Top best Estate Planning Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale | 93 available

Trey was born in San Diego, California but is now located in Ft. Lauderdale and practices throughout the state of Florida. His main practice areas include estate planning, probate, trust administration, real estate, and adoption. Trey received his J.D. from Shepard Broad College of Law, Nova Southeastern University in 2005 where he served as the Editor-in-Chief of the ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law. Before that, Trey earned his B.A. from Liberty University in 2001. To schedule a free consultation with Trey, visit his website or call.

Steve focuses his practice in the areas of taxation, private client services, estate planning and mergers and uses his broad knowledge of accounting, business, taxation and estate and trust laws to provide practical and valuable guidance to his clients.. Steve’s broad range of transactional experience stems from nearly 20 years of sophisticated lawyering, from managing simple acquisitions to designing the structure of, and negotiating complex economic and governance terms in various multi-state joint ventures for nationally recognized clients.. Having a background in accounting and from working as an accountant prior to becoming a lawyer, Steve has an advantage over many lawyers when evaluating and negotiating economic deal background is also invaluable when advising on tax matters which have included representation of individuals, businesses and estates against IRS audits, designing organizational structures that minimize taxes and utilizing sophisticated estate tax reduction strategies that help to preserve clients’ wealth over multiple generations.. With an unmatched level of attention and responsiveness, Steve strives to provide all clients of Silverman Schermer with great outcomes and commitment to quality has allowed Steve to build Silverman Schermer’s base of high net worth family clients that rely on him for counsel that goes beyond traditional lawyering and frequently involves balancing of difficult family dynamics.. Super Lawyers and Florida Trends’ Legal Elite have recognized Steve as a preeminent understands the need to give back to the addition to financial support of local organizations, he volunteers his time to the Greater Miami – Miami Beach Police Foundation, Inc., a public charity that he assisted generous clients to create, and is actively involved with Make A Wish as a Make A Wish the benefits of a large business and social network, Steve is an active member of the Tower Club in Fort Lauderdale, Weston Hills Country Club and the Miami chapter of Ivy.. In his private life, Steve enjoys making memories with his wife Stacey and their two daughters.

Staci M. Hershey, the managing partner of the Hershey Law Firm, P.A. was previously a partner at Grisales-Racini, Shefer, Hershey, Gonzalez-Rabagh, Miculitzki, LLLP (GRSH LAW), where she was the head of the Civil Litigation Department and Finance Manager.. Education:. Ms. Hershey earned a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Civil Law degree from Louisiana State University’s, Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2008. By attending LSU, Ms. Hershey was exposed to a combination of French and Spanish civilian legal traditions, as well as the Anglo American common law tradition, resulting in a bijural legal education which affords her a unique prospective on the law. Ms. Hershey furthered her legal education in Lyon, France studying comparative law issues in civilian jurisdictions while participating in a summer program sponsored by the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in cooperation with the Universite Jean Moulin-Lyon III.

Serving Florida in  business, real estate, construction, estate planning, probate, property, and commercial litigation matters of all kinds for more than 35 years.

Nydia Menendez is the Managing and Founding Partner of the Firm.. She obtained her law degree in 1992 from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and here Masters in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999. Before opening the doors of Menendez Law Firm in 2002, Nydia worked for the Florida Department of Revenue, Deloitte & Touche, and Holland & Knight.. Nydia serves the South Florida community in the areas of Tax, Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate and Corporate/Business law. She is passionate about helping individuals and families plan their affairs so they can have a voice and be in control of their life choices. This was her main reason for launching an education center in the firm, which hosts webinars every month. (Click here to see the schedule for upcoming webinars.). When Nydia is not in the office, she is likely travelling, cooking, gardening, or at the farm with Ranger – a beautiful retired racehorse.. Nydia believes that the legal profession is one of nobility and advocacy. For this reason, she supports several organizations, such as Legal Aid, Hispanic Unity, Broward County Bar Association, World Vision, Feed the Hungry, Compassion International, and others.

My practice, located in South Florida, is solely dedicated to estate planning and probate administration, guardianships, and tax planning.

