Kathleen Elder Law Lawyers

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....

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...

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...

Peggy is a founding partner of The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan, a family wealth and legacy planning law firm specializing in wills, trusts and estates and elder law. She is a three-time Stetson University graduate receiving her B.B.A., cum laude, in 1981, her M.B.A. in 1982 and her J.D., cum laude, in 1993. Her passion is her pets - all of them - including 4 horses, 6 dogs and 2 cats! She enjoys long distance trail riding on Heaven and Vogue. Peggy practices in the areas of family wealth and legacy counselling, including trust and estate planning...

For the past four (4) decades I have been providing legal services to individuals in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law, Asset Protection, Probate & Trust Administration and Litigation, and Probate Avoidance. I have also represented Florida corporate entities, shareholders, LLC members, and partners in business transactions, contract drafting, succession planning, mergers & acquisitions, and business disputes. My clients include opposite-sex and same-sex couples, business owners, individuals looking to protect their assets from creditor claims, retirees, family members needing guidance in the administration of a Florida probate estate or an inheritance dispute, and relatives of individuals who need to...

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...

Anne grew up in Manatee County, Florida and has always served those in her community. She has witnessed the devastation caused by failure of families to plan for long term care, disabilities and end of life. Her goal is to make these life challenges easier to negotiate for the Senior as well as for the Senior’s family. Having practiced law here since 1977, she practices Elder Law which includes probate and estates, estate planning, guardianships, wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives, Medicaid planning and Special Needs Trusts. In addition to her professional associations, Anne...

Adam S. Towers is a shareholder with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. In 2007, he was the founding attorney at the firm's Gainesville office.

Adam S. Towers specializes in Business Law, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate, Civil Litigation, and Estate Planning & Probate. Since 2001, he has handled a wide variety of cases such as insurance claims, eminent domain, contract disputes, code enforcement, and residential evictions & foreclosures.

He belongs to both the Florida and the California bars, and received his J.D. from California's University of the Pacific. He is on the Board of Directors...

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.

Matthew C. Shapiro is a seasoned attorney concentrating in wills, trusts, estates, and civil litigation. Mr. Shapiro graduated with honors from Florida International University, ranking in the top ten of his class. His distinguished academic background laid a strong foundation for his legal career, where he has consistently demonstrated expertise and excellence. During his career, Mr. Shapiro has provided comprehensive estate planning services to thousands of clients, expertly drafting crucial documents such as revocable living trusts of varying complexities, wills, powers of attorney, health care surrogates, living wills, enhanced life estate deeds, trust amendments, and codicils. Having served as the lead or...

Providing expectional service to discerning clients in Central Florida for over 25 years in probate and estate planning matters, Astrid de Parry has extensive civil trial practice experience representing a broad range of interests. Upon graduating from Cornell University Law School in 1977, Ms. de Parry served as Assistant University Counsel for Cornell University from 1977 to 1980. Thereafter, she served as General Counsel for the University of Alaska Statewide System of Higher Education from 1980 to 1985. After moving to Florida in 1985, Astrid de Parry went to work for a large law firm in Orlando, focusing on...

Samantha’s primary practice includes Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianship, and Elder Law. Her clients range from young individuals to seniors and their caregivers. She represents individuals in all forms of Probate and Guardianship proceedings and has drafted hundreds of documents to meet her client’s estate planning goals. Additionally, Samantha works one on one with clients to plan for and defray the cost of long term care. Samantha was born and raised in Ocala, Florida. She attended Florida State University then attended Florida Coastal School of Law from which she obtained her Juris Doctorate. Samantha is active in the...

Daniel H. Smith is an elder law and estate planning attorney at Advocates in Aging, Law Office of Wiesner Smith PLLC in Sarasota, Florida, focusing on Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Veterans Benefits, Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning, Special Needs Planning, Probate and Trust Administration, Guardianship, and Assisted Living/Nursing Home Issues. Daniel is licensed to practice law in Florida and Virginia. Daniel is also a VA Accredited Attorney, and represents veterans and their families with benefits claims and appeals of VA Benefits decisions. Daniel received his law degree with honors from the George Mason University School of Law in Arlington,...

Clay was born and raised in Orlando, Florida. He received his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida in 2010. He then worked in the Orlando area and began law school the next year at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Orlando where he received his Juris Doctorate degree in 2014. He enjoys learning about the world around him and spending time doing outdoor activities. Coming from a large family, he is very passionate about helping others through his legal services.

Michelle is a graduate of Stetson University College of Law with an L.LM in Elder Law, Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law with a Juris Doctor, State College of Florida with a Paralegal Certificate, University of South Florida - Sarasota/Manatee with a Bachelor's Degree in History, University of Phoenix with a Master in Accountancy, and Florida Metropolitan University with a Bachelor's in Accounting.

A firm believer in education, she continues to encourage others by being an Adjunct Professor at State College of Florida's Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Venice Campuses since 2016. She teaches the Legal Research and...

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!

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...

