Bonnie Klein Rhoden

I came to Brevard County in 1977 when my family relocated from Pennsylvania.  After attending Gemini, Hoover, MCC, and Melbourne High I spent a decade in the Orlando area, returning home to Brevard County in 2004.  I attended hometown university Florida Institute of Technology graduating summa cum laude and eventually, after completing law school and passing the bar, I was an adjunct Professor at Florida Institute of Technology teaching a core class to the Pre-Law Program majors and minors. This course is one of the first introductions for the students into the world of state and federal law. 

Family law matters are the focus of my practice although I do offer ancillary services.  Primarily you will find my clients among couples contemplating dissolution of marriage, custody issues, child support, alimony, and modification of various family court orders.  I am able to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem in a FAMILY matter (this is different from a GAL in dependency court) and have vast experience and knoweldge to draw upon in such cases.  With the motto of "negotiate then litigate" many of my cases are settled well prior to trial.  It takes two willing parties and two attorneys to focus on the goal of negotiating but when everyone is clear about the goal it can often be achieved without the stress and cost of a trial.

In my law practice I assist people and families with planning for events that may render them incapacitated or for their own passing.  These plans can include a simple will package to transfer assets upon death, govern health care decisions, and power of attorney documents.  Clients may also need a living trust, a life estate, or a Lady Bird Deed.  More complex planning can involve trusts, the use of LLC entities, or combinations of several planning tools. 

Because I offer a free review of a person's will I often hear, "But I don't have a will."  I am happy to explain to those without a formal will that they do actually have a will but won't like it.  Why? Because the State of Florida wrote it.  Preparing the documents in anticipation of our own passing does not have to be complicated or expensive.  In fact, spending a little on preparation will save your family many times that amount in fees, taxes, or costs when they administer your estate. 

The possibility of incapacity is a consideration for everyone.  Should you become incapacitated due to an illness, accident, or the aging process you need to have a plan in place.  Who will pay your utility bills, your mortgage, or your insurance premium?  What will happen to your children or your pets?  Where can your family find your health care wishes and who should make health care decisions if you cannot?  These are only some of the reasons you need to include planning for incapacity on your list of things to do. 

Probate is not always necesary when a loved one passes away.  However, if there are assets left behind by the deceased you should consult an attorney before any of those assets are used, transferred, or disseminated.  A free consultation can be enough to answer all the pertinent questions and if a legal probate is required - I will assist you through the process.  

I also am part of the Brevard Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and Attorney Ad Litem (AAL) programs which provide child advocacy services at no cost to children in the Dependency Court system. It is an excellent opportunity for volunteers and I encourage everyone to consider becoming a GAL.

I currently serve all counties in the State of Florida from my location in Central Florida (Brevard County).