business formation
Virginia business entity formation (Corporations, LLC, etc)
trademark registration
Nationwide trademark registration.
new business
Checklist.
traffic tickets
Speeding, Reckless Driving, and DUI.
Wills & Estate Planning
The Weightlifting Lawyer
&
The Weightlifting Realtor
Sientje Henderson
Sientje Henderson, the weightlifting lawyer, clean and jerking 99kg/217.8lbs
Sientje Henderson is both a lawyer, realtor, and an international Olympic Weightlifter. While born in the US, she holds Jamaican citizenship through her parents and grandparents and represents Team Jamaica. Sientje attended law school in North Carolina and holds a Bachelor of Science (Biology Major & Chemistry and Sociology minors) from Virginia Tech, Go Hokies! When Sientje is not lawyering, helping clients buy and sell homes, or lifting you can find her with her two senior rescue dogs! Sientje is also a big Swiftie (Nashville, TN Night 3 & Milan, Italy Nights 1 and 2!)
Sientje is Jamaica’s first woman to compete for their country in Olympic Weightlifting (Pan Ams 2020 held in 2021 due to the pandemic). She won Jamaica’s first ever Gold Medal, for either women or men, at the 2024 Master’s PanAmerican Championship in Costa Rica. She also won a Gold at a senior competition in conjunction with Master’s PanAms. She has represented Jamaica at Senior World Championships in Uzbekistan, Grand Prix events as well as other international competitions such as the Canadian Invitational in which she secured 3 silver medals.
Blog and/or FAQ’s
“hey hey hey, just think while you’ve been getting down and out about all the liars and the dirty dirty cheats of the world- you could’ve been getting down to this. sick. beat.”- Taylor Swift
Haters gonna hate but how do you get someone to stop copying/pretending to sell your goods or services? You can probably guess it but of course we are going to say TRADEMARK YOUR BRAND!!! Send that Cease & Desist hunny! Get paid for sales they made on your good name, we don’t stand copycats! Designs? COPYRIGHT IT!
The more successful you are, the more “viral” you become- the more people will want to replicate or trade on your good name. Some people may do this unintentionally, but you’ve got a great lawyer on your team (hi, it’s me) and I’m going to keep you protected.
Haven’t signed up to work with me? Is the infringer in your home state and you’ve at least got a state trademark (you likely got this when you registered for the business with the state), we can use this too. The broadest most absolute protection is through the federal trademark process. This process is not quick but let me tell you it. is. worth. it. Bonus! You get protection from the day you file, so let’s get started today!
Email us
theweightliftinglawyer@gmail.com
wisteria colored photograph of a lake with mountains in the background
“take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die".” - Taylor Swift
I know I know, no one ENJOYSSS talking about death but what if instead we think of your Will & other accompanying documents (like healthcare power of attorney) more like a roadmap to help your loved ones organize your life (estate) better. So you can chase all the waterfalls without fear that should you meet an unexpected fate, the people you leave behind know exactly what you want and there’s no guessing or fighting amongst them. The worst thing I’ve seen is no plan and siblings who once were friends fighting over what they thought they were meant to have from someone who passed on. Not only can we leave a roadmap but we can make sure it isn’t contested so more relationships are not harmed.
Now you may be like “Sientje, I’m like 35 and in great health. I’ll think about getting a will when I'm like 80 LOL.” and tbh, fair point. BUT things happen. Do you already have kids? Do you have pets? Cars? A house (this drops like rock usually but let’s still discuss)? A valuable Harry Potter (or something else) collection? — What will happen to your kids, do you have siblings? Which sibling will get the children? Will they have an inheritance that kids in at 18? Will your cars be sold and put in a trust for the kids? I know your spoiled pooch is not ready for that shelter life (mine could never go back!). It may seem like yes you may amass more in the future or maybe have more kids, more real estate but that is no reason not to be prepared now. We can update wills while you are here now, not so much later when… you know, later. Maybe you want some money to go to charity or that fancy collection to a museum. The world is your oyster. Go forth and chase that waterfall knowing you are prepared for all outcomes! And have some fun!
Email Us
theweightliftinglawyer@gmail.com
White bird flying high.
“I had a feeling so peculiar, that this pain would be for.. evermore” - taylor swift
Probate. Let’s talk about it. What is it? Probate is a court-supervised process in which the estate of a recently deceased person is inventoried, debts are paid, and assets are distributed.
“I’ve heard probate sucks.”— Well, it could… but it could also be simple. This will hinge on a couple facets and a large one is the kind of estate plan the deceased person had. Did they have a will? Was that will properly executed to Virginia law meaning the court will except it? Was the will clear in intentions?
Another factor is how big is the estate? Is it small meaning a small estate affidavit could be completed, because if so this also makes it easier on the Executor (the person carrying out the wishes from the Will).
Is there a Trust that most of the assets are passing through? This could make the probate process much simpler as well.
Do you HAVE to go through probate? Yes, but it doesn’t have to be longer than necessary or terribly complicated. Having a clear properly executed will is the best thing you can do for your loved ones to help them in probate.
