SARASOTA & MANATEE COUNTY FLORIDA LAW FIRM

We are a veteran owned law firm that since 1992, has been providing legal services to individuals in the areas of Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Elder Law, Asset Protection, and Corporate law. 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 reside throughout Southwest Florida (Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Casey Key, Venice, Osprey, Nokomis, Englewood, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, University Park, Naples, Ft. Myers, Palmetto, Parrish, and Ellenton, Florida).

My clients include 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. Every client knows that they will receive the highest quality legal representation based on my experience and integrity. Other lawyers, both inside and outside the state of Florida, regularly refer clients to me in my focus areas. I am honored by their confidence. I pride myself on my ability to form long-lasting relationships with all my clients.

My goal is to provide you with personalized attention, legal services tailored to your specific needs, and my years of expertise. My reward is a satisfied client! Call me to schedule an appointment in my Sarasota or Lakewood Ranch office. The Florida legal system can be intimidating and overwhelming. I am here to help you find the answers and create the solutions to your Florida legal matters. Do not get buried in the details, that is our job as your attorney.

I am a nationally published author (Florida, Rhode Island, & Texas State Bar Journals, Veteran Magazines, Leimberg (LISI), Military.Com, and the National Contract Management Association magazine). On June 17, 2020, I was awarded the Rhode Island Bar Journal Outstanding Contributor Award.

PRACTICE AREAS

Estate Planning

(Wills, Trusts, POA, Health Care Surrogate, ..)

Business & Corporate Law

(Contracts, Formation, Entity Planning, ..)

Probate Administration

(Large & Small Estates and Ancillary Estates)

Trust Administration

(Large & Small Trusts)

Asset Protection Planning

(Creditor Protection)

Elder Law

VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS

CURRENT NEWS

PRACTICE AREAS

Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act

Effective July 1, 2026, you may create a Protected Series LLC under the provisions to the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act. This makes Florida one of the few states with a comprehensive and uniform legal framework for series limited liability companies (LLCs).

FEDERAL ESTATE TAX EXEMPTION:

For 2025, the Federal Estate Tax Exemption amount will increase from $13.61 million in 2024 to $13.99 million per individual. A couple may now leave a total of $27.98 million without having to pay any federal estate or gift tax. If an individual gifts an amount that is above the annual gift tax exclusion, a portion of the individual’s lifetime gift tax exemption will be used. The gift and estate tax exemption are linked, meaning that the use of one’s gift tax exemption will reduce the amount one may leave at death estate tax-free.

ANNUAL GIFT TAX EXCLUSION

For 2025, the annual gift tax exclusion, which allows a taxpayer to gift a certain amount annually without incurring any Federal Gift Tax or using a portion of a taxpayer’s lifetime gift and estate tax exemption, is increased to $19,000 per individual. Married couples can make joint gifts of $38,000 per recipient. If an individual makes a gift in excess of the annual gift tax exclusion, a gift tax return will be due on April 15 the following year to report the gift (and track the amount of the lifetime exemption that has been used)..

VISIT OUR BLOG AT:

http://floridaestateplanningandprobatelaw.blogspot.com/