My firm is committed to providing quality legal representation and above all, personal, prompt attention to individuals and businesses in South Florida. My twenty plus years of legal experience enables me to give qualified, knowledgeable, legal service. My commitment to excellence and our clients success, motivates the firm to provide professional services based upon a solid foundation of knowledge, research and technology. That commitment allows the firm to address ones special legal needs.. STEVEN E. EISENBERG, AREA’S OF PRACTICE INCLUDE TAX PLANNING, IRS DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS, CORPORATE LAW, ESTATE PLANNING, TRUST, AND PROBATE LAW IN FLORIDA. HE IS ADMITTED TO PRACTICE LAW IN FLORIDA AND TEXAS. STEVEN RECEIVED HIS B.A. FROM NEW YORK UNIVERSITY, HIS LAW DEGREE FROM ST. MARY'S UNIVERSITY IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS AND A MASTERS DEGREE IN TAX LAW FROM SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY IN DALLAS, TEXAS. MR. EISENBERG WAS A RECIPIENT OF THE PRENTICE HALL AWARD IN TAXATION AND HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE JOURNAL OF TAXATION FOR ACCOUNTANTS, A NATIONAL PUBLICATION. HE HAS AUTHORED NUMEROUS CLIENT NEWSLETTERS ON ESTATE PLANNING AND OTHER TOPICS. MR. EISENBERG IS ALSO ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS. HE WAS AN ELECTED COMMISSIONER OF THE PLANTATION ACRES IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR NINE YEARS, AND A FORMER MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TEMPLE BETH TORAH and THE DAVID POSNACK HEBREW DAY SCHOOL. HE IS CURRENTLY  SERVES ON THE CITY OF PLANTATION’S PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Melissa O'Connor is dedicated to helping people protect their assets and plan for their future.  Each matter is approached with the upmost care and goals are based upon the needs of our clients.. Personalized Services include: Wills and Trusts Preparation Probate Administration Trust Administration Durable Power of Attorney Power of Attorney for Healthcare Guardianship. After years of private practice at large firms, Melissa went out on her own to use her legal knowledge and skills to assist individuals and families as they plan for their future and address the concerns of aging.  Estate Planning and Elder Law is especially important to Melissa she has faced issues, as many families, do while planning and addressing urgent issues related to aging and disability in her own family.. Prior to practicing law Melissa worked professionally as an environmental scientist.  She is passionate about assisting people and their businesses comply with environmental regulations.  She has also assisted her community in holding the government accountable to their regulatory duties.  While not helping families with their estate and elder law issues, Melissa works in the environmental arena.. Melissa is the mother of two and is actively involved in her community.  She has served as a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem advocating for the rights of children in the foster care system since 2002.  She also serves as the Secretary of the Florida Brownfields 501©(3) which is dedicated to assisting members of the community engage in the Brownfields process.

Martyn S. Elberg graduated from California Western School of Law in 2006. After graduation, Marty moved back to his hometown of Eagle Grove, Iowa to be closer to his and his wife’s family where they could raise their boys with the same Midwestern values they learned.  Soon after he was admitted to the Iowa bar, he opened his own practice to serve the small town.  After several years of being a general practitioner and transitioning their boys into responsible young men, Marty and his wife, Susie, moved to Florida. He now resides in Fort Lauderdale with Susie. Their children live in Iowa and Virginia. One is in the Army National Guard and the other served 5 years active duty in the US Navy and is now in the Navy Reserve.Marty has focused on Estate Planning since being admitted to the Florida bar in 2012. His experience goes back to when he prepared a simple will for one of his first clients in Iowa in 2007.  His practice has evolved where he creates full plans for a family’s well-being. Marty understands the fear of sitting down and planning for the inevitable, and he prides himself on his ability to truly listen to his clients while translating their vision into estate plans that meet their desires and expectations.  He appreciates the unique composition of each family and knows firsthand that thoughtful, creative customized planning can maximize both financial security and harmony therein.

Kurt Zimmerman has practiced law for over 30 years in the areas of real property, probate and trust law, beginning at the national law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery in its Chicago office. A graduate of the American College of Trust and Estate Council (ACTEC) Florida Fellows Institute, Mr. Zimmerman has been recognized as one of Florida Trend's “Legal Elite.”. Education:. Mr. Zimmerman is a graduate of the University of Michigan (B.A. 1986) where he was a walk-on student-athlete (baseball), earning 4 varsity letters and being individually honored as First Team Academic All-Big Ten, First Team All-Big Ten, Most Outstanding Player - Big Ten Tournament, and recipient of the Wolverine Award, which goes to the team’s “most inspirational player.” He and his Michigan teammates — including Hall of Famer Barry Larkin and Olympic Gold Medalist and Sullivan Award Winner (“most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States”) Jim Abbott — won three Big Ten Conference championships and competed twice in the NCAA Division I National Championship Tournament (College World Series).. Mr. Zimmerman received his law degree from Vanderbilt University Law School (J.D. 1990) where his peers elected him President of the Vanderbilt Bar Association and where he was selected by vote of the entire law faculty as recipient of the Bennett Douglas Bell Memorial Prize, which goes to the graduate “who is not only well versed in the law, but who embodies the highest conception of the ethics of the profession.” Mr. Zimmerman continues to serve Vanderbilt Law School by conducting admissions interviews for South Florida applicants.. Community Service:. Mr. Zimmerman is active in the community and serves on the governing boards of several local organizations, including:. Professional Memberships:. His professional memberships include the American Bar Association, The Florida Bar, the Broward County Bar Association, the Estate Planning Council of Broward County, and the Planned Giving Council of Broward County.. Personal:. Mr. Zimmerman and his wife of 30 years (Patricia Hooley) reside in Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Zimmerman’s three children attended Pine Crest School and the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan where they were the 5th consecutive generation of the Zimmerman family to attend Michigan.

