Craig M. Kay

Craig M. Kay, Estate Planning Attorney in Charleston, West Virginia

Over 38 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Tax, and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatKay Casto & Chaney PLLC

Charleston, WV

Practicing estate planning in Charleston since 1988.

38+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

Are you Craig M. Kay?

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Quick answer

Craig M. Kay is a member based in Charleston, WV. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Tax, and Trusts. Craig has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Charleston, WV
Experience
over 38 years
Known for
Estate Planning · Tax · Trusts
  • Handles Estate Planning, Tax, and Trusts matters from Charleston, WV.
  • Over 38 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Craig M. Kay: Craig M. Kay is a member based in Charleston, WV. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Tax, and Trusts. Craig has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Craig M. Kay

Craig concentrates on estate planning, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Craig handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in Charleston, West Virginia

Craig takes estate planning matters in Charleston, West Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Craig agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Charleston, West Virginia

Craig takes tax matters in Charleston, West Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Craig agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Charleston, West Virginia

Craig takes trusts matters in Charleston, West Virginia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Craig agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Craig M. Kay — Over 38 years of West Virginia estate planning experience

Craig M. Kay is a member based in Charleston, WV. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Tax, and Trusts. Craig has over 38 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Craig M. Kay is a lawyer practicing tax, estate planning, trusts. Craig received a degree from New York University in 1991, and has been licensed for 38 years. Craig practices at Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC in Charleston, WV.

How Craig handles estate planning matters

Craig M. Kay is a lawyer practicing tax, estate planning, trusts. Craig received a degree from New York University in 1991, and has been licensed for 38 years. Craig practices at Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC in Charleston, WV.

The kind of cases Craig takes

Craig reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, tax, and trusts matters in Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area.

Credentials

Craig M. Kay's legal education and bar admissions

  • West Virginia University

    J.D. · 1988

  • New York University

    LL.M. · 1991

Jurisdictions

Craig's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Tax Court

    1991 · ACTIVE

  • West Virginia

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1988 · ACTIVE

Craig studied at J.D. in West Virginia University and LL.M. in New York University.

Law school and academic background

Craig completed J.D. in West Virginia University and LL.M. in New York University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Craig runs in West Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Craig M. Kay

Craig has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Craig's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Kanawha County and American Bar Associations West Virginia State Bar

    membership

Locations

Craig M. Kay's office in Charleston

Craig's primary office is at 1500 Chase Tower, 707 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV, 25301-2760. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kay Casto & Chaney PLLC

1500 Chase Tower, 707 Virginia St. E.

Charleston, WV 25301-2760

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Craig M. Kay — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Craig. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Charleston.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Craig M. Kay claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Craig M. Kay — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Craig usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Craig charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Craig will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Charleston, West Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Craig

Craig discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Craig confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Craig's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Craig M. Kay

  • How much does it cost to hire Craig for a estate planning case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Craig walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Craig offer a free consultation?

    Craig charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Craig's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Craig's current terms during booking.

  • How long do estate planning cases in West Virginia typically take?

    Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Craig gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Craig take my case if I'm outside Charleston?

    Craig is licensed in West Virginia. Matters governed by West Virginia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Craig will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Craig?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Craig will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Craig accepting new estate planning clients right now?

    Craig's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving Charleston, Morgantown and Huntington in West Virginia

Craig handles estate planning matters throughout West Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Craig's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Charleston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.