal Justice Works Public Interest Law Award.
Born in Illinois, but growing up in Havre, MT, the mountains and open space always demanded his attention; he grew up fishing, hunting, camping, and generally living on the Hi-Line. When his family moved to Wisconsin, he knew he would always return to the West. Stefan went to college at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, was Captain of the Men’s Soccer Team his senior year, and graduated in 2010 with honors with a degree in Sociology and Anthropology. After college, Stefan moved back to Montana, where he taught himself how to fly fish, telemark, mountain bike, and backpack. He now spends as much time as possible exploring Montana’s wild areas.
Stefan was hired at Montana Elder Law in the spring of 2017, and specializes in writing estate plans for Montanans. He writes plans for folks which allow middle class families to pass on their most cherished assets, while ensuring they get the care and assistance they will need. He views this work as protecting families from sliding into poverty. Stefan also drafts Special Needs Trusts, which allow disabled individuals to receive supplemental income while still receiving government benefits such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. Finally, Stefan works on probate matters, assisting families administer their loved one’s estate in what is often the most difficult period of life.
Sarah Corbally
Managing Attorney – Helena & Butte
Sarah Corbally has been practicing law since 2003, when she began her career as a Deputy County Attorney and Assistant Attorney General in Montana, seeking justice for vulnerable victims. With an undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Montana and a law degree from the University of Denver, Sarah has focused her entire career on helping others. Prior to joining Montana Elder Law, Sarah also worked in government administration and private solo practice assisting families and children in civil legal matters. Sarah’s prior experience has prepared her well for working with the complex laws and regulations that underlie much of Montana Elder Law’s practice.
Sarah is married to a third generation Montanan. They met during undergraduate school in Missoula and have been married for 18 years. Together, they have two children, both girls. Sarah’s youngest child also has Down Syndrome, which has led Sarah to be particularly interested in helping families with special needs children plan for their futures. When not at work, Sarah loves to spend time in the outdoors with her family skiing, hiking, or just relaxing.
Eric Hettinga
Managing Attorney - Kalispell
Eric Hettinga has practiced law since 2005 with the purpose of helping others by providing clients the legal tools and mechanisms required to accomplish their goals. Eric values relationships and his practice focuses on Asset Protection, Medicaid Planning for Long Term Care, and assisting Veterans in obtaining maximum benefits.
Before joining Montana Elder Law, Eric served on Active Duty in the U.S. Army for over 20 years as a Field Artillery Officer and Army JAG Attorney, including a combat tour in Iraq. Upon completing his military service, Eric returned with his wife and three daughters to their family’s hometown of Kalispell, Montana to be close to relatives and friends, and to put down permanent roots in the state they love. Eric has an undergraduate degree in American Legal Studies and Systems Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point; a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Oklahoma; and a Law Degree from Arizona State University. He is licensed to practice law in Montana, Arizona, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Tammie Lund Smith
Probate Paralegal
Tammie Lund Smith graduated from the University of Great Falls with a degree in Paralegal Studies in 1986. Since that date she has been practicing primarily in Probates, Trusts, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Indian Law and some Family Law. Tammie chose this area of law because it is a time in a person’s life when they need someone who cares, not someone who has zero empathy for others. Tammie has raised 3 beautiful children of her own, and 4 amazing step children. She is now a grandmother to a bouncing baby boy and a beautiful granddaughter. Tammie is also the Payee for her disabled sister and disabled nephew who live in the home she bought for them to guarantee a forever home.
Tammie recently became a caretaker for her aging parents whose health recently failed. When Steve talks about the “healthy” parent becoming ill, Tammie can relate to it being her mom. Tammie’s mom was the caretaker for Tammie’s Dad until May 2017 when she ended up in the ER in Missoula during a visit. She was diagnosed with Extremely Severe Congestive Heart Failure, they sent her to her doctor in Great Falls and they did an emergency surgery. After the surgery she came to Tammie’s to recover only to end up back at the ER in Missoula. After more than a week in the Hospital and much concern the doctors determined that both parents were to never return to their home to live alone. Tammie moved both of her parents into her home to live with her and her husband. This moment happened within a span of 2-3 weeks.
Tammie proudly considers herself a full time Mom, Grandma, Caretaker and a Full Time Paralegal. I am high energy and love to work and play. I love boating, camping and this Country and more than anything I love my family.
Joyce Statton
Medicaid Paralegal
Joyce Statton worked for Montana state government for 30 years; retired from Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. After retirement, Joyce began working with elderly patrons in need of assistance and, most recently, with Medicaid applications and court appointed conservatorships. Joyce’s multi-situational and intensive work experiences, plus her compassionate nature, make her a valuable and knowledgeable resource. She is married, has grown children, and many beloved grandchildren. Her favorite pastimes are jigsaw puzzles, cross stitch, and spending hours outside in her yard and garden.
