Business Details
40 Years
experience
Trusted Gainesville Estate Planning Legal Services
Established in 1986, our law firm brings decades of specialized expertise in probate, guardianship, estate planning, and elder law. With over 40 years of legal practice in Gainesville, FL, we have cultivated a reputation as trusted advisors in complex trust and public benefits planning. Our founder, Larry E. Ciesla, holds leadership roles in the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association and has authored influential probate publications.We serve a distinguished clientele, including judges and legal professionals, while maintaining a commitment to accessible, client-focused representation. Our team combines deep legal knowledge with personalized service to navigate Florida's legal frameworks effectively.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Law
Guardianship
Trust Law
Real Estate
Powers of Attorney
Elder Law
Public Benefits
Special Needs Trusts
Fiduciary Representation
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in Gainesville's legal community.
- Our founder chairs the probate section of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association.
- We authored Florida Bar Journal articles on will and trust defense strategies.
- Our clients include current and former circuit court judges.
- We offer Supreme Court-certified arbitration services for legal fee disputes.
Services
Estate Planning
We craft comprehensive estate plans including wills, trusts, and advance directives tailored to Florida law. Our attorneys help clients protect assets and ensure their wishes are honored. With decades of experience, we provide strategic guidance for families and individuals across Alachua County.
Probate Law
Our firm specializes in probate litigation and estate administration for Florida residents. We represent executors and beneficiaries in contested proceedings while offering practical solutions for complex asset distribution. Our team's deep understanding of local court procedures ensures efficient case resolution.
Guardianship
We establish guardianships for minors and incapacitated adults while advocating for ward rights. Our attorneys handle emergency temporary guardianship petitions and ongoing court compliance. We also represent guardians in annual reporting requirements and fiduciary duties.
Trust Law
Our practice includes creating and administering revocable and irrevocable trusts, including special needs trusts. We advise trustees on investment strategies and tax implications while representing beneficiaries in trust disputes. Our expertise covers Florida's trust code and asset protection techniques.
Elder Law
We address aging-related legal needs including Medicaid planning, long-term care options, and elder abuse prevention. Our attorneys help families navigate guardianship alternatives and veterans' benefits. We provide compassionate counsel for Gainesville's senior population and their caregivers.
People
Larry E. Ciesla
Attorney
Licensed since 1979, Larry specializes in probate, guardianship, and trust law. He chairs the Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar's probate section and teaches fiduciary law at UF Law School. A Florida Bar Journal author, he serves as a certified arbitrator for legal fee disputes.
Jackie Hall
Legal Assistant
Jackie supports clients with personalized case management as Larry Ciesla's legal assistant. She ensures timely communication and document preparation while maintaining client confidentiality. Her organizational skills enhance our office's efficiency.
Questions
What areas of law does your firm specialize in?
We focus on estate planning, probate litigation, guardianship, trust administration, elder law, and real estate transactions under Florida law.
How can I schedule a consultation?
Contact us at 352-378-5603 during business hours Monday-Thursday 10am-5pm for an initial consultation at our Gainesville office.
Does the firm handle complex probate cases?
Yes, our attorney has 30+ years of experience chairing the Eighth Judicial Circuit probate section and litigating contested estate matters.
Are your attorneys available for court-appointed roles?
Yes, we accept appointments as guardians ad litem and special magistrates in probate and guardianship proceedings.
Can you assist with special needs trust creation?
Yes, we specialize in establishing special needs trusts that preserve government benefits eligibility while providing supplemental care funds.