Can I give away all my things before I pass? YEP, you sure can! And guess what? This will leave less in the estate be organized for probate therefore making it easier on your Executor. POD (pay on death) bank accounts are another way to lower your estate for probate purposes.
Having a lawyer on your side to help you through preparation is why I’m here. I can answer any questions you have and create the correct documents to make the probate process simpler for your family and friends. Got more questions? Email me today: theweightliftinglawyer@gmail.com or schedule a phone consult through our consultation tab.
“cause now we got bad blood, you know it used to be mad love…” - taylor swift
Business partnerships can be great! Having someone that has your back or strengths where you have weaknesses can really create a solid business foundation… but when those relationships end and it’s clear you can’t work together anymore, what happens? No one wants this to happen and no one starts a business with an enemy or someone they don’t respect but as seen time and time before, things can change, so let’s make sure you are prepared.
Most businesses in VA are LLCs or Corporations. LLC’s are governed by Operating Agreements and Corporations are governed by their Bylaws. When you register an LLC in Virginia is not required you disclose a copy of these documents so it is UP TO YOU to create them! What should they include? Well, everything and all possible scenarios. Some questions to think about: Who is going to make everyday decisions for the business, who will run finances, can anyone make purchases for the business, what happens if you need to dissolve the business, if one partner wants out, who can purchase assets, who pays for legal fees? I know, it’s a lot, and these are only SOME questions to consider. If a problem or question arises, you want to be able to find it easily in your governing documents. Here’s where I come in, I’d love to help you create these documents specific to your company! Not sure where to start? Email me today: theweightliftinglawyer@gmail.com and let’s talk!
“…say it once again with feeling ; how the death rattle breathing; silenced as the soul was leaving; the deflation of our dreaming; leaving me bereft and reeling..” - Taylor Swift
I’m often asked, what are steps I can take to avoid probate? So here are 5 easy ways to keep assets out of the probate process and into your friends & relatives possession faster:
Ask your bank about a POD (pay on death) designation, so when you pass that account can go directly to that beneficiary
Make sure any investment accounts you have have a stated beneficiary
You can amend your real estate deeds to include a transfer on death (TOD) clause (these are revocable!)
You can deed your property before death - potentially leaving yourself with a life estate on the property.
Set up a trust (make sure it’s properly executed!)
… “I want your midnights.. But I’ll be cleaning up bottles with you on new years day”…
Ah holiday season is here! Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holiday parties, New Years Eve! Every week there’s some family, social, or work event going on in addition to football and basketball season. This is also the season unfortunately of an increase in DUIs in the Roanoke valley and surrounding areas. If you find yourself charged with a DUI please contact our office as soon as possible! And remember to go back and pick up your drivers license from the court clerk’s office once released!
“i ask the traffic lights if it’ll be alright, they say ‘i don’t know’”- taylor swift
Reckless driving tickets in Southwest Virginia (Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Botetourt, Lexington, Salem, Montgomery County, Carroll County (Hillsville)- to name a few!). What do they all have in common? Well as with all reckless driving tickets in Virginia, the charge is criminal misdemeanor. YIKES right?! Maybe yo know someone who got a reckless driving ticket in Roanoke County but yours in Roanoke City. Well the maximum penalties by statute are the same, the outcomes are not. We have different General District Court Judges in each courthouse and different prosecutors! The best thing you can do is call me (540-632-0402) to talk about YOUR case. There are many different factors that can define what success might mean, including your good driving record! Unfortunately if your case is in Northern Virginia, I don’t have experience there and the best thing you can do is have an attorney who is a regular in the court in which you received your ticket. We know what evidence the court appreciates so you can be properly prepared. We can’t guarantee exact outcomes because at the end of the day it is the Judge’s decision but we can set you up in the best to put forth.
“you’re on your own kid, you always have been”…- taylor swift
How to respond to trademark office actions from the USPTO?
Okay so you’ve received an office action from the USPTO in regards to your trademark application, what now? Deep breath. If this is your first office action it’s a non-final action which means you get more than one bite at the apple so to speak to respond in a way that suits the examiner. The most complicated office actions are what we deem substantive office actions and the most common is a 2(d) for likelihood for confusion. This means the examiner thinks your mark is so similar to a mark that is already registered that they want you to give them legal basis and facts for why it is not. Some office actions are much simpler and just require some sort of disclaimer. You can follow the instructions for the disclaimer but if you are still confused but aren’t yet ready to reach out to counsel (hey that’s me!), you can always call your examiner! Some examiners will take your call and permission to do an examiner amendment and file the disclaimer for you, saving you time and money (on me, but you know I’m always happy to help!). Goodluck and remember I’m here for you need me!
5/5/2026
theweightliftinglawyer@gmail.com
Real Estate Listings
6224 Merriman Road
Welcome to this beautiful home with a new roof (November 2024), offering breathtaking mountain views with beautiful hardwood floors inside and a fenced-in backyard providing both privacy and a perfect setting for outdoor activities. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains from both your living room and backyard. The main floor contains a formal dining room, living room, and den with a fireplace! Downstairs you'll find a recreational room as well as a bedroom suite complete with a walk-in closet and full bathroom.
SOLD!
