Mims Estate Planning Lawyers

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...

Licensed to Practice Law in Florida Court and Federal Court

Juris Doctor (J.D.)
University of North Dakota School of Law

Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
University of Idaho College of Business

Educational Leadership
Sierra Nevada College

Bachelors of Science in Accounting (B.S.)
Brigham Young University - Idaho

Established in 1990.

Protecting Individuals, Families and Businesses for over 29 years! The Mendez Law Firm is dedicated to protecting our clients. Every day, we help people like you get their lives back on track by fighting their legal battles for them.

Specialties:
Serious Personal Injury Auto, Motorcycle & Truck Accidents, Slip & Fall Accidents, Wrongful Death, Family Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Asset Protection, Bankruptcy

Attorney Melora G. Vandersluis has been a resident of Central Florida since 2012. She graduated cum laude from Barry University School of Law where she earned the distinction of “Outstanding Senior Editor” on Law Review and competed nationally while on the Moot Court Honors Board. She was awarded the highest grade in Torts I, Torts II, and Mediation. She completed an externship in federal court with The Honorable John Antoon II. She is a Florida Supreme Court certified county mediator. Prior to attending law school, she served in Higher Education for 15 years as an English professor, department chair, and associate...

Stephanie Vollrath attended Barry University School of Law, graduating as valedictorian, acting as senior editor of Barry Law Review, and booking seven classes. After graduating, Stephanie had the honor of being hired as a judicial clerk for the Fifth District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach, Florida. While there, she researched and drafted legal memoranda on many areas of Florida Law. Stephanie was also an adjunct professor at Barry University School of Law. Following her time at the Fifth District Court of Appeal, she opened Vollrath Law, PA in 2013, where she focuses her practice on Estate Planning...

I have over 25 years of experience as an advanced marketing attorney for major life insurance carriers.

You might find it helpful when selecting a lawyer to know a bit about them. You probably know all lawyers have to graduate from law school, but beyond the basics, who are they? As for me, you should know that I'm married to my wife Joan, and I have five children. They are all hard working, and each had their turn cleaning my Orlando office growing up. They are and will remain the most important part of my life. They are the lights of my life.

I met my wife Joan at a Methodist church picnic. We were married in...

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...

Monica Balyasny is a licensed attorney in the States of Florida and New York. She is fluent in both English and Russian.

Mrs. Balyasny graduated from John Jay College with a Bachelors in Science in Criminal Justice in 2012. After graduation, she moved to South Florida to attend Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2018. While in law school, Mrs. Balyasny received her concentration in Health Law while actively participating in extracurricular activities at Nova. She was a representative for the Jewish Law Society Association and a member of the “Pulse” Health...

Aubrey Harry Ducker Jr. is a who has had years of accomplishments in the legal field. He has taken an interest in elder law after caring for his own grandmother and parents-in-law. Mr. Ducker has the first-hand experience in dealing with the stresses and anxieties that accompany deciding how to live the rest of one’s “golden years”. Attorney Aubrey Harry Ducker Jr. knows that adult children have to deal with this rite of passage. This involves specific stresses when making decisions for a parent or parents incapacitated by serious illnesses.

As a Family Law Attorney, Aubrey Harry Ducker Jr. takes...

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...

David Carrera focuses his practice on foreclosure defense, landlord/tenant law (landlords only), and estate planning. David graduated from the University of Florida where he studied business management and philosophy. During his time at UF, David mentored students through his leadership in Phi Alpha Delta. He also represented UF in statewide trial competitions. His passion for the law led him to the University of Miami School of Law. While studying law, David volunteered in pro bono efforts to help local children and families in need. These efforts spurred his desire to provide easy access to legal services without financial obstacles. As the founder...

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.

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...

