Why I Choose to Mediate

After many years of practice in the fields of General Litigation, Elder Law, Probate, Trusts and Guardianships, I have seen people fight one another over a multitude of legal issues that involve Family Business, Real Property, Contracts, Estate Plans, Guardianships, Estates, Wills, Trusts, Medical Treatment and virtually every other conceivable issue related to family concerns about Illness, Aging, Incapacity, Death and Dying.

Although I have litigated many cases, I am more gratified with resolution and problem solving by compromise and mediation. It is my nature to resolve conflict and I enjoy it. I prefer to see people participate in the solutions to their problems than laying the issue in the lap of the court.

Biography

I have been a certified Circuit Civil Mediator since 1989. I have practiced law in Polk County for more than 34 years specializing in the fields of Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts, Tax Issues, Probate, Guardianship, Contracts, Real Property, Civil Litigation and Elder Law. I have extensive experience in civil litigation of probate, trust and guardianship matters.

I am a third-generation native of Lakeland, Florida. I graduated from Florida Southern College with high honors in 1976 and received my J.D. from Cumberland School of Law with honors in 1979. I was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1979 and I am currently a member of the Elder Law Section and the Wills, Estates, and Probate Section of the Florida Bar.

Also I am a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and I have been certified by the National Elder Law Foundation as an Elder Law specialist since May 9, 2003. I have mediated numerous cases from Personal Injury, Guardianship and Probate to Contract disputes, Landlord/Tenant and Real Property disputes.

Rate

• Standard Hourly Rate: $320.00
• 2-Party Mediation: $160.00 per party per hour (2-hour minimum)
• 3-Party Mediation: $130.00 per party per hour (2-hour minimum)
• 4-Party Mediation: $100.00 per party per hour (2-hour minimum)
• CFMG charges a $95.00 administration fee per party also.