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Geoffrey Hamilton Hoatson
About Geoffrey
Biography
My name is Geoff Hoatson and I’m the founder of the Family First Firm. I grew up in Central Florida surrounded by all my extended family. Both of my grandfathers were veterans of World War II and my paternal grandfather received the Purple Heart and Silver Star from Fleet Admiral Nimitz for his heroism as a medic on the Pacific Front. I gained a deep respect for our service members and my elders, while listening to them recount their time in the service. I knew that I wanted to help these people I admired so much. Unfortunately, over the years, both grandfathers ended up with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. My paternal grandfather was able to be qualified for Medicaid and my maternal grandfather was able to receive benefits from the VA. To call these benefits a blessing is a massive understatement; they allowed both of my grandmothers to age in their homes with dignity.
Born and raised in the Orlando area, I attended a local high school and then the University of Central Florida. It wasn’t until I went to Emory University for law school that I left Central Florida for the very first time. However, that choice was an easy one, because Emory is ranked as one of the top law schools in the country and has one of the preeminent estate planning programs. After graduating from Emory, I returned to Orlando to marry my fiancée, start a family, and begin the practice of law.
In 2009, I decided to go out on my own and open the Family First Firm to help seniors and service members protect themselves, their families, and their legacies from the unique problems that our seniors face. We are proud to have helped countless families achieve their goals and gain peace of mind. We would be honored to help you too.
Always by your side
Protecting Seniors From the Expense of Long-Term Care through Medicaid and Veteran's Planning
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
30%
Elder Law
25%
Medicaid and Medicare
25%
Probate
20%
Fees and Rates
Awards
2013
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 17 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Family First Firm
(407) 574-8125
Fax
1030 W. Canton Ave., Ste. 102, Winter Park, FL, 32789
familyfirstfirm.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Geoffrey online.
Geoffrey Hamilton Hoatson's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 18 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Vivant Senior Living | June 22, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Excellent guide for Medicaid and VA benefits
We recommend Geoff and Family First Firm to all of our residents' families. They navigate families through the qualification process for VA and Medicaid benefits. These benefits can be a great way to supplement care costs for memory care services like ours. Geoff's team is excellent to work with, and...
Posted by Dana | September 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Experience and Professional Firm
Geoffrey just did A-Z estate planning for my family and we were very pleased with his firm. They met with us at our convenience and got everything squared away for us in a timely manner and before we left the country on vacation. Needless to say; we were able to relax even more on our vacation knowin...
Posted by Anthony | September 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Set up for success
My wife and I went to see Mr. Hoatson shortly after we got married to set up our estate plan. Geoff was very thorough in explaining our many options. As business owners, we really needed to get the right answers to the "what if" questions. What would happen to our business, our home, our assets!? ...
Posted by Robert | September 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Service and Compassion during a Difficult Time
When my Father, a 90-year-old WWII veteran, indicated that, he was no longer able to manage his affairs I had to act quickly. I had never been privy to my Father’s finances or affairs until he asked for help. Furthermore, I live out of state. I was stressed handling this matter from afar. Luckily, At...
Posted by Maricela Pizarro | September 2, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Honest and diligent attorney
I came across Geoffrey and his team using avvo, one of my requirements was that the attorney had to be honest and I found that with Geoffrey. He and his team handled my case in very professional and diligent manner. I came to them towards the end of May 2015 to petition a divorce and by the third wee...
Geoffrey Hamilton Hoatson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Geoff is an outstanding lawyer. Geoff practices with a professionalism and attention to detail that is not often found in today's legal environment. The care and communication he provides to his clients is second to none. I highly endorse him for your elder law or estate planning needs."
"Geoff Hoatson is professional and welcoming. He dedicates his time to each client rather than attempting to go strictly for a larger number of clients. He understands the important of Estate Planning and Probate and ensures that his client's feel comfortable through what generally is an uneasy process. Geoff is great at thinking outside the box and understanding what your priorities are."
"I endorse this lawyer. Geoff is intelligent, caring, and capable. I know his clients are in very good hands."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend and endorse Geoff. I heard him speak about Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate and I was very impressed with his expertise and professionalism."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Geoff and I are part of the same estate planning organization. He is a great attorney and very knowledgeable about estate planning. He is often answering questions for younger attorneys. He is passionate about his work and I would strongly recommend him to people looking for an estate planning attorney in his area."
"Geoff is extremely professional and personable. I would highly recommend this attorney."
"A highly respected professional in estate planning. You can rest assured you are in good hands with Mr. Hoatson. I recommend him with no reservation."
"Geoff is a dedicated and knowledgable professional who I have referred my client and friends to, knowing they will receive the best representation. I endorse Geoff!"