ADMITTED -Florida and U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida, 1974 EDUCATION -Florida State University -B.S., 1972 -J.D., with Honors, 1974 -Law Clerk to the Industrial Relations Commission, 1973 PUBLICATIONS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS -Author: “Evaluating Job Searches and Earnings in a Self-Employment Setting,” News and 440 Report (Summer 1988) -“Wage Loss Under the New Worker’s Compensation Statute,” 63 Florida Bar Journal 10 (November 1989) -Guest Speaker, “The 1989 Legislative Changes Concerning Workers’ Compensation,” South Florida Risk and Insurance Management Society (February 1990) -Instructor, State of Florida approved for Adjuster Continuing Legal Education, 1991 MEMBERSHIPS -Orange County Bar Association -American Bar Association -The Florida Bar -Member, Worker’s Compensation Section -The Association of Trial Lawyers of America -Board Certified Workers’...

Theodore W. Small Jr. ("Ted Small") has over 30 years of legal experience, formerly with the large law firm of Holland & Knight LLP in its Tampa, Washington DC, and Orlando offices and currently as a small firm practitioner in Volusia County, Florida. Attorney Small brings the training and experience from his large firm experience to a small firm setting with the goal of pursuing cost-effective solutions for businesses, employers and elder law clients. Attorney Small also has experience as a mediator and NAM arbitrator and is available to serve as a professional neutral to resolve commercial and...

Client's love Attorney Romaine Brown, because she is warm, listens, cares, and is aggressive when needed to and she gives tremendous effort to each case. Attorney Brown will personally talk to you about the needs and wishes of your case and comes up with the best strategy to win your case. She handles a variety of cases which has given her unique experiences when resolving cases. Clients are often concerned about trusting their attorney with their cases, and because she has years of experience and a background of representing clients in a variety of cases, she understands how clearly defining...

Chuck strongly believes in providing clients peace of mind through planning. His broad values based estate planning, probate and trust administration practice has served several thousand clients over the last 29 years. His extensive qualifications include being Board Certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates by The Florida Bar. He graduated with a B.S. from the University of South Florida. He earned his J.D. (Cum Laude) from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Laws (LL.M ) in Taxation from the University of Florida. He has been awarded the highest rating (AV) given by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory Chuck specializes in personal...

As an entrepreneurial lawyer, I understand the challenges that small business owners face each day. We deal with vendors, customers, employees, taxes, and regulations all the time. Each one of these relationships creates legal risks that you must address in a cost-effective manner, before trouble strikes. Relying on my experience in trying business law cases, I have developed a three-step legal strategy that every small business owner should implement. In its most basic form, this strategy employs contracts, insurance coverage, and an operating company-management company-holding company format for the organization, to help control the common risks that can tank...

Attorney John Morey is a native of Tampa, Florida. After moving to New York he attended the State University of New York College at Brockport where he earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Psychology. Mr. Morey earned his Juris Doctorate from the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law where he graduated in the top 25% percentile of his class.



Mr. Morey has been dedicated to being a zealous advocate for his clients since the first time he stepped into a courtroom as a certified legal intern for the Seminole County Legal Aid Society, Inc. The experience he gained...

David Pilcher is an attorney for the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. He specializes in Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Guardianship, Business Entity Formation, Business Law, Commercial Litigation, and Civil Litigation.

He is a native to Florida, born in Orlando and raised in Sanford. He attended Brigham Young University on a full academic scholarship, receiving his B.S degree in Computer Science.

He worked for large companies including IBM before deciding on a career in law. David Pilcher returned to Brigham Young University (once again on scholarship) to its J. Reuben Clark Law School...

I am a Board Certified Elder Law attorney practicing primarily in the areas of Estate Planning, Medicaid Asset Protection, Probate, Guardianship, Family Law, and Bankruptcy. These are all areas which affect senior citizens. I have 3 locations to best serve my clients: The Villages, Orlando, and Volusia County, FL

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...

Michele Diglio-Benkiran is the founder of Legal Counsel, P.A. Mrs. Diglio-Benkiran has been practicing law for over 24 years with a special emphasis on Real Estate and Business Law. Mrs. Diglio-Benkiran earned her Juris Doctor Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 1999 where she was the Business Manager of Journal of Medicine and Law, Justice of Phi Alpha Delta, a scholarship recipient, and published in Who’s Who: American Law Students 1998. She graduated from law school and immediately began working at the Office of the State Attorney – 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County,...