I have worked at Medalie & Medalie, PA for over 20 years.  Until 2022, I worked with my father, Don Medalie, who shared the wisdom he gained from his 62 years in the practice.  He also taught me fundamentals of a law practice:  act in the clients' long-term best interests, timely respond to client inquiries, focus on specific practice areas to develop deep expertise.  This philosophy has enabled us to represent families and businesses for multiple decades and multiple generations.

I have practiced law in the area of estate planning for over thirty years, first in MN and currently in FL. As an experienced estate planning attorney, I work with clients to develop plans that fit their individual needs. No client is too small. Whether the plan involves a simple will or a more complex trust, I believe everyone should have a plan in place. I also offer suggestions for ways my clients can avoid the unnecessary delay and expense of probate. I merge the principles of Biblical stewardship and the interpersonal relationships involved in estate planning with the ever changing tax and legal landscape to help individuals and families achieve their goals for the distribution of the estates that have been entrusted to them.As the world faces unprecedented challenges at this time, please know that I am here to serve you. For many, the current crisis is serving as a wake-up call to get their estate plans in order.. Do you have a Will or Trust in place? Do you have a Power of Attorney where you have appointed someone to make financial decisions for you if you are not able? Do you have a Health Care Surrogate where you have appointed someone to make medical decisions for you if you are not able? Have you reviewed and updated beneficiaries on all life insurance policies and retirement plans?Leaving these questions unanswered means leaving many more unanswered questions and financial stress for your loved ones in the event of your death or incapacity. I can help you answer these questions and guide you through the process.

I have been practicing tax law and tax resolution since I received my Masters In Law in Tax in 1971. I have handled many difficult tax matters over the last 47 years. I have been certifed as a Board Certified Tax Lawyer for the past 33 years and I am also a Florida Superlawyer in Tax. Please see my website at for all of my qualificaitons. There is no substitute for experience when dealing with tax matters.

Haneen Kutub is an accomplished attorney with over 13 years of legal experience who focuses her practice in the areas of estate planning, probate, trust administration, guardianship, elder law, and business planning. She distinguishes her practice through her commitment to providing personalized services to her clients and premium legal representation.. Ms. Kutub began her legal career in Boston Massachusetts after obtaining her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College and her law degree from Suffolk University School of Law. In 2015 she moved to Florida to pursue her two passions, being outdoors and helping others. While working for a prominent estate planning firm in Boca Raton she obtained her LL.M. in taxation with a concentration in estate planning and an emphasis in international tax from Boston University School of Law.. Ms. Kutub is licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Florida, and before the Supreme Court of the United States.. Ms. Kutub is a member of the Broward County Bar Association, Soroptimist International, the Fort Lauderdale Civic Association, and the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law section of the Florida Bar.

Family law and divorce attorney Deborah Bianchi Tracht has more than 20+ years of Family Law experience and has been a resident of Fort Lauderdale/ Pompano Beach, Florida, for more than 35 years. Her legal expertise, efficiency and effectiveness are known throughout Florida, across the country, and around the world. This global approach to Family Law/Divorce produces total solutions for clients that reside or originate in another state or country whose needs have relevance in Florida jurisdictions. There is no practice area within the family law field that Deborah Bianchi Tracht cannot execute with promptness, poise and professionalism.. As an accomplished leader within her profession, Attorney Deborah Bianchi Tracht has been selected for membership in "National Advocates: Top 100 Attorneys" professional organization for the state of Florida for the year 2017. Membership in this elite group is by invitation only and extended to 100 attorney professionals who exemplify superior qualifications and leadership in their respective state based on uniformly applied criteria, and limited to those who focus their practices on Martimonial and Family Law, and 5 other stipulated areas of law.. As an accomplished leader within the community, Attorney Deborah Bianchi Tracht was selected as a recipient and inducted into the 2013 class of "100 Outstanding Women of Broward County". This prestigious honor celebrates women in leadership roles in the business, community, and philanthropic fields, and is sponsored and benefitted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County.. Deborah Bianchi Tracht is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, Director and legal counsel for A Child Is Missing (a national organization that assists in finding missing children by issuing amber alerts and has registered more than 800 safe recoveries), has 20-plus years' experience within the guardian ad litem program, and is well-established as an advocate for children. Her practice is devoted solely to divorce, family-related legal matters, and mediation. She is also able to assist with modifying your estate planning once a divorce is finalized.

