Michael R. Merhar

Michael R. Merhar

also known as Mike Merhar

5.0
Rating: 8.8

Licensed for 3 years

Probate Lawyer at Gainesville, FL
Practice Areas: Probate, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

5950 NW 1st Place, Suite 120, Gainesville, FL

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Estate Planning 40%

I help clients create tailored estate plans, including wills, revocable/living trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs planning, powers of attorney, designations of health care surrogate, living wills, declarations of preneed guardian, and deeds.

40%
Probate 40%

I represent personal representatives, beneficiaries, and petitioners in formal and summary administration proceedings in Florida, as well as proceedings to determine homestead and distribute small estates.

40%
Guardianship 15%

I represent guardians, guardian advocates, and wards in Florida guardianship cases.

15%
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy 5%

I represent debtors in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings in the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida.

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 3 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2022

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Merhar Law, PLLC

5950 NW 1st Place, Suite 120, Gainesville, FL, 32607

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Michael R. Merhar's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

5 star (7)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Toccarra | January 20, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Things we tend to forget about as we get older!

Great experience, everything was explained to me as we went through the process and I had the opportunity to ask questions along the way.

Michael Merhar

Replied last January 21, 2026

Thank you, Toccarra! It was a pleasure working with you.

Posted by Barbara | January 13, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great customer service

Michael assisted me and my family with my late husband estate and has prepared my own estate affairs. Michael is very efficient, knowledgeable, and thorough. I appreciated his assistance during this difficult process. I would highly recommend him for all your legal needs.

Michael Merhar

Replied last January 13, 2026

Thank you, Barbara! It was a pleasure working with you and your family.

Posted by Paul | September 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Incredibly friendly, competent and affordable

My Mom moved from Pennsylvania to Florida and we had to make sure her Will and other estate papers were Florida compliant. Michael did a fantastic job in the most friendly manner possible. He responded to our initial inquiry in less than an hour. He arranged an appointment time that was convenient to... my travel schedule. He reviewed the documents, explained what needed to be done in easy-to-understand terms, and never pressured us into any bill-inflating work. He then delivered everything he promised in just a few days. It was the most pleasant experience with a lawyer that you can imagine.

Michael Merhar

Replied last October 10, 2025

Thank you for the kind review!

Posted by Alison | March 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional Lawyer Who Truly Cares!

Michael is a highly professional, kind, and considerate attorney who truly listens to his clients to understand how to help them. I had a specific legal matter and many questions, and he took the time to answer all of them thoroughly. When he drafted my document, he not only gave me time to review it... but also sat with me to explain each page before I signed. Legal matters can often feel overwhelming, but Michael made sure I understood every detail, which I truly appreciated—especially since English is not my first language. He was patient, empathetic, and extremely knowledgeable. If I ever need legal assistance again, I will definitely turn to him. Highly recommended!

Posted by anonymous | February 4, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Clear explanation of estate and probate …

Since my husband’s passing I have been lost in how things financially …Having many questions opened and u answered but i. speaking with Mr. Merhar he not only made things clear but gave mme many options on how to things He was thorough and prescise and even left the door open should i need any... help in the future …I’m glad I choose him to help with my situation and would recommend him for any future prospects….

See All Client Reviews

Michael R. Merhar's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Kaytlin McKay O'Sullivan headshot
Kaytlin O'Sullivan

Litigation lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Merhar on several cases in which he has served as Attorney, Administrator, and Guardian Ad Litem. Mr. Merhar's responsiveness, due diligence, and attention to detail make him an excellent attorney to work with. When I see Mr. Merhar's name associated with a filing, I know immediately that I am about to review quality work."

Benjamin Robert Inman headshot
Benjamin Inman

Probate lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Michael for many years, even before he became an attorney. I have always found him personable and thoughtful. He has a great depth of knowledge on many subjects. He has helped me with issues of trusts & estates where clients own property in multiple jurisdictions. I trust him and refer work to him when appropriate. I have no hesitation in endorsing him and his legal work."

View All Endorsements
Blakely Scott Moore headshot
Blakely Moore

Probate lawyer

Benjamin Robert Inman headshot
Benjamin Inman

Estate planning lawyer

Alex Michael Rissmiller headshot
Alex Rissmiller

Employment and labor lawyer

John Joseph Kelly headshot
John Kelly

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.8 (Excellent)

Honors

2025

Rising Star in Estate Planning and Probate, Super Lawyers

2025

Putnam County Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award, Community Legal Services of Mid Florida

2024

Guardian of Justice, Community Legal Services of Mid Florida

2022

Excellence in Pro Bono Service Award, University of Florida Levin College of Law

2022

Excellence in Community Service Award, University of Florida Levin College of Law

2021

Book Award for Trusts and Estates, CALI

2021

Book Award for Advanced Trusts & Estates, CALI

2021

Book Award for Deposition Strategy & Practice, CALI

Work Experience

2023 - Present

Managing Attorney, Merhar Law, PLLC

2022 - 2023

Associate Attorney, Howard M. Rosenblatt, P.A.

2021 - 2022

Law Clerk, Howard M. Rosenblatt, P.A.

Associations

2025 - Present

Florida Bar, Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

President Elect Designate

2025 - Present

Florida Bar, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

Member

2024 - Present

Florida Bar, Solo & Small Firm Section

Member

2022 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

2022 - Present

Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law

Member

2022 - Present

Florida Bar Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

Member

2022 - Present

Florida Bar, Young Lawyers Division

Member

2023 - 2024

Florida Bar, Elder Law Section

Member

2023 - 2025

Florida Bar, Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association Young Lawyers Division

Director-at-Large

Sample of Legal Cases

Probate Dispute Over Testator's Intent

$365,000 Settlement for Client

See More Legal Cases

Education

2022

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2010

American University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2025

Sustain Home Academy Virtual Town Hall

Estate Planning Essentials: How to Protect Your Legacy

2025

NHDC Sustain Home Academy Ep. 4

Why Everyone Needs Estate Planning (It’s Not Just for the Wealthy!)

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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