Attorney Stephen Lacey is a Estate Planning and Probate Attorney in Melbourne, Florida. His practice areas focus on Estate Planning, Elder Law, Probate, Wills, Trust Administration and Wealth & Asset Protection. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Lacey has handled various Estate Planning cases in the State of Florida.

The Young Law Firm of Florida, LLC provides companies, non-profit organizations, families, and individuals with the legal representation they need to resolve the critical issues impacting their lives and businesses. We will guide you through your concerns and help you find the right solution. You deserve legal counsel who puts your welfare first while providing aggressive advocacy, sound advice, and protection of your rights. At the Young Law Firm of Florida, we provide individualized service to ensure your needs are met. All of our clients meet with Attorney Andre T. Young and are supported by a competent team of highly...

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...

Nishad Khan, Esq. is a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Real Estate Law.

Nishad focuses his practice on all aspects of real estate law, including commercial development, landlord tenant, residential sales and purchases, distressed properties, loan workouts, title issues and financing. Nishad also devotes a significant portion of his time to estate and business planning, wills & trusts, probate, wealth preservation, business law and commercial agreements.

After working at a few key Orlando firms, Nishad opened his own practice in 2007. His legal experience includes a judicial externship in which he gained valuable experience researching substantive and procedural issues for complex...

Harlan Paul was born April 1, 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida and began the practice of law in DeLand, Florida in 1979. He practiced as a partner with the law firm of James, Zimmerman & Paul, LLP until founding the firm of Paul, Elkind & Branz, P.A. in 2003. His practice focuses on personal injury and commercial litigation matters. Mr. Paul is AV-Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the highest rating available for legal ability and ethical standards. He has also been recognized for his legal abilities by being named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His trial...

With over 60 years combined legal experience, Veliz Katz Law represents clients facing all kinds of family law issues, including divorce, child custody and timesharing disputes, probate, and estate planning. Our firm excels at being understanding and compassionate towards our clients during this difficult time.

My promise to you is simple: I will provide you with the best, honest, efficient, and personal legal services you can ask for. I will keep you informed about your options and phases of your case, will fiercely protect your rights, make sure that no one takes advantage of you or your situation, and advocate for you until justice prevails.

I was born and raised in the lovely island of Puerto Rico. However, I have been a long time resident of the Central Florida area for many years now. Although the practice of law is my job, I am fortunate...

Alisha S. Jimenez, Esquire, is a licensed Real Estate & Estate Planning Orlando lawyer, focusing her practice on Timeshare Law, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate Law in Florida and New Jersey. Ms. Jimenez enjoys assisting Florida and New Jersey clients with the planning of their estates. Estate Planning Clients in need of a Will, Florida Trust, Durable Power of Attorney and Health Directives, can contact our office for a free review to determine their estate planning needs. In addition to her law degree, Ms. Jimenez is a licensed Florida Real Estate Agent. Our...

Matt DeBoard is a Senior Partner with Barrister Law Firm. Raised in the Orlando area, Mr. DeBoard earned his high school degree from Oak Ridge High School and later went on to American University in Washington, D.C. where he completed a double-major curriculum in both Physics and Communications. Mr. DeBoard earned his law degree from Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando, where he achieved the highest grade of anyone in his class in both his Constitutional Law II and Trademark Seminar law classes.

Mr. DeBoard has decades of experience in both the real estate and mortgage businesses. Prior to...

Jason Mark Ranew is a litigation and corporate attorney for the Central Florida full service law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. Mr. Ranew practices Corporate Law, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. He received his B.A. in Finance from Hillsdale College in 1998 and his J.D. from University of Akron in 2002.

Mr. Persad has worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his Juris Doctor degree and his Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Akron in 1993 and 1994, respectively. He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a diploma in paralegal studies from New York University. Mr. Persad's experience in the legal field...