Rachel Fortenberry
Fortified Elder Law
Rachel Fortenberry
Fortified Elder Law
Becoming an elder law attorney has allowed me to find my life’s work: helping clients preserve their life savings. My greatest joy as an attorney has been to help keep a spouse from losing everything just because they can no longer keep their loved one at home. Oftentimes, my clients have been neglecting themselves and their own health because of the mistaken belief that they cannot afford to place their spouse in a nursing home. Others have spent almost every dime to keep someone at home. These are the clients that I love to help.
I was born and raised in Rogersville, Missouri, graduating from Logan-Rogersville High School in 2006. I stayed local for college, earning a full ride from Missouri State University. I graduated cum laude in 2010 with my Bachelor’s in Global Studies/Political Science. I was lucky enough to attend Case Western Reserve University with a full scholarship as a Hugo Grotius Scholar and Frederick K. Cox International Center Fellow. I was also chosen during that time to serve as a member of the University’s Honor Court and Community Standards Board, based on faculty recommendations for students with high moral character.
I started my career as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Christian County, where I spent practically every day in the courtroom. I prosecuted a large range of offenses, starting with traffic tickets and misdemeanor assaults, moving on to DWI and manslaughter cases, and finally taking over the felony property crimes cases loads for my last year, which included burglary, robbery, as well as financial exploitation of the elderly.
I was lucky enough in 2020 to find what I feel like is my work’s life purpose, which is to help clients navigate the Medicaid and long-term care process. I was fortunate to be trained by local attorney Sativa Boatman, who mentored me through my first Medicaid files. During my first two years, I was able to save my clients over $2 million from being drained by the nursing home.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my best friend and husband, Brad. I also give back to the community through the Junior League of Springfield, of which I am currently a non-voting member of the board as Parliamentarian. I also serve on the board for Hospice Foundation of the Ozarks and am a committee member for The Walk to End Alzheimer’s. I’m a member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar, the Greene County Estate Planning Council, and Southern Missouri Women’s Lawyers.
Firm Description
At Fortified Elder Law, we help families prepare for and navigate the challenges of aging, long-term care, and Medicaid eligibility. Whether planning ahead or facing a sudden health crisis, our team works side by side with you to protect your life savings, preserve your independence, and bring peace of mind to your family.
Through clear estate planning — including Trusts, Wills, and Powers of Attorney — and careful guidance on Medicaid eligibility, we help ensure your future is secure and your loved ones are cared for. If a nursing home stay is near or already underway, we often safeguard everything for a healthy spouse or preserve significant savings for your family.
Our mission is simple: to protect legacies, provide peace of mind, and give families the confidence that their future is in good hands.
Hours
Day | From | To |
---|---|---|
Monday | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
Cost
What Is an Elder Law Attorney?
Rachel Fortenberry
Fortified Elder Law
Becoming an elder law attorney has allowed me to find my life’s work: helping clients preserve their life savings. My greatest joy as an attorney has been to help keep a spouse from losing everything just because they can no longer keep their loved one at home. Oftentimes, my clients have been neglecting themselv...