Paula C. Scharff

I rarely leave negative reviews, but I feel obligated to share this experience so others can make an informed decision. My family has used this attorney in the past. She prepared paperwork transferring the deed for my mom and aunt’s home. When we later reviewed the court records, the documents wer...e dated about six weeks before they were actually filed with the court. Because of the timing, when my aunt passed away my mother ultimately owed inheritance tax on her half of the property. The timing between preparation and filing unfortunately had tax consequences for our family. This attorney also drafted my grandmother’s and my mom’s wills, so after my mom passed away I scheduled a consultation to discuss closing the estate. The meeting took place at her home office, which was very disorganized with papers and materials throughout the space. I had brought organized files and receipts for the estate, but there was no clear place to review them. The consultation lasted about 90 minutes, but only roughly 45 minutes was actually spent discussing the estate. The remaining time was spent dealing with technical issues — printer problems, difficulty locating documents online, and trouble logging into her client portal. In the end, very little progress was made regarding the estate itself. I paid for the consultation at the end of the meeting through her client portal. Processing the payment itself took another 20 minutes. I understand attorneys deserve to be paid for their time, and I did pay for the consultation that occurred. Because of the experience, I decided not to retain this office. Recently, I received a letter referencing an additional invoice and stating that the attorney had relied on my “word” that I would pay the balance when my house sale was completed. I never made such an agreement and already had over $60,000 in my account at the time of our meeting, so selling the house was not necessary to pay for legal services. The letter further stated that if payment was not received within 10 days the invoice could be forwarded to counsel to pursue collection proceedings, including potentially filing a notice of claim against the estate. Between the disorganized consultation, the lack of progress during the meeting, and the unexpected follow-up invoice and collection letter, this experience was extremely frustrating and ultimately a waste of both time and money. I would recommend others look for an estate attorney who offers a clear consultation structure and a professional office environment before committing to representation.

My Mom and I first met and hired Paula because my Mom wanted to draw up her Will. I found her in the Yellow Pages (!) and after identifying three local lawyers which I wanted to contact before deciding on one, I chose Paula because she was the ONLY one I was able to speak with directly. I liked and a...ppreciated that accessibility and ease. After meeting with her, I was struck by her manner. Quite frankly, not what I'd expect from a lawyer. Certainly professional, of course, and respectful, but there was and always has been a warmth about her. She treated me and my Mom with compassion, as we told her about my Dad's recent death and other difficult family issues. After my Mom's death, I have continued to consult with, turn to and depend on Paula for all my legal questions and matters. These matters have included assisting me with my Mom's lingering medical bills (which I was not mentally capable of deciphering as I grieved my Mom) as well as in finding a Florida lawyer who could help in the Probate process of a house I have down there. Even after finding a Florida lawyer, I still felt better including Paula in the Probate process, even though the house was in another state which involved other laws and applications. I continue to turn to Paula, even after my Mom's passing, not only because I personally trust her judgment and expertise and feel very comfortable with her, but because one of the last things my Mom asked of me once she knew she was going to joining my Dad soon, was to call Paula after her death so that she could assist me in any way I needed. Knowing she was leaving me behind, but with Paula to turn to for help in my grief, brought my Mom great peace of mind as she departed this world. And if that is not a vote of confidence, I don't know what is.

I hired Paula in 1994 to help me get out of my lease and sell my business. Since that time, she has helped me create leases and advised me on how to handle issues with regard to the properties I manage. She has also advised me on estate planning, family law and miscellaneous issues. Paula is an excel...lent attorney. She is very knowledgable and thorough. She takes the time to listen and carefully advise. She is very kind and I never feel rushed whether I call her or I am in her office. Paula is very humble and looks at the law as a service and calling, though she is exceedingly professional. She is very fair and reasonable and truly cares about people. I have referred her to many others and will continue to do so. She is an attorney for life.

Paula did my living will,and my will. Also POA both medical and for my will.I had to go to her office several times and got her full attention and help. What impressed me most about her was how she was very concerned about my decisions. I felt like I was her priority. Prompt with call backs. I trust ...her very much!