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

I was born and raised in the farmlands of the Midwestern United States. I earned an Associate in Science degree from Lincoln Trail College, marking a significant milestone as the first person in my family to obtain a college degree. My educational journey continued at Southern Illinois University, where I achieved both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry. My legal education began at the University of Houston and concluded at Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana, where I graduated with a Juris Doctorate cum laude in 2008. During my time in law school,...

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...

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

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.

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....

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...

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...

WE DO WILLS! And can assist with all of your estate planning needs, including trusts, living will and power of attorney. We also specialize in business law and collections and can assist with real estate matters.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Matthew C. Shapiro is a seasoned attorney concentrating in wills, trusts, estates, and civil litigation. Mr. Shapiro graduated with honors from Florida International University, ranking in the top ten of his class. His distinguished academic background laid a strong foundation for his legal career, where he has consistently demonstrated expertise and excellence. During his career, Mr. Shapiro has provided comprehensive estate planning services to thousands of clients, expertly drafting crucial documents such as revocable living trusts of varying complexities, wills, powers of attorney, health care surrogates, living wills, enhanced life estate deeds, trust amendments, and codicils. Having served as the lead or...

I’m a forward-thinking attorney with a passion for resolving complex legal matters and developing lasting strategies for clients. I love a challenge and I am known for being proactive, attentive, and responsive. I became a lawyer because I could never find an attorney who genuinely cared about me or my businesses. As an entrepreneur who has started, developed, managed, sold, and participated in just about every aspect of operating a business, I understand what an exceptional attorney should be. As your attorney, it’s my responsibility to be more than just a legal advocate or advisor of the law. I am a champion...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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 L. Reed Bloodworth, Founder and CEO of Bloodworth Law, PLLC, is a Florida U.S. News & World Report Best Lawyer® in Commercial Litigation Award 2019-22; in Trusts & Estates Litigation 2022; and in Real Estate Litigation 2022. Bloodworth Law is a U.S. News & World Report "Best Law Firm" 2020-22 and has established itself with an office in Orlando and one in Winter Haven. Reed, a 2019-22 Super Lawyer, was named a Florida Trend’s Magazine Florida Legal Elite™ in Civil, Commercial Litigation 2017-19, 2021, a group of less than 1.3% of Florida's attorneys. Reed has been an attorney since 2004...

Matthew is a native of Florida and Brevard County and was raised locally in Merritt Island. Matthew has an extensive and diverse education which includes a bachelor’s degree in accounting, a master’s degree in taxation, and a law degree. Prior to practicing law Matthew acquired his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license and worked in public and private accounting for several years before entering law school. Matthew’s unique background in law, accounting, and taxation provide a unique perspective that is unmatched by most attorneys. Matthew has been located in the same office in Cocoa for the past 15 years practicing...

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’...

AWARDS Lawyers of Distinction Elite Lawyers 407-376-2229 www.cnunezlaw.com SERVICIO DE ABOGADOS EN ESPANOL 386-PLEITOS (Español) www.abogadanunez.com Winter Park / Orlando: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mZydFiUenECqHQmq9 Daytona Beach: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mZydFiUenECqHQmq9 Gainesville: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wddzhmacxn3mZVgF8

Karen Harkness Houser is an attorney with the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns, operating out of the firm's Melbourne office. She specializes in Commercial & Residential Real Estate, Corporate Law, Estate Planning, and Elder Law.

She graduated from Virginia Tech with her B.S. in 1981 and received her J.D. from the St. Thomas University School of Law in 1991. In 1992, Ms. Houser earned her LL.M in Taxation from the esteemed College of William and Mary.

She has handled numerous cases including Office, Warehouse, Shopping Center & Hotel Projects, Acquisition & Disposition of Raw Land, Construction...

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...

Social Security Disability and Retirement, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Veterans Benefits. Krista L. Rush is a seasoned attorney representing clients for over twenty years in Brevard County, including Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge and Titusville. We love helping individuals and families of all ages and all backgrounds. Come see why working with an attorney one on one makes a difference!

Elan is a graduate of NYU School of Law (Masters in Tax Law), Emory University School of Law (Juris Doctorate), and Florida State University. Elan has devoted her practice (over 16 years) to estate planning, estate administration, tax and business law. She is respected by her peers and loved by her clients for her compassionate, knowledgeable approach to each matter she handles.

Davina B. Frederick is a Florida-licensed attorney, member in good standing of the Florida Bar and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. She founded Frederick Law & Mediation of Florida, P.L. to provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, business owners and corporate professionals who wish to continue providing for their families in the event they no longer are able to do so due to incapacity or death. Ms. Frederick is a native Floridian who has lived and worked in the Central Florida area since 1987. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a B.A....

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,...