Attorneys at Fernandez & Moloney PLLC
At Fernandez & Moloney PLLC, our attorneys are dedicated to providing experienced legal representation with professionalism, compassion, and personalized attention. Serving clients throughout Louisville, KY and surrounding communities, our legal team brings extensive experience across a wide range of practice areas including family law, criminal defense, immigration, estate planning, bankruptcy, business law, personal injury, and civil litigation.
We understand that every legal matter is personal, which is why we take the time to listen, communicate clearly, and develop strategies tailored to each client’s goals and circumstances.
Maria A. Fernandez
Maria A. Fernandez is licensed to practice law in both Kentucky and Florida and works with clients throughout the United States and internationally. Her practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate and Administration, Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, Corporate Law, and Individual and International Taxation, with a particular emphasis on closely held corporations and family-owned businesses.
Having grown up in a family business environment, Maria understands firsthand the challenges business owners and families face while planning for the future, protecting assets, and navigating legal and financial decisions.
Maria has lectured extensively in the areas of Estate Planning, Probate, Medicaid Planning, and Elder Law. She is fluent in Spanish and proudly serves both English- and Spanish-speaking clients throughout Louisville and beyond.
Professional Leadership & Community Involvement
Maria Fernández is highly respected throughout the Louisville legal community for both her legal experience and leadership roles, including:
- Immediate Past President of the Louisville Bar Association
- Past President of the Women Lawyers Association of Jefferson County, Kentucky
- Longtime Board Member of the Legal Aid Society of Louisville
- Former Chair of the Legal Aid Society Board
- Treasurer of the Louisville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- Board Member & Chairperson for Dayspring
- Graduate of the Kentucky Women’s Leadership Network
- Recognized by Best Lawyers in America
She remains actively involved in numerous civic and nonprofit organizations throughout Kentucky.
Admitted to Practice
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 1999
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 1999
- Kentucky Bar
- Florida Bar
Education
- University of Miami, B.B.A. 1980
- University of Miami, M.Pr.A. 1981
- University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, J.D. 1989
Practice Areas
- Estate Planning
- Corporate Law
- Family Law
- Personal Bankruptcy
Role: Managing Partner
Undergrad: University of Miami, B.B.A. 1980, M.Pr.A. 1981
Law School: University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, J.D. 1989
Bar Admission: Kentucky and Florida Bars
Federal Courts: U.S. District Court E.D. Ky. (1999); U.S. District Court W.D. Ky. (1999)
Notable: Immediate Past President, Louisville Bar Association; Best Lawyers in America
Joseph A. Moloney
Joseph A. Moloney concentrates his practice in the areas of Real Estate Law and Commercial Law. He also represents clients in matters involving Banking Law, Bankruptcy, Collections, Probate, Appeals, and Commercial Litigation.
- Mr. Moloney has extensive experience handling:
- Title examinations and real estate closings
- Preparation of deeds, mortgages, leases, and related documents
- Foreclosures and evictions
- Banking and bankruptcy matters
- Commercial litigation and appeals
- Probate matters
A graduate of Transylvania University and the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, Mr. Moloney was admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 1983.
Admitted to Practice
- Commonwealth of Kentucky
- United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky
- United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Kentucky
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Kentucky Bar Association
- Louisville Bar Association
Mr. Moloney is also an approved attorney for:
- Investors Title Insurance Company
- Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company
- Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Role: Managing Partner
Undergrad: Transylvania University
Law School: University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, J.D. 1983
Bar Admission: Kentucky Bar, 1983
Federal Courts: U.S. District Court W.D. Ky.; U.S. Bankruptcy Court W.D. Ky.: 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
Ashlea Hellmann
Since 2016, Attorney Ashlea Hellmann has represented clients in a wide variety of legal matters including criminal defense, contentious custody disputes, divorce litigation, appellate matters, personal injury claims, construction litigation, and civil rights lawsuits.
Ashlea is passionate about advocating for clients both inside and outside the courtroom. She began her legal career at the Louisville Metro Public Defender’s Office, where she represented indigent clients navigating the criminal justice system with a strong focus on rehabilitation, addiction treatment, and mental health advocacy.
Today, Ashlea continues to fight for individuals and families facing difficult legal situations, particularly those who feel overwhelmed by larger institutions or corporations.
Education & Accomplishments
- University of Louisville, B.A., B.S. 2011
- University of Louisville, M.S. 2015
- University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, J.D. 2016
- Moot Court Mock Trial Team, 2015–2016
- Kentucky Bar Association Student Writing Competition Champion, 2016
Outside of work, Ashlea enjoys traveling, reading crime novels, hiking, camping, and spending time with her dogs, Xena and Koda.
Role: Associate
Undergrad: University of Louisville, B.A., B.S. 2011, M.S. 2015
Law School: University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, J.D. 2016
Bar Admission: Kentucky Bar, 2016
Federal Courts: W.D. Ky.; E.D. Ky.; S.D. Indiana; 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
Christian I. Duque
Christian I. Duque is licensed to practice law in Kentucky and at the federal level. His practice focuses on Immigration Law, Family Law, and Criminal Defense, with particular emphasis on asylum cases, cancellation of removal matters, and special juvenile immigration cases.
As the son of Cuban and Chilean immigrants, Christian brings a deeply personal understanding of the immigrant experience and the legal challenges many families face while pursuing opportunities in the United States.
He is passionate about advocating for immigrants, individuals facing family law disputes, and those navigating difficult legal situations involving custody, domestic violence, and criminal charges.
Christian was raised in South Florida and earned:
Associate Degree in History — Miami Dade College
Bachelor’s Degree in History — University of Florida
Juris Doctor — Thomas M. Cooley Law School
After relocating to Louisville, Kentucky in 2015, Christian quickly developed a deep appreciation for the Louisville community and its people.
Christian believes in compassionate, client-focused representation and works to ensure every client feels supported and heard throughout the legal process.
Role: Associate
Undergrad: Miami Dade College, A.A. (History); University of Florida, B.A. (History)
Law School: Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D.
Bar Admission: Kentucky Bar, 09/21/2015
Federal Courts: W.D. Ky. (to confirm)
Adam M. Woody – Attorney Serving Louisville, KY
Before launching his legal practice, Adam M. Woody spent several years as a full-time father raising his two daughters — an experience that continues to shape the compassion and dedication he brings to every client relationship.
Today, Adam helps individuals and families throughout Louisville, KY with Estate Planning, Personal Injury, Bankruptcy, and Civil Matters. His approach focuses on making legal services approachable, understandable, and stress-free for clients who may be unfamiliar with the legal system.
Adam believes clients deserve honest communication, practical guidance, and personalized service without unnecessary legal jargon or confusion.
Outside of the office, Adam enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters, volunteering in the Louisville community, staying active through fitness, and participating in church activities.
If you are facing a legal matter and want clear, dependable guidance, Adam welcomes the opportunity to discuss your situation and help you move forward with confidence.
Role: Associate
Undergrad: University of Akron, 2014
Law School: University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, J.D. 2018
Bar Admission: Kentucky Bar, 2019
Federal Courts: U.S. District Court W.D. Ky.
