$ 550-550 per hour
Charles Murphy Cray Jr.
also known as Murphy Cray
About Charles
Biography
Attorney C. Murphy Cray joined Doane & Doane, P.A. in 2018. Mr. Cray previously practiced in several boutique firms in Palm Beach and Martin County. His areas of legal practice include estate planning, trust and estate administration, prenuptial agreements, and guardianship law. He is admitted to practice in the United States Tax Court and has represented clients with unique estate and gift tax issues before the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, Mr. Cray is an accredited attorney for the preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims for veteran’s benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs.
As a graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law; he earned recognition for his pro bono work in the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program preparing income tax returns for families in Alachua County. Mr. Cray also studied at the University of Miami where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) and Master of Laws (LL.M.) Degrees.
Mr. Cray is an active member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, and the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law section of the Florida Bar. He is also a member of the Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council, and has been awarded the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) Designation by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. He was also awarded the Chartered Trust & Estate Planner (CTEP®) Credential by the Global Academy of Finance & Management. Mr. Cray is a published author and speaker on issues related to high-net-worth estate planning. In 2019, Mr. Cray was appointed to the Guardianship Education Committee of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. He is also a member of the University of Florida Advisor Network, the American Cancer Society National Professional Advisor Network, and the American Heart Association Professional Advisor Network.
A native of Palm Beach County, Mr. Cray remains committed to the local community. He is an emeritus member of the Board of Directors of Boys Town South Florida and continues to support the organization. He is also a founding member of the Palm Beach Gardens Historical Society and a member of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 19 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 17 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Doane & Doane, P.A.
2979 PGA Blvd., Suite 201, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33410
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Charles Murphy Cray Jr.'s Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | September 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Recommended
I had a wonderful report with this attorney, very helpful with my trust work.
Posted by Corinne | July 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exemplary
Charles Murphy Cray was knowledgeable, patient, and responsive. I sought to update my estate plan, including some longstanding trust documents. He explained the options, made recommendations based on what he has observed during his time practicing while not pressuring or being condescending, and wor...
Posted by Nick | March 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great experience
Mr. Cray was a total professional, answered all my questions, and bhelped me with a trust issue.
Posted by Carrie | February 5, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Top Notch Service
I called regarding a guardianship matter and Mr Cray spent a good deal of time explaining the laws and the process to me. I’m very thankful.
Posted by Ted | December 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Guy
Murph is such a good guy. He is the guy I call about pretty much everything. He knows he is the counselor, he doesn’t instigate but when people mess with you he handles it. Blessed to have his numba.
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Experience
Honors
2025
Accredited Trust and Fiduciary Adviser (ATFA®) Certification, Campbell University
2025
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer
2025
Chartered Trust & Estate Planner (CTEP®), Global Academy of Finance and Management
2025
Recognized for Professional Involvement, Lawyer Legion
2025
Recognized for Community Involvement, Lawyer Legion
2025
Client Champion Gold, Martindale-Hubbell®
2024
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer
2024
Recognized for Professional Involvement, Lawyer Legion
2024
Client Champion Gold, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023
Client Champion Gold, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023
Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) Designation, National Association of Estate Planners & Councils
2023
Peer Reviewed, Martindale-Hubbell®
2023
Elite Lawyer, Elite Lawyer
2022
Peer Reviewed, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
Client Champion- Gold, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
America's Most Honored Lawyers, American Registry
2022
Accredited Attorney for Claims Preparation, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
2022
Lead Counsel Verified in Estate Planning, Thompson Reuters
2021
America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry
2020
America's Most Honored Lawyer, American Registry
2019
America's Most Honored Professionals, American Registry
2018
America's Most Honored Professionals, American Registry
2006
Pro Bono Award, University of Florida Levin College of Law
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Attorney, Doane & Doane, PA
2014 - 2018
Attorney, The Law Office of Nicole C. Morris, PA
2011 - 2013
Attorney, Law Office of J. Terence McManus, Chartered
2007 - 2011
Attorney, Joseph C. Kempe, PA
2004 - 2004
Summer Associate, Haile, Shaw & Pfaffenberger, PA
2003 - 2003
Intern, US House of Representatives
2001 - 2001
Sales Assistant, Salomon Smith Barney
Associations
2025 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of FloridaAdmitted to Practice
2025 - Present
Palm Beach County Partnership for AgingMember
2024 - Present
St. Jude Professional Advisor CollectiveMember
2022 - Present
American Heart Association Professional Advisor NetworkMember
2021 - Present
American Cancer Society National Professional Advisor NetworkMember
2020 - Present
Palm Beach County Estate Planning CouncilMember
2019 - Present
University of Florida Advisor NetworkMember
2019 - Present
PBCBA Guardianship Education CommitteeMember
2008 - Present
Palm Beach County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
US Court of Appeals, 11th CircuitAdmitted to Practice
2008 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of FloridaAdmitted to Practice
2008 - Present
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law SectionMember
2007 - Present
U.S. Tax CourtAdmitted to Practice
2003 - Present
Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor SocietyMember
2013 - 2014
American Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2011 - 2012
Continental Who's WhoHonored Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Construction Litigation
Reached an amicable settlement after extensive negotiations.
Private Letter Ruling
Obtained a favorible Private Letter Ruling From the IRS regarding the estate and gift tax ramifications of the termination of a qualified personal residential trust.
Guardianship Litigation
Successfully obtained Guardianship of the Person and Property
Value Adjustment Board
Successfully obtained a continued homestead exemption for client who had placed their home in a QPRT after the expiration of the term.
VA Benefits
Assisted disabled Army Veteran in successful application for VA benefits.
Education
2007
University of Miami School of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
2006
University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
University of Miami
BBA
Speaking Engagements
2020
Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council Panel Discussion
High Net Worth Divorce Strategies and Issues: Family, Financial and Estate Planning Dynamics
Publications
2023
Palm Beach Daily News
Estate Planning? Don't Forget About Your Digital Assets
2021
Palm Beach Daily News
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts
2020
Palm Beach Daily News
Take Care of All Your Children: Dont Forget The Furry Ones
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers