Astatula Elder Law Lawyers

Cassidy V. Petersen initially joined the firm in 2011 and has held various positions over the years – beginning as a receptionist, next as an estate planning paralegal, then as our firm administrator, and now as an attorney. Ms. Petersen focuses her practice in estate planning, business succession planning, probate, trust administration, Medicaid planning, VA planning, guardianship, and special needs planning.

Ms. Petersen, a Melbourne native, graduated from Melbourne High School in 2011. She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Management, graduating cum laude, from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2014. Ms. Petersen received her Juris Doctor (J.D.), cum...

I give families peace of mind by helping them create estate plans that make sure their family is protected upon their death of incapacity. I also help families in difficult times when their elder is no longer to safely stay home due to the aging or disease process by helping protect assets and apply for Medicaid and VA benefits.

I was fortunate to grow up in Pinellas County with my father being a well-known and respected attorney. With my father’s encouragement and my own passion for helping others, I knew that estate planning and elder law was the career path for...

Attorney Joy Owenby serves clients throughout Florida with aggressive and relentless representation for a wide-range of practice areas. While her knowledge and experience are extensive, Attorney Owenby particularly handles matters involving divorce, adoption, trusts / wills, probate, bankruptcy, criminal defense, child support, and family law. Over the course of the years, she has obtained much recognition and has become an accomplished lawyer with an Avvo Rating. Prior to the founding of Owenby Law, P.A., Attorney Owenby serves as legal counsel for Florida’s Guardian ad Litem Program. During this time, she explored the intricacies of family law which have allowed...

Robin Petersen is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Estate Planning & Elder Law Center of Brevard, which has been serving Brevard County since 1991. The practice focuses exclusively in the areas of Estate Planning and Elder Law, Wills and Trusts, Probate and Trust Administration (representing the executor or trustee, as well as serving as the executor or trustee of the estate), Guardianship, planning for long term care costs through asset protection, the use of VA Aid & Attendance, and Medicaid benefit options. Because he has dedicated over 25 years of practice to these types of law, Robin understands...

We assist families avoid impoverishment from long term care and nursing home expense by qualifying their loved ones for Medicaid and VA benefits. We prepare Wills, Trusts and Durable Powers of Attorney and settle Estates and Trusts. We seek maximum recovery when loved ones are abused or neglected in a Nursing Home or ALF. Ted moved to Florida in 1960 from Michigan and began his firm in 1990. Over the 32 years that he has been in practice, Ted has helped many hundreds of families qualify for Medicaid and protect the assets that they have worked a lifetime to...

Wendy A. Mara attended Stetson University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1993
Ms. Mara taught language arts in high school for 13 years. While teaching full time, she earned her MBA degree from the University of Central Florida in 2006. Deciding to pursue a legal career, she entered law school at Florida Coastal School of Law where she graduated in the top 10 percent of her class. While in law school, she was a teaching and research assistant, earned the Dean’s Certificate for Pro Bono Work and became an award winning oralist for the Jessup International Moot Court Competition....

Dina Arvanitakis graduated from the University of Chicago and completed her Juris Doctorate & Master of Laws degree in International Business and Trade Law at the John Marshal Law School in 1999. Dina is licensed to practice law in Florida, Illinois and Washington D.C. Dina is a member of the Florida Board of Realtors and is a licensed real estate consultant with Real Net Brokerage. Bilingual: English / Greek

The Coleman Law Firm combines 30+ years of experience, concern for the individual client, responsiveness to clients needs, reasonable fees, a focus on the client's objectives by listening carefully to the client's wants and needs, and a commitment to excellence, compassion and sensitivity for family dynamics and relationships.

C. Randolph Coleman, entered private law practice in 1978, after six years as a Certified Public Accountant. His practice is limited to estate planning, Elder law, asset protection planning, probate and trust administration. He is a member of The Florida Bar (Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, Elder Law Section....

Lauren Richardson moved to Gainesville in 1993 to complete an LLM in Taxation at UF Law. Since then, she has focused her practice on protecting families and property through estate planning, guardianship, probate, special needs, and elder law. She also serves as co-counsel on wrongful death, personal injury and probate and trust litigation cases. Lauren's probate practice is Statewide. All other areas are throughout North Florida. Free phone consult. Reasonable fees.

A native of Ormond Beach, Mr. Shapiro is a proud graduate of Seabreeze High School. Mr. Shapiro received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Florida International University where he finished ranked in the top ten in his class. As a law student, he was an associate member of his school’s law review and had the honor of having his comment selected for publication. He also served as a teaching assistant for his law school’s legal research and writing program; was an intern at the Fifth District Court of Appeal; and was the recipient of book awards in Legal Research and...

John R. Frazier J.D., LL.M., MBA is an experienced Medicaid planning attorney who has helped well over 3,000 clients qualify for nursing home or assisted living coverage with Medicaid. People just like you. He understands the problems facing seniors today and he knows how to use the current laws to help solve your Elder Law issues. Attorney Frazier also can help with Veterans Benefits for Aid & Attendance. Based in Largo, Florida, Attorney Frazier can help anyone in the state of Florida with no in-person office visit required. Attorney Frazier has free audios, videos, eBooks, etc. on...

Walt Shurden is a Florida Board Certifed Elder Law Attorney and a former Georgia CPA who used to audit nursing homes and hopitals for a Medicare contractor. Now he represents families who seek Medicaid and VA eligibility because they need help paying for the high cost of long term care. He devises estate plans and asset protection plans for his clients. He also serves as fiduciary, and represents other fiduciaries in probate and trust administration proceedings. All four staff members are experienced and have been with the firm for over 10 years.

Attorney Cheryl Ward will meet your legal needs and exceed your expectations. Mrs. Ward is a Florida Bar licensed attorney practicing throughout the state of Florida. It is her mantra that client satisfaction comes first.

Amy B. Van Fossen established The Law Office of Amy B. Van Fossen P.A. (formerly The Law Office of Amy B. Jackson P.A.) in 2004. Amy was born and raised in southeastern Ohio and has two daughters, Katie and Savannah, who both share her passion for our elder community. Savannah provides medical care to the elder community as an RN. Katie is a second-generation attorney, chairing the Probate, Medicaid & VA departments at the Law Office of Amy B. Van Fossen, P.A. Ms. Van Fossen received her undergraduate degree in Organizational Behavior from Rollins College and earned her JD from Barry...

Rachel Drude-Tomori is a named partner with the firm specializing in the areas of Estate Planning, Probate & Elder Law. She consistently has been named as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Estate Planning by Super Lawyers Magazine, a distinction received by only 2.5% of attorneys in Florida. Among numerous honors, Rachel has served as Chair for the Probate Section for the St. Petersburg Bar Association and was awarded the 2019 Rockin’ Chair award for her leadership and fundraising achievements. Recently, she was appointed to the Executive Committee for the St. Petersburg Bar Association.

Rachel frequently assists individuals and business owners...

Social Security Disability and Retirement, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Veterans Benefits. Krista L. Rush is a seasoned attorney representing clients for over twenty years in Brevard County, including Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge and Titusville. We love helping individuals and families of all ages and all backgrounds. Come see why working with an attorney one on one makes a difference!

Attorney Casey C. Harrison is a sympathetic and savvy probate attorney with nearly a decade of experience first working within, and later arguing in front of, Florida’s circuit and appellate courts. He applies this versatile background and inside-out understanding of Florida litigation to assist you with your most complicated probate matters in a comprehensive fashion. Attorney Harrison joined his brother Attorney McCabe Harrison in the family practice in 2020. Before that, he spent seven years working for a litigation firm in Clearwater, Florida, honing his ability to take cases to court and win arguments before judges. He has a range of...

Howard Rosenblatt is an Estate Planning and Probate attorney. He is based out of Gainesville and is versed in all matters of Estate Planning, including Wills and Trusts.

Mr. Rosenblatt graduated with his law degree from the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law in 1981, and has been recipient of numerous legal and community-based awards and honors, including The Florida Bar Pro Bono Award (2019). NAIFA-Florida's Advisor of The Year Award (2018), Florida Jaycees speaker of the year award (1984). He is a Life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, a Fellow of The Florida...

Amanda O. Singleton is an AV-Preeminent rated attorney who focuses her practice on estate planning, probate, guardianship, and caregiver advocacy. She writes and speaks nationally as an AARP Family Caregiving Expert. Amanda serves clients in Tampa Bay and throughout the state of Florida.

Patrick D. Quarles is a shareholder attorney at Richert Quarles P.A.. Patrick was admitted to the bar in 2013. He received his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of law in Gulfport, Florida. While at Stetson he participated in the Family Law Internship Program and interned for the City Attorney’s office in St. Petersburg, as well as the pro bono program. Before attending Stetson, Patrick worked for the Transportation Security Administration as a Supervisor and attended George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., Patrick...

Attorney Ruth Rhodes is the owner of Rhodes Law, P.A., a Helping Seniors of Brevard Board Member, and a resident business at One Senior Place. Ruth C. Rhodes and Rhodes Law, P.A. help individuals and families with all areas of Elder Law, which includes, but not limited to, Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Guardianship, Probate and Trust Administration, and Medicaid Planning.

She graduated Valedictorian from the College of Law at Florida A&M University, and has more than 20 years of experience working in the legal field with more than 12 years as a practicing attorney.

Ms. Rhodes understands...

* Admitted to: Florida Bar, 1993; Tennessee Bar, 2007; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 2000; U.S. Supreme Court, 2006. * Primary practice areas: Estate Planning (wills, trusts, Probate), Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Real Estate (commercial and residential title closings), transactions, and Business Entities. * A featured speaker for the 2007 Financial Professionals Expo, Tampa, Florida, and the 2000 Money Sense Live personal-finance seminar sponsored by the Tampa Tribune and the Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay. Frequent seminar speaker on the topic of estate planning. Several appearances on local television shows, including FLA Law (cable), Eight on...

J. Michael Lins, is a third generation Floridian and Attorney with Lins Law Group, P.A. As a member of Lins Law Group, P.A. Michael stands for zealous legal representation combined with individual client care.

Michael is a resident of the Tampa Bay area and when he is not working, Michael enjoys hiking, fishing, and enjoying all of the experiences that the Tampa Bay area has to offer.

Attorney Ferrari specializes in small business and estate planning, asset protection, and insurance claims and disputes. She believes in giving back to the community and is on the Board of Directors of The Volunteer Way of Pasco County, Florida, 2nd Vice AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, Post 9, Odessa, Florida and the 2011 recipent of the Doris A. Miller Child Welfare Memorial Award, Florida AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary

With more than 20 years of Florida & NY City experience as an attorney, I am dedicated to fight for your legal rights. My family law practice includes divorce, adoptions and custody disputes. My personal injury experience includes complex litigation including a variety of medical malpractice cases.

My business law experience includes contracts, franchise law; commercial leases; sales of business entities; and bulk asset sales. I have further expertise in residential real estate sales.

My virtual office and traveling legal practice allow me to pass savings on to my clients. This winning combination has resulted in highly satisfied clients,...

Are you looking for an elder law lawyer in St. Petersburg? Stephanie Edwards of Edwards Elder Law, P.A. is dedicated to providing seniors, veterans, and family members with the compassionate and diligent representation needed to handle concerns of care and future planning. Ms. Edwards understands the necessity of personalized service when handling these sensitive matters. She believes in the importance of thoroughly listening and learning about a client’s unique situation and needs before creating a legal strategy or plan to address their concerns. Attorney Edwards received her J.D. from the University of Richmond T.C. Williams School of Law and later...

I have handled just about every kind of case imaginable, from adverse possession to will contracts. I am the person who will handle your case from start to finish. Your case will not be turned over to a secretary, never to be heard from me again. You will even have my cell number.

Florida Probate Litigation and Estate Planning Attorney Thomas Upchurch grew up in Daytona Beach. Prior to returning to the Daytona Beach area to join the law firm of Every, Stack & Upchurch, he was an Assistant State Attorney in Pinellas County. Mr. Upchurch is an experienced Florida Probate Litigation and Estate Planning attorney who dedicates his practice to ensuring his clients receive competent advice and assistance in dealing with their legal matters. As a Florida Probate Litigation law firm, Every, Stack & Upchurch is qualified to handle your probate litigation case, whether it be a will contest, undue influence, fraud or...

Originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dana Laganella practices in Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration and Elder Law. She attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut and graduated Cum Laude. She was awarded the Best Advocate of the Northeast Region and was voted Best Attorney in East Manatee County by Living Out East Magazine. It is Dana’s commitment to providing quality, affordable legal services that has won her respect and acclaim from both her peers and her clients. She truly enjoys her work. Her passion for helping people in her community is evident in...

With more than 33 years in practice, Attorney Randal L. Schecter has extensive experience in asset protection, Medicaid planning, estate planning, powers of attorney, probate and Elder Law. Attorney Schecter has built a highly respected Elder Law firm serving the Central Florida area. A compassionate lawyer, Mr. Schecter is committed to delivering the highest quality legal and personal services to his clients and their families. Always responsive and attentive, Mr. Schecter helps sort through the confusing array of decisions encountered when families have to place their loved ones in long term care facilities. He understands that this is one of...

Susan M. Charles, J.D., LL.M. (Elder Law) Attorney Susan Marie Charles is a Martindale-Hubbell "AV Preeminent" peer review rated elder law attorney practicing in Clearwater, Largo, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, Florida. She provides comprehensive legal services to people in the Tampa Bay area who need assistance with estate planning, Medicaid planning, guardianship, and trust and estate administration. A native of Rockville, Maryland, Susan enjoyed a 10-year career as an international travel consultant in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Tampa. A King-O'Neal Scholar, she graduated first in her undergraduate class, receiving her Bachelor's Degree Summa Cum Laude from the University of South...

Since 1995, Ms. Preddy has practiced in boutique law firms in both Florida and Michigan in the areas of sophisticated estate and tax planning including, marital and credit shelter trusts, family limited partnership, private charitable foundations and trusts, planning for business succession, and off-shore planning. Other areas areas included the planning and preparation of wills, trusts and other estate plan documents. Probate and guardianships were also the areas of focus. In 2000, Ms. Preddy founded her the Law Office of Rose Marie K. Preddy, P.A. and has limited the scope of her law practice to probate...

Jessica practices as an attorney in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate Administration and Elder Law. In addition, Jessica is also a Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator. Prior to starting her own firm, Law Office of Jessica Lynn Silva, PLLC, Jessica was an Associate Attorney with Panouses Law Group.

Before practicing law, Jessica garnered legal experience through her previous roles as Judicial Assistant to Brevard County Judge David E. Silverman for four years, and as a Civil Litigation Paralegal, Real Estate Paralegal, Certified Notary Signing Agent, Real Estate Agent, Florida Mortgage Broker, Real Estate...