The Law Office of Adam B. Portnow, P.L. is an Intellectual Property & General Law practice providing competent, cost-effective representation for clients throughout the State of Florida. Adam Portnow is a graduate of St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, Florida. Prior to completing law school, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Arts and Sciences from the University of Florida College of Computer Information Sciences and Engineering.

Jonathan S. Corchnoy has been practicing law for over 40 years in the Philadelphia metropolitan area and now has opened an office in Sarasota, Florida. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, is a member of The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). Prior to coming to the Philadelphia area after graduating from law school, he clerked with the United States Department of Justice, Tax division. He is a 1981 graduate of American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C., and Allegheny College, in Meadville, PA. He spent his youth growing up...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Tyler Puttick joined the law firm of Rossway Swan in 2018 and practices in the areas of real estate law, probate and trust administration, estate planning and general corporate law. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Puttick served as a Law Clerk for the Firm in 2013 and later practiced at a boutique firm serving clients on the Treasure and Space Coasts.

Mr. Puttick earned his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law, where he was a member of the selective Elder Law Concentration Program and the Elder Law Society. He received a Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law...

Steven W. Ledbetter works from his Venice, Florida, office on matters involving estate planning and administration, business transactions and corporate law, real estate, construction law, contract, and title insurance matters. Steven W. Ledbetter has been practicing law since 2002. His practice has included work in a wide range of subject areas while representing a wide range of clients including the federal government, corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. His practice has taken him from the mountains and rain of Portland, OR, to the shops and great restaurants of Dallas, TX, and finally back to his home state of Florida...

Mr. Friedland is currently licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family, Appellate, and Circuit Civil Mediator. Mr. Friedland graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1972 and from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1975. Mr. Friedland practiced in Connecticut from 1975 through 1988 when he relocated his practice to Sarasota, Florida. He is a member of the Family Law, Alternate Dispute Resolution Section, and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections of the Florida Bar, Sarasota County Bar Association, and American...

Bishop L. Toups is an estate planning, elder law, and tax attorney in Southwest Florida. He helps clients with their various estate planning needs and helps clients navigate the Medicaid system here in Florida. He also represents clients nationwide and worldwide in front of the IRS. Bishop is also a V.A. accredited attorney and helps Veterans obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

He graduated from The Florida State University, Stetson University of College of Law, and he received a tax law degree (LL.M.) from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, which is consistently ranked a top 3...

We handle almost all aspects of Retirement and Estate Planning. We assist you with planning for Medicaid qualification so that you can obtain payment for assisted living or long-term nursing care without depleting your assets. We create all types of trusts depending on the nature of your property and your plans for it. We draft documents that provide for end-of-life care to be exactly according to your wishes. Florida law is complex and there are specific rules and regulations we carefully follow to be sure your documents are all in legal compliance.

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...

Christine O'Neil is an estate planning and elder law attorney at the law office of DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A. in Seminole, FL.

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,...

Originally from Columbia, Missouri, Rodney Gerling is the firm’s Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration Attorney. He attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut. He has been admitted to the Florida Bar and the Federal Bar. Rodney is also a member of the Manatee County and Sarasota County Bar Associations in addition to the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. He began his legal career at the Sarasota County Public Defender’s Office where he handled thousands of cases, served as Lead Attorney on over 50 Jury Trials, and became...

Brandon Robinson, Esq. received his Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Management in 2011, from Hannibal-LaGrange University in Hannibal, Missouri. Brandon earned his Juris Doctor degree and a Certificate of Concentration in Elder Law from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida, graduating cum laude in 2015. Upon graduation, Brandon received the Matthew Bender Elder Law Book Award as well as the William F. Blew Pro Bono Service Award, having provided over 470 hours of pro bono services during law school. Brandon was sworn in as a member of The Florida Bar in 2015, is...

For over a decade, Michael Murphy has enjoyed representing Florida accident victims and their families. After graduating from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, Mr. Murphy started his legal career as an Assistant State Attorney for the 12th Judicial Circuit in Sarasota. He joined the Mallard Law Firm in 2011, and because of his invaluable trial knowledge, he is better able to prepare the firm’s clients for trial and provide them with exceptional personal injury litigation.

Teresa K. Bowman P.A. is a law firm providing legal advice and solutions for issues related to aging, disability, and illness. Our clients include individuals and their families facing tough challenges with care the care of a loved one, those in need advice for long term care planning, or simply clients who want to establish an estate plan as a foundation for life's changes. We pride ourselves on attention to detail, exceptional client service and personalized solutions to every client's unique needs. In addition to long term care planning we offer services in protection of assets, public benefits such as...

David has practiced law for 15 years and specializes in estate planning, wills, trusts, probate and defense of medical malpractice and civil rights lawsuits. He is a shareholder of Chapman Law Group and is licensed in both Michigan and Indiana. David is a Special Fiduciary at the Oakland County Probate Court. He is dedicated to educating the public on issues in estate planning including providing assets and care to loved ones, limiting taxes, and establishing healthcare protocols. David strives to serve each individual clients estate planning needs, tailoring each plan to address wealth preservation and family financial security. David holds a Certificate...