Manatee County Probate Lawyers

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...

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...

JEFFREY S. GOETHE is a partner with Barnes Walker, Goethe, Perron, Shea, & Robinson, PLLC. The firm's main office is in Bradenton, with appointments available in the firm's Anna Maria Island, Lakewood Ranch and Parrish offices. Mr. Goethe is a graduate of Maryville College and the University of Tennessee College of Law and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1990. He is board certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in wills, trusts and estates law and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Mr. Goethe is a member of the Florida Bar’s Real...

I have guided and advised clients through their personal and commercial transactions in business and real estate, through their simple and complex estate planning situations and also through all forms of estate administration and probate.

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...

Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, Business Planning and Corporate Legal Counsel

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...

Bart Scovill was admitted to the practice of law in the State of Florida in 1993. Prior to Law School, he served four years in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1985. Since admission to the bar, he has handled a wide variety of legal issues including business law, transactional law, construction law, and guardianships. His primary focus is on Estate Planning, Probate Administration, and Business Law. He is married and has two beautiful daughters. Outside of the office, he enjoys snow skiing with his family, both teaching and training in Karate, and playing and coaching volleyball.

I have practiced law for over 30 years and have helped people and businesses resolve their issues including bankruptcy,probate,wills,trusts,estate planning,tax issues,litigation of many kinds and other family issues.

For over a decade, Grivas Law Group, P.A. has been protecting our client’s estates and property rights throughout the Suncoast. As a small, family-operated law firm, we prioritize great client service and take the time to better understand the challenges and hurdles you face. Please let us know how we can help you.

We are legal professionals who live in, and are committed to assisting the people of the Sarasota-Bradenton area. We are experienced in a number of fields, including estate planning, probate, real and intellectual property, environmental, health, family, corporate and contract law. We believe that, as...

Florida attorney Aaron J. Tracy founded Tracy Law, P.A., striving to provide quality legal services that are cost effective and practical to clients' needs. Legal Services are provided with individual care and attention to address each client's concerns. Tracy Law primarily concentrates in corporate law, not-for-profit law,business law, contractual law, estate planning, probate, and estate and trust administration. Additionally, Tracy Law addresses various other matters related to the core concentration, including potential tax-related matters.

Aaron J. Tracy, Esq., LL.M., Graduated from the University of South Florida in 1996 with a B.A. in accounting. After working for several years within the accounting...

Kevin Sanderson serves your legal needs throughout all of West Central Florida, including Sarasota, Casey Key, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Bradenton, North Port, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Arcadia, Englewood, and Naples.

Education
Kevin F. Sanderson is a graduate of Boston University (B.A., Psychology) and obtained his juris doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law in Miami, FL. He continued his education, obtaining his LL.M. (legal laureate masters) in international taxation and offshore finance, also at St. Thomas University School of Law. Kevin was born and raised in New Jersey.

Licenses
Mr. Sanderson is a member of the Florida Bar, a member...

Daniel A. McGowan is a Trial Lawyer and Litigation Counsel for individuals, families, foundations, endowments, and institutions. Practice exclusively in the area of advising fiduciaries and individuals in all aspects of trust administration and related court proceedings, including will and trust contests, actions to construe, modify and reform wills and trusts, breach of fiduciary duty claims, elder abuse, as well as proceedings to remove and surcharge fiduciaries. Mr. McGowan is a member of the Florida Probate Rules Committee (2020 Term); Florida Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section; Estate and Trust Law Section of the Ohio Bar; Probate and Trust...

As a dedicated IRS Tax defense attorney Mary has been helping clients get tax debt relief by negotiating currently non-collectible status, offers in compromise, installment agreements, innocent spouse relief, audits, removing levies, releasing liens, and negotiating penalty abatement. Mary's career as a IRS tax attorney began in 1993 after graduating from Stetson University College of Law. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree in 1988 and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance from Wake Forest University, Babcock Graduate School of Management in 1990. Her career in tax law...

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,...

My name is Sheryl Edwards from The Edwards Law Firm, PL and I am a Sarasota foreclosure lawyer. If you are facing foreclosure, or threats of the same, then it is vital that you begin exploring your options, and that you begin to pursue the results that you need. I can help investigate your situation and ensure that all options are explored, and that your rights are defended throughout this process. Contact me to begin fighting these threats today!

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.

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.

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...

DAVID P. JOHNSON received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan School of Business Administration and his law degree from Wayne State University. He has been Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Tax Law since 1995 and Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts and Estates since 1996. He is one of thirty eight (38) of Florida's 100,000 attorneys to be Board Certified in both Tax Law and Wills, Trusts and Estates. Certification is the highest level of evaluation of an attorney's competency and experience in the areas approved by the Florida Supreme...

