Debbie J. Papay has been a northwest Ohio attorney concentrating in estate planning, elder law, probate and real estate for four decades. Debbie enjoys helping clients have the peace of mind that they have planned for both what might be, and what will surely be. Debbie joined the team at Legacy Law Group in June of 2023, after a merger with the law firm of Bayer, Papay, & Steiner, that she co-owned for 25 years with Chris Steiner.

To help give the best advice in her specific areas of practice, Debbie has sought knowledge on them from other discipline’s perspectives. At times throughout her career Debbie studied for, tested, and became licensed as a Realtor; a long-term care, life and funeral insurance agent; and an attorney accredited by the Veterans Administration to assist veterans in applying for the V.A. Aid & Attendance benefit for long term care. She also obtained her Gerontology Certificate from Mercy College and completed the Veterans Benefit Institute (Chicago, Illinois, 2008).

Debbie graduated from Davis College and Siena Heights/Lourdes College, each summa cum laude, and from the University of Toledo College of Law, magna cum laude.

She and her husband, Brian Carder, celebrate over 45 years of marriage, including their vows renewal in Tuscany. They love to travel and attend cooking schools. Debbie “goes golfing” with Brian, but she doesn’t play—she just loves to drive the cart and find lost balls. After a career in the point of sale industry and law firm management roles, and over 40 years in on-field football officiating, Brian is now retired, except for his work as a college level officials scout for the NFL.

Debbie gives back to the community through paper crafting. Specifically, she hand-makes greeting cards for the veterans at the Sandusky Veterans Home, 300-450 at a time. She also makes “kits” for others to assemble and sign and recruits volunteers to do that in groups three to four times a year. Debbie established “Cards for Vets NW OH” on Facebook to announce the periodic events (please join!). Since 2020 she has made literally thousands of cards or card kits. Debbie also gives monthly card-making classes at a local arts and crafts studio.

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