Evan C. Leach, Esq. is originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts and is a founding partner at EVAN C LEACH PLLC. After graduating with a B.S. in Finance from Providence College, he relocated to Miami, Florida to work for several years in the pharmaceutical industry. Evan later realized his passion for the law and went on to graduate from the University of Miami School of Law in 2011 (Cum Laude).. Evan has now been practicing law for more than 10 years and is currently licensed in both Florida and Massachusetts. Today, he commutes between Cape Cod and South Florida spending time with his family and friends while serving his clients in both states.. Evan specializes primarily in estate planning, trusts, asset protection, real estate, business law, and complex litigation matters. His experience and business background make him a trusted resource for the firm and his clients alike. Evan seamlessly blends his legal passion with his steadfast commitment to client service, delivering unrivaled and dedicated service in all aspects of his representation.

Christine graduated from Boston College Law School (J.D. 2000) and has been a licensed attorney in Florida since 2001. Undergraduate work included a B.A (1991) with distinction in psychology from San Diego State University and complex psychiatric and psychological research at Yale University.. Community ServiceChristine especially enjoys teaching complimentary self-defense courses to local Girl Scout troops. She has served on the Board of the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Coral Ridge Association and The Charity Guild of Fort Lauderdale where she is currently serving as President and a member of almost 20 years. She treasures her robust involvement serving Kids in Distress and Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center. She regularly sponsored a rest stop for the MS 150 Bike Race for the National MS Society, and has hosted a Literary Feast with the Broward County Public Library.. Professional AssociationsFlorida Bar, Broward County Bar Association, WealthCounsel, and Estate Planning Counsel of Broward County.. PersonalChristine and her husband Brian, an orthopaedic surgeon at Holy Cross Orthopaedic Institute, have lived in Fort Lauderdale for 25 years. They have two grown children who they treasure deeply, and now dote on their English and French Bulldogs. Christine captained Ragnar 200 mile Relay Race Teams, creates hiking, whitewater rafting and travel adventures for her friends and family and prioritizes staying physically active and fit. As both an instructor and practitioner of self-defense jiu-jitsu, she embraces the discipline, emotional balance and resilience that this art brings to her life. Whether she is working with a client or on the mat, her approach is always the same: calm, focused, and dedicated to finding the best solutions.

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

Adrian Thomas is the founding partner of Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. Mr. Thomas represents both plaintiffs and defendants and has successfully litigated cases involving claims of undue influence, lack of capacity, and tortious interference with an inheritance.Attorney Thomas earned his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University in 1993 and a Master of Laws in Estate Planning from the University of Miami in 2000. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1990.Adrian Thomas is admitted to the Florida Bar; the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida; and the United States Court of Appeals. Mr. Thomas is credited with three published appellate court opinions that are of ongoing significance to the trust and estate litigation area of practice.In 2004, Mr. Thomas earned the highest “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is awarded to attorneys who reach the highest level of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity. Mr. Thomas maintains that designation to this day.

Adrian Thomas is the founding partner of Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. Mr. Thomas represents both plaintiffs and defendants and has successfully litigated cases involving claims of undue influence, lack of capacity, and tortious interference with an inheritance.Attorney Thomas earned his Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University in 1993 and a Master of Laws in Estate Planning from the University of Miami in 2000. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Thomas earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Florida in 1990.Adrian Thomas is admitted to the Florida Bar; the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida; and the United States Court of Appeals. Mr. Thomas is credited with three published appellate court opinions that are of ongoing significance to the trust and estate litigation area of practice.In 2004, Mr. Thomas earned the highest “AV” rating from Martindale-Hubbell which is awarded to attorneys who reach the highest level of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity. Mr. Thomas maintains that designation to this day.