"Geoff is a colleague and friend. His firm has established a solid reputation in family, estate, and elder law. His conscientious and assertive approach to the practice of law has earned him the respect of the Central Florida legal community. His clients are fortunate to have him on their side."
"I endorse this lawyer for being a top-notch attorney in the community."
"I do not hesitate to refer clients to Geoff for their estate planning needs. He does an excellent job in guiding clients through each step of the process, making them feel comfortable and informed about all aspects of the process."
"Geoff is knowledgeable and dedicated to helping clients with both immediate issues and securing their future well being."
"Geoff is an intelligent and hardworking attorney. I have no hesitation in recommending Geoff to any prospective clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Hoatson is a knowledgeable attorney with good judgment. I recommend him."
"Geoff is energetic and driven lawyer. On top of that, Geoff is a great guy. I have a great deal of faith in Geoff Hoatson."
"Mr. Hoatson is a thoughtful, aggressive, competent attorney, and I gladly endorse him."
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Experience
Honors
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
10 Best Elder Law Attorneys - Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2016
10 Best Elder Law Attorneys - Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2016
Lawyer of Distinction nominee, Lawyers of Distinction
2016
Best Probate Attorney, Expertise
2014
First Place - YLS tournament, Orange County Bar Association
2013
Client Choice Award - Estate Planning, Avvo
2013
Client Choice Award - Probate, Avvo
2013
Client's Choice - Elder Law, Avvo
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Owner and Founder, Family First Firm
2009 - 2009
Associate Attorney, A. Anthony Giovanolli, P.A.
2008 - 2009
Associate, Crowell & Carmona
Associations
2016 - Present
Academy of Florida Elder Law AttorneysMember
2016 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2015 - Present
Florida Bar, Elder Law SectionMember
2015 - Present
ElderCounselMember
2014 - Present
Hospice of the Comforter FoundationVice President
2014 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates SectionMember
2014 - Present
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law SectionMember
2014 - Present
WealthCounselMember
2012 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2012 - Present
Volie A. Williams American Inn of CourtMember
2011 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law SectionMember
2010 - Present
Seminole County Bar AssociationMember
2014 - 2015
Emory University Law School Alumni AssociationPresident
2013 - 2014
Emory University Law School Alumni AssociationVice President
2011 - 2012
Orange County Bar AssociationSecretary - Young Lawyers
2011 - 2012
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law SectionSecretary
2011 - 2012
Seminole County Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionVice President
2007 - 2008
Emory University School of Law ReviewEditor
Sample of Legal Cases
Redacted v. Redacted
My client won the ability to relocate with her children
Education
2008
Emory University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
University of Central Florida
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2016
Sailing into your Senior Years
Estate Planning and Elder Law
2016
Provide and Protect
Estate Planning and Elder Law
2016
Planning over 50
Estate Planning and Elder Law
2016
Let's Talk Future 96.5FM
Elder Law
2016
Let's Talk Future - 96.5
Probate
2016
Growing Your Garden
Elder Law & Estate Planning
2016
Ask an Attorney
Probate
2016
Ask an Attorney
Elder Law
2016
Ask an Attorney
Estate Planning
2015
Recent Developments in Advanced Healthcare Directives
Advanced healthcare directives
2015
Provide and Protect
Estate and charitable planning
2015
Let's Talk Future - 96.5
Estate Planning
2015
Florida Conference Association of Seventh-Day Adventists Annual Meeting
Estate Planning
2013
Northwestern Mutual Education Seminar
Estate Planning in Today's Economy
Publications
2016
FamilyFirstFirm.com
The Future of Long Term Care
2016
FamilyFirstFirm.com
Underestimating the Risk of Disability
2015
FamilyFirstFirm.com
The Many Faces of Dementia
2015
FamilyFirstFirm.com
Avoid a Tax Time Bomb
2015
FamilyFirstFirm.com
Importance of a Comprehensive Power of Attorney
2015
FamilyFirstFirm.com
Why Consider Long-Term Care Planning
2015
Family First Firm
Creating a Plan for Your Incapacity
2015
Family First Firm
Creating a Plan for Your Incapacity - Part 2
2014
My Central Florida Family
Estate Planning for the Blended Family
2013
2008
Emory Law Journal
Editor
2008
Emory Law Journal
Editor
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My mother is in Hospice care now. If she goes to a nursing home, will they put a lean on her house?
18 Sep 2016
Q&A
How can I force or get my ex-husband to send me a copy of his pay stub so I can show proof of his income to the court
11 Dec 2013
Q&A
Court grants leeway to pro se, but don't both parties still have to follow standard family laws and rules of procedure?
11 Nov 2013