Expanding her law firm to a second location in Franklin, Indiana, was a natural choice for attorney Michelle Findley.
Findley started her Columbus, Indiana, law firm in 2021 when she made the decision to establish her solo practice. She said she saw a need in the community and decided to build on the experience she had gained to make it something different. In 2022, she opened an additional office at 701 W. Madison St. in Franklin.
The reasons to expand to Franklin seemed natural and varied. Her maternal grandparents had opened their flagship store, Ritter’s Frozen Custard, there in 1989. She also recognized that there were no other elder law attorneys in town. Additionally, her last name carried roots in Franklin and Johnson County through her husband, Brett, who has strong family ties to the community through his teaching, coaching career, and connection to Findley Auctioneers.
Findley, a native of Indiana, received her undergraduate degree from Purdue University, graduating with highest distinction, and earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence degree cum laude from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. During a college clerkship, she realized she loved working with elderly clients and that her business background made elder law a natural fit.
Findley resides in Columbus with her husband and their two children, Calvin and Audrey. School and sports activities fill her time outside the office, and the family attends Terrace Lake Church.
It is the goal of Findley Law to provide personal, practical, and comprehensive advice for clients of all ages — whether navigating end-of-life considerations or planning for a young family. Findley said many people are unaware of the type of assistance an elder care attorney can provide.
With more than 10 years of experience practicing in elder law and estate planning, Findley saw her practice grow and decided to add another attorney to her staff.
Valarie Brunning joined the firm in July 2024. Brunning says joining Findley Law “was an easy transition since she was a native of Franklin and had family here as well.”
Brunning has more than 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry before transitioning into her legal career in estate planning and elder law. She resides in Franklin with her husband, Brad, and their two daughters, Brenna and Lauren, and they are expecting another daughter in December.
Brunning graduated magna cum laude from East Tennessee State University with a degree in political science and earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Robert H. McKinney School of Law. A self-described “show choir family,” she serves on the Choral Booster Club board for Franklin Community High School and attends Victory Christian Church.
As women in the field of elder law, Findley and Brunning often sense a special level of care and compassion they convey to clients dealing with the emotional and personal aspects of legal issues.
Professional Services at Findley Law Include:
- Asset Protection and Medicaid Application Processing: Whether at home or in a nursing facility, navigating long-term care can be challenging.
- Estate Planning: Important for every stage of life. Whether you need to designate a guardian for minor children or ensure your wishes are carried out after passing, all individuals should have a will, power of attorney and health care directive.
- Estate and Trust Administration: When experiencing the death of a loved one, the firm can help navigate the process of administering that individual’s estate or trust, ensuring proper procedures and asset distribution.
- Guardianship: When a loved one requires a legal guardian—such as an adult disabled child or an elderly parent with dementia—Findley Law provides guidance with compassion and efficiency.
Findley Law offers experienced advice for every stage of life.
“It is a privilege and very rewarding to sit with clients and help them during some of their most delicate and difficult times,” Findley says. “We aim to treat clients with the same care as we would members of our own family.”
