Always by your sideProtecting Seniors From the Expense of Long-Term Care through Medicaid and Veteran's Planning
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.
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Family First Firm
1901 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL, 32804
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2008 | 06/01/2022 |
Legal answers | 7 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2019 |
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40 | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2018 |
10 Best Elder Law Attorneys - Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Legal Counsel | 2017 |
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 | 2016 |
First Place - YLS tournament | Orange County Bar Association | 2014 |
Client Choice Award - Estate Planning | Avvo | 2013 |
Client Choice Award - Probate | Avvo | 2013 |
Client's Choice - Elder Law | Avvo | 2013 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner and Founder | Family First Firm | 2009 - Present |
Associate Attorney | A. Anthony Giovanolli, P.A. | 2009 - 2009 |
Associate | Crowell & Carmona | 2008 - 2009 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys | Member | 2016 - Present |
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys | Member | 2016 - Present |
Florida Bar, Elder Law Section | Member | 2015 - Present |
ElderCounsel | Member | 2015 - Present |
Hospice of the Comforter Foundation | Vice President | 2014 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Section | Member | 2014 - Present |
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section | Member | 2014 - Present |
WealthCounsel | Member | 2014 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association, Family Law Section | Member | 2012 - Present |
Volie A. Williams American Inn of Court | Member | 2012 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
Florida Bar, Family Law Section | Member | 2010 - Present |
Seminole County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
Emory University Law School Alumni Association | President | 2014 - 2015 |
Emory University Law School Alumni Association | Vice President | 2013 - 2014 |
Orange County Bar Association | Secretary - Young Lawyers | 2011 - 2012 |
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section | Secretary | 2011 - 2012 |
Seminole County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section | Vice President | 2011 - 2012 |
Emory University School of Law Review | Editor | 2007 - 2008 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
FamilyFirstFirm.com | The Future of Long Term Care | 2016 |
FamilyFirstFirm.com | Underestimating the Risk of Disability | 2016 |
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 | 2015 |
My Central Florida Family | Estate Planning for the Blended Family | 2014 |
Blog | The Future of Alimony: Should You Be Scared? | 2013 |
Blog | How a Revocable Trust Can Protect Your Assets and Family | 2013 |
Blog | Why You Want to Avoid Probate | 2013 |
Emory Law Journal | Editor | 2008 |
Emory Law Journal | Editor | 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Emory University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2008 |
University of Central Florida | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2005 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 | 2016 |
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 | 2015 |
Northwestern Mutual Education Seminar | Estate Planning in Today's Economy | 2013 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Redacted v. Redacted | My client won the ability to relocate with her children |
Posted by Anthony
September 20, 2016
Posted by Robert
September 20, 2016
Posted by Vivant Senior Living
June 22, 2020
Posted by Dana
September 26, 2016
Posted by Maricela Pizarro
September 2, 2015
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September 2, 2015
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May 15, 2015
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April 13, 2015
Posted by Cori
January 1, 2014
Posted by anonymous
December 7, 2013
Christopher Sprysenski, Elder law Attorney on Sep 9, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Aurora McCreary, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 12, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Laura Cowan, Estate planning Attorney on Jul 25, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Geoff is intelligent, caring, and capable. I know his clients are in very good hands.
Yahima Suarez, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 1, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Varvara Gokea, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 28, 2017
Relationship: Other
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.
Joshua Meier, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 28, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Nicholas Tarjoman, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 28, 2017
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Alexandra Varela, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 28, 2017
Relationship: Other
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.
Melisa Medina, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 30, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Geoff is extremely professional and personable. I would highly recommend this attorney.
Bonnie Klein Rhoden, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 21, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jessica Hallgren Kendrick, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 17, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!
Lawrence Walters, Elder law Attorney on Sep 14, 2015
Relationship: Friend
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.
Judd Nemiro, Unknown Attorney on May 28, 2015
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer for being a top-notch attorney in the community.
Jonathan Gilbert, Estate planning Attorney on May 15, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Travis Williams, Estate planning Attorney on May 14, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Geoff is knowledgeable and dedicated to helping clients with both immediate issues and securing their future well being.
Eric LaRue, Unknown Attorney on Feb 6, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Geoff is an intelligent and hardworking attorney. I have no hesitation in recommending Geoff to any prospective clients.
Jessica Travis, Family Attorney on Dec 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael DeVoe, Unknown Attorney on Nov 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Hoatson is a knowledgeable attorney with good judgment. I recommend him.
Steven Kramer, Family Attorney on Nov 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jonathan Witt, Family Attorney on Nov 6, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Hoatson is a thoughtful, aggressive, competent attorney, and I gladly endorse him.