Business Details
22 Years
experience
Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys in Bradenton, FL
Founded in 2004, Gerling Law Group is a client-centered law firm dedicated to providing accessible legal solutions for Florida families. Our practice spans estate planning, probate, elder law, and corporate matters, guided by attorneys recognized nationally for excellence. With over two decades of combined experience, including roles as former public defenders and leadership positions in legal associations, we combine technical expertise with personalized service. Our team maintains AV Preeminent peer review ratings and has earned Super Lawyers recognition for exceeding 5% of Florida attorneys.We prioritize continuing education, utilize advanced legal technology, and actively contribute to community organizations while maintaining membership in the Florida Bar and local bar associations. Our commitment to affordability ensures clients receive high-quality representation without compromising ethical standards or professional rigor.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Trust Management
Elder Law
Wills & Trusts
Legal Consultation
Document Drafting
Court Representation
Long Term Care Planning
Family Law
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined legal experience in Florida estate law
- Our attorneys maintain AV Preeminent peer review ratings from Martindale-Hubbell
- Recognized in Super Lawyers and Florida Trend Magazine's Legal Elite
- Client-centered approach with transparent, affordable pricing
- Active involvement in local legal and community organizations
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Florida Bar
- Manatee County Bar Association
- Sarasota County Bar Association
What people say
Exceptional legal expertise
Personalized attention
Community-focused practice
Professional accolades
Transparent communication
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning practice creates comprehensive strategies for asset protection and legacy preservation. We draft customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives while advising on tax implications and beneficiary designations. Attorneys maintain active involvement in estate planning councils to ensure up-to-date legal compliance.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through Florida's probate process with clear legal counsel and document preparation. Our experience includes contested probate matters and estate tax filings. We help families navigate asset distribution while minimizing delays and conflicts.
Elder Law
Our elder law practice addresses long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and guardianship matters. We help families protect assets while securing appropriate care solutions. Services include drafting healthcare surrogates and durable powers of attorney.
Trust Management
We establish and administer various trust structures to meet specific estate planning goals. Services include revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts. Our team ensures proper funding and ongoing compliance with state regulations.
Legal Consultation
Personalized legal consultations address clients' unique circumstances across practice areas. We provide clear explanations of legal options and implications while maintaining transparent fee structures. Consultations include document review and strategy development.
People
Dana Laganella Gerling
Partner
Estate planning attorney with 20+ years experience, AV Preeminent rated, Super Lawyers and Legal Elite honoree. Serves on Florida Association of Women Lawyers boards and focuses on community legal education.
Rodney D. Gerling
Partner
Probate and criminal defense attorney with former public defender experience. Super Lawyers honoree with 15+ years in Florida legal practice, focusing on individual rights protection and estate matters.
Marla Stewart Owczarek
Associate
Estate planning attorney with 12 years experience across Maryland and Florida. Client-focused approach emphasizing personalized plan creation and community service through animal welfare organizations.
Rochelle Parsons
Office Administrator
Business management graduate with 18 years at Gerling Law Group, handling administrative operations and probate support while maintaining client service excellence.
Peggy Howser
Probate Paralegal
Experienced legal professional providing technical support for probate matters, ensuring accurate documentation and procedural compliance in estate administration processes.
Questions
What areas of law does Gerling Law Group specialize in?
We focus on estate planning, probate administration, elder law, trust management, and related legal matters for Florida families and businesses.
Do you serve clients outside Manatee County?
We serve clients throughout Sarasota County and surrounding Florida areas while maintaining local community involvement.
What qualifications do your attorneys hold?
Our attorneys maintain AV Preeminent ratings, Super Lawyers recognition, and active Florida Bar memberships with specialized estate law certifications.
How does the firm handle complex estate matters?
We combine technical expertise with personalized strategies, utilizing advanced legal technology and decades of combined experience in trust and probate law.
Is legal assistance available for seniors?
Yes, our elder law practice addresses long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and guardianship matters with compassionate, comprehensive solutions.
Videos
