Attorneys At Fernandez & Moloney PLLC
Maria A. Fernandez
I am licensed to practice in both Florida and Kentucky and work with clients across the United States and abroad. My practice is focused in several areas including Estate Planning, Probate and Administration, Elder Law and Special Needs Planning, Corporate, Individual and International Taxation, and Corporate law, with an emphasis in closely held corporations.
Since I grew up in a family business environment, I am aware of the challenges faced by business owners firsthand. I can relate to the stresses felt by business owners and their families not only in the day-to-day operations but as they plan for the future.
I have lectured in the areas of Estate Planning and Probate, Medicaid Planning and Elder Law. I am a member of the Louisville, Florida, Kentucky and American Bar Associations and am fluent in Spanish as a native speaker.
Admitted To Practice
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, 1999
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky, 1999
- Florida and Kentucky Bars
Education
- University of Miami, B.B.A. 1980, M.Pr.A. 1981
- University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, J.D. 1989
Community Involvement
Ms. Fernandez is a Past President of the Women Lawyers Association of Jefferson County, Kentucky and current President of the Louisville Bar Association. A graduate of the Kentucky Women’s Leadership Network, she is active in various civic organizations and is on the board of several non-profit corporations. She is a former Chair of the Board of Legal Aid Society in Louisville and remains on their Board. She is also Treasurer of the Louisville Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Practice Areas
- Estate Planning
- Corporate
- Family Law
- Personal Bankruptcy
Joseph A. Moloney
Joseph A. Moloney concentrates his practice in the areas of Real Estate and Commercial Law. He also practices in the areas of Banking, Bankruptcy, Collections and Commercial Litigation.
He has experience in the following areas:
- title examinations and real estate closings
- preparation of deeds, mortgages, leases and other real estate documents
- foreclosures and evictions
- banking law
- bankruptcy
- appeals
- probate
- commercial litigation
A graduate of the Transylvania University and the Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville, Mr. Moloney was admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 1983. He is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Kentucky and the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Kentucky and Louisville Bar Associations. He is an approved attorney for Investors Title Insurance Company, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company and Stewart Title Guaranty Company.
Ashlea Hellmann
Since 2016, Attorney Ashlea Hellmann has practiced a vast array of legal work, including criminal defense (state and federal), contentious custody and divorce litigation, appellate work, and a variety of Plaintiff’s work in personal injury actions, construction litigation, and civil rights lawsuits.
Ashlea finds immense meaning and fulfillment in representing her clients with fierce advocacy in the courtroom and a huge heart outside of it. Growing up, Ashlea always knew she wanted to be in a profession with opportunities to help others in what are often some of the most difficult times in their lives, hence why she began her career at the Louisville Metro Public Defender’s Office, where she helped indigent clients work their way through the complicated legal system. Her work there included a strong focus on rehabilitation and treatment for addicts and those laboring under mental health issues.
Now, Ashlea has carried this spirit into private practice, where she still loves helping clients, especially the “little guys” who are worried about going up against corporate giants or parties with deep pockets. Ashlea has devoted herself to this work because of her strong belief that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
In her free time, Ashlea enjoys traveling, reading crime novels, and taking her camper on the road to find places to hike with her two dogs Xena and Koda. She is very close with her parents, who are proud of their first generation college graduate, as well as her younger brother, who loves to challenge her to a round of golf.
Education
- University of Louisville, B.A., B.S. 2011, 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
Christian I. Duque
I am an attorney licensed to practice in Kentucky and at the federal level. My practice is focused on Immigration Law, Family Law, and Criminal Defense. Within Immigration Law, I am further focused on asylum, cancellation of removal, and student juvenile cases.
I am the son of a Cuban father and Chilean mother. My father emigrated to the United States from Cuba in 1961, spending a brief time in Jamaica, before arriving in New York City. I adore my father, who is 99 years of age, and he has offered me a tremendous perspective on Cuba, the United States, and the world. My mother emigrated to the United States in 1974 and has been my rock throughout my life. My parents had quite different immigrant experiences and together they instilled in me a tremendous appreciation for having been born and raised in the United States. I understand the challenges and obstacles immigrants face. This is why I want to fight for the undocumented and those who are looking to get status in the greatest country in the world.
Family Law is another area of law that is near and dear to my heart. We have ten amazing family court judges in Jefferson County and many more amazing judges throughout the Commonwealth. Family is a cornerstone of our society, but there are situations that arise within the family nucleus that must be resolved in court. Whether it is a marriage that did not work out, a custody issue, or a situation that involves domestic violence that needs immediate attention. A great many people suffer in silence, for any number of reasons, but a competent attorney - who cares - can help bring about a positive change.
With regards to more about me, I was raised in South Florida and graduated from Miami Dade College with an AA in History. I earned my BA in History from the University of Florida and my law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. I moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in 2015, and can honestly say this is my favorite place to live. While it is a big city, it also tends to feel like a small town, and that is one of the city’s best attributes.
The best way I can describe myself is as an attorney who cares. Your fight will become my fight.
If you have a legal issue you would like to discuss with me, let us set up a consultation, and let me see what I can do. If I can represent you, you will never feel alone while I am in your corner.