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...

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...

Attorney Sherri L. Johnson provides discreet, compassionate counsel to clients in the Sarasota and Bradenton area who are experiencing financial difficulties and are considering a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing. Ms. Johnson personally handles each client's bankruptcy case from start to finish, including attendance at the Meeting of Creditors.

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...

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...

Mantoni Legal offers an exceptionally dedicated personal approach to our clients and their cases. We provide the commitment you deserve, with a unique and in-depth understanding of the defenses and rights available to Landlords and Property Owners. Mantoni Legal will provide you efficient and reliable service, and take the time to give your case the personalized attention it deserves. Clients will receive unparalleled transparency through regular case updates and direct attorney contact to assure you that we are diligently handling your matter. With our modernized, better fee arrangements, to include flat fee evictions and multi-unit discounts, we will ease your...

I grew up in a large NAVY family. My father flew out of Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base in the sixties and I fell in love with the Tampa Bay community. After law school I came back to Florida to pursue my legal career with a passion for helping out individuals and families. I really enjoy the waterfront lifestyle here (when I can find the time to do so). I have a strong and long serving staff that makes client communication a top priority. My greatest joy is to work alongside my clients to help...

I practice in the areas of wills, trusts, and probate law across the Tampa St. Petersburg Area, including Pinellas County and Hillsborough County, Florida, and throughout the Tampa Bay Area. I am proud to have received the highest lawyer ratings on platforms such as Justia, Super Lawyers, Martindale, and Avvo. My commitment to this field is further demonstrated by my six years of service on the Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee and serving twice as Chair of the St. Petersburg Bar Association Probate Law Section. In addition to my probate law practice, I serve as an Adjunct Professor of Law...

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...

John M. Hemenway is a founding partner of Bivins & Hemenway, P.A. John serves as a trusted legal advisor to business owners, real estate investors, and families seeking to preserve and pass down their wealth and values. His practice focuses on estate planning and probate, small and closely held businesses, and real estate, combining experience in each of these areas to provide a comprehensive approach to transactions and planning.

John earned his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Florida. John regularly presents at legal education seminars on both probate and estate planning topics, and is published on estate planning...

Attorney Aaron W. Saoud is the owner of the AWS Law Firm, which practices Probate, Estate Planning, Guardianships, and other related areas of law in Florida. The AWS Law Firm is based out of Tampa, Florida, and serves the majority of the state, from Jacksonville down to Miami, including Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. The AWS Law Firm currently is comprised of eight upstanding professionals: four lawyers and four support staff to assist them. Attorney Saoud is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the Stetson College of Law, and is licensed to practice law in Florida, Michigan, and Illinois...

A Queens, New York native graduating from the State University of New York (SUNY) Albany in Political Science, History and a minor in Criminal Justice in 2010. Ms. Whitfield graduated Ave Maria School of Law, in Naples, FL in 2013 and became a member of the Florida Bar in 2015. She has established a practice in the Tampa Bay area where she lives and works. Having established several areas of practice including Estate Planning, Probate, Immigration, Criminal Defense, and Business Law matters. Her passion is to help those in her community through the court system with their legal issues and...

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.

Army Veteran and former Law Enforcement Officer, Sean decided to continue to serve his community by becoming an Attorney. Sean has a mission to protect the people and started Panther Law, P.A. to do just that. He offers legal help in Litigation, Estate Planning, Probate, Bankruptcy, and Special Needs Law.

Jerrold E. Slutzky, J.D., CFP® is a Florida-licensed Attorney at Law and owner of The Slutzky Law Firm, which focuses primarily on Estate Planning Services ( wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care surrogate designations, living wills, probate, guardianships, etc.) and Small Business Legal Services (start-ups, buy-sell agreements, drafting of legal documents, contract negotiations, succession planning, and general business law, counseling, and advice. Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from the University of Illinois ( Champaign -Urbana ), and a Juris Doctor Degree in Law from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois

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

Mr. Zoecklein currently focuses his practice on Plaintiff's Civil Litigation. His team is currently litigating cases throughout the State of Florida in the practice areas of probate administration, estate litigation, insurance claims, family law and business law. Brice Zoecklein grew up in Blacksburg Virginia and attended Virginia Tech where he graduated cum laude and obtained a degree in business management. While at Virginia Tech Mr. Zoecklein ran several successful franchises throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Zoecklein then obtained his juris doctorate degree cum luade and a Masters in Business Administration from Stetson University College of Law....