Michelle Shupe-Abbas - Fort Lauderdale Estate Planning Lawyer Reviews & Ratings

As the founding partner of the firm, Michelle brings a unique blend of experience, knowledge, and a personal touch to every case. With over 25 years of legal expertise, she has helped countless individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with care and professionalism.. Why Work with Michelle?. Michelle is more than just an attorney—she’s a dedicated advocate for her clients. She understands that legal issues can be stressful and overwhelming, and she takes pride in providing compassionate, clear, and knowledgeable guidance.. Who Michelle IsA native of South Carolina, Michelle relocated to Florida after completing law school as she became “addicted to the sunshine.” She has been married to her husband for over 20 years and is the mom to an awesome son, whom she simply adores. Michelle loves to travel, often making time outdoors to hike a local trail when visiting a new place. She loves to listen to live music and enjoys reading as well as playing the occasional game.. Career BackgroundA graduate of the University of South Carolina (B.S.), St. Thomas University School of Law (J.D., cum laude), and New York University School of Law (LL.M. in Taxation), Michelle’s legal journey began in 2001 as a litigator. Over the years, she’s handled a wide range of cases, from complex litigation to estate planning matters.. Michelle managed restaurants for over a decade before becoming a lawyer. Her background in business management, coupled with her legal expertise, has enabled her to successfully manage a large legal team and handle an impressive volume of cases during her career—experience that few attorneys can match.. Speaking EngagementsYou will often find Michelle speaking to groups on probate, guardianship, and estate planning. Her mission is to keep people out of guardianships and to help families create a tailored estate plan designed to avoid probate and protect their assets. Michelle also seeks to educate her clients and the community so they understand their legal documents and what is required to ensure the plan is according to her clients' wishes and needs.. Professional LicensesFlorida BarFlorida Real Estate Sales AssociateNotary Public, State of FloridaTitle Agent for Old Republic National Title Insurance Company (former)United States District Court, Northern District of FloridaUnited States District Court, Middle District of FloridaUnited States District Court, Southern District of FloridaUnited States Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit. Professional InvolvementIn addition to her legal work, Michelle is actively involved in several professional organizations.. Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys (2017 – 2018)American Bar AssociationBNI Leaders (Business Network International) Leadership TeamBroward County Bar Association, Membership Committee MemberEstate Planning Council of Broward County (2018 – present)Keiser University, Legal Studies Program, Advisory Board Member (2010 – 2015)National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Member (2017 – 2018)National Association of Professional Women (2013 – 2014)Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, Member 1998-current, past Justice (President) (2000-2001) and Vice Justice (Vice President) (1999-2000) of Mentschikoff ChapterReal Property, Probate and Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, Member (2001 – present)Real Property Section of the Broward County Bar Association, Member (2016 – present)South Broward Bar Association (2023 – present)Wills, Trusts & Estates Section of the Broward County Bar Association, Member (2016 – present). Community InvolvementMichelle enjoys working with community initiatives and charities in service to others. Some of the organizations she currently or has worked with in the past include:. Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment CenterCypress Bay High School Band Parents AssociationHabitat for HumanityKeiser University Legal Studies Program, Advisory Board (2011 – 2015)Make a Wish, Southern FloridaProject ChangeRelay for Life, Team LeaderWalk Now for Autism Speaks, Team LeaderYes Indeed, non-profit organization, Member, Board of Directors (2012 – 2015). Recognition and AwardsMichelle’s dedication and hard work have earned her numerous accolades as the recipient of several prestigious local and national awards.. 10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Legal Counsel, 2018America’s Most Honored Lawyers Top 1%, The American Registry, 2020America’s Most Honored Professionals, The American Registry, 2018AV Preeminent Highest Rated Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, 2018, Client’s Choice Award, Best Probate Lawyers of Fort Lauderdale, 2022Giver’s Gain Award, BNI Leaders Chapter, 2019Judicial Edition – AV Preeminent Highest Rated Lawyers, 2020Named one of South Florida Legal Guide’s Top Lawyers in South Florida, 2020Outstanding Service Award, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Mentischikoff Chapter, 2001