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Debra Lynn Dandar

Elder law Attorney at Tampa, FL

5.0   6 reviews
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  • Licensed for 25 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1997
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Debra has never let us down
Carolyn
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Elder Law Counsel
Cheryl
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About Debra

Learn Debra’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Elder law
    35%
    I handle Medicaid and Veterans' benefits planning, and prepare Elder Law Powers of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate Designations, and Living Wills as well as Lady Bird deeds, Revocable Living Trusts, and irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts. I have an LL.M. (Masters of Law degree) in Elder Law, and I am also accredited to practice before the Veterans' Administration.

  2. Probate
    35%
    Probate administration can be difficult and confusing. We know that the loss of a hard one is hard enough without having to navigate a complex legal system. We can help you to handle your estate or trust administration, and enable you to move forward. You may even be surprised to learn that probate is not necessary. Give us a call to see how we can help.

  3. Estate planning
    30%
    We assist clients of all ages, but our primary focus is on Seniors. Our goal is to help you to avoid probate, and to ensure that your wishes are followed after your death. We prepare Wills and Trusts, as well as Durable Power of Attorney, Deeds, (including Lady Bird deeds), Health Care Surrogate Designations and Living Wills.

I understand how hard it is for people with medical and financial issues who need help.  My own grandmother who recently passed away at 94 years of age helped me to understand the issues that Seniors and those with disabilities face.

 

My passion is to help Seniors and Veterans to obtain the benefits that they need and deserve to help with the cost of long term care, while also trying to protect the assets for which they have worked hard all their lives.  I can help you to come up with a plan to meet whatever crisis you may be facing.  

 

We also handle estate planning, with a focus on asset preservation and probate avoidance.  We prepare Wills, Trusts (irrevocable and revocable), Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate Designations, Living Wills, Deeds (including Lady Bird deeds), and other necessary documents to ensure that your assets pass to your intended beneficiaries upon your death.

 

After a loved one has passed, we also handle probate and trust administration so that you may transfer assets to the heirs or beneficiaries of your deceased loved one.

 

In addition to my J.D. (Juris Doctor) in Law, I also hold an LL.M. (Masters of Law) in Elder Law.  I am a member of NAELA (the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys), and AFELA, the Association of Florida Elder Law Attorneys.   I am also a VA Accredited Attorney.

 

My office is conveniently located one-half block East of South Dale Mabry, about 1.3 miles south of Interstate 275.  We assist clients throughout the Tampa Bay area, including, Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.  We have a comfortable office with a large parking lot behind our building, handicapped ramp, and handicapped facilities. 

 

I welcome the opportunity to be of service to you.  Please call my office to schedule an appointment.  I will be happy to meet with you to discuss your options. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Debra L. Dandar, J.D., LL.M.

VA Accredited Attorney

 

Tampa Bay Elder Law Center

 

Helping Seniors and the Families That Care for Them

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Debra Dandar
3611 West Azeele Street
361
Tampa, FL, 33609
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  6 customer reviews
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Posted by Carolyn | November 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Debra has never let us down
I first contacted Debra in 2012. This was for a guardianship for my grandma. Debra took the time to listen to my Grandma and her concerns and also to me and what had already happened and what we were looking for going into the future. She has been with us the whole way through. Despite all of the ups and downs, Debra has never let us down. I would recommend Debra and her staff to anyone that needs advice or assistance with guardianship or probate. She is very honest in all her doings. She sincerely cares for her clients...even the tough ones!
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Posted by Cheryl | July 25, 2014
Elder Law Counsel
Debra was very informative and communicated in a layman's language. I found her to be patient and accommodating when I was not at my best due to health issues. I had to ask her the same questions over and over again and she was courteous each time. Debra was also able to get things done in an efficient manner and helped us to meet deadlines. She worked tirelessly to get my mother's profile finished by the end date. She was always very pleasant and easy to work with. I would definitely recommend her to another and use her myself again. As a matter of fact, I am currently soliciting her services for a deed transfer.
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Posted by Jan | June 20, 2014
A High Recommendation for Attorney Debra Dandar
Attorney Debra Dandar was recommended to me by another attorney I know. She represented me in a family matter regarding my Power of Attorney and parental Trusts. She helped me get through many months of what would be some the the hardest in my life. Ms. Dandar is totally professional and competent as well as warm and friendly. I would highly recommend her to anyone.
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Posted by James | June 19, 2014
Experience with Attorney Debra Dandar
Debra is an extremely knowledgeable and competent attorney who exhibits a genuine sense of empathy for your situation or problem. She does not delay in moving on your problem and getting it resolved and keeps the client informed of everything that is happening with the case. She is extremely diligent in answering emails or telephone calls to her, regardless of the day of the week or time of day. Overall, a wonderful attorney to have take charge of any legal problem that you encounter.
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Posted by Bill | June 19, 2014
Estate Planning Law Services
My experience with Debra and staff is in the estate planning area of law. She has guided us through many legal documents to setup a trust account and others as it relates to estate planning for my aging parent. Eager to explain and coach us through the many decisions that were needed. She is able to relate to my parent and is very compassionate towards the elderly. Her and her legal assistant show a very professional knowledgeable side that was very comforting to my family. I would highly recommend her for estate planning.
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Posted by Jim | July 13, 2011
A Whole-hearted Recommendation
I have worked with Debra Dandar for almost a year. I first met her when I accepted a durable power of attorney for the widow of my best friend. Her/our client was in a bad state. After a lifetime of mental health issues, she had declined mentally and emotionally after the death of her husband. She had trusted some people who took advantage of her financially and personally, and her future looked grim. Debra helped us to assess the situation and make a plan to achieve the client's personal and financial future security. She listened carefully to both the client and me. She designed a plan of action suited to our situation and personal preferences. She was compassionate and thoughtful. She was also flexible enought to deal with a fluid situation. For example, when my own responsiblilties made a voluntary guardianship impractical, she found a way to give me the control I needed to protect the client's assets without imposing on me the burdens of the guardianship. Debra has shown great patience, both with the client's disabilities and my own lack of legal expertise. She has been a true partner in our quest for protection of the client. She has striven to do what was needed in the least costly way. When I attended a guardianship class, I heard many horror stories about lawyers who put their fees first and their clients last. I have been so fortunate to have the opposite expierience. Debra is a true advocate for her clients. More than that, she is a true friend to those most in need.
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AVVO RATING 9.6 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Law Office of Debra L. Dandar, now known as Tampa Bay Elder Law Center
  • 2001 - Present
  • Associate Attorney
  • Law Offices of Wm. Fletcher Belcher
  • 1997 - 2000

Education

  • Stetson University College of Law
  • LL.M - Master of Laws
  • 2009
  • Stetson University College of Law
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 1997
  • University of South Florida
  • Bachelor
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • Medicaid and VA Benefits Planning
  • Approval for Benefits

Associations

  • Penick Inns of Court
  • Master
  • 2014 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Elder Law Section, Medicaid Committee
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Florida Bar Elder Law Section, VA Committee
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • ElderCounsel
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Elder Law Section
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
  • 2009 - Present
  • Accredited to Practice Before the Veterans Administration
  • 2009 - Present
  • Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys
  • 2009 - Present
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association, Elder Law Section
  • 2009 - Present
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association, Elder Law Section
  • Co-Chair Elder Law Section
  • 2014 - 2016
  • Hillsborough County Pro Bono Committee
  • Member
  • 2014 - 2016
  • St. Petersburg Bar Association, Probate and Guardianship Section
  • 1997 - 2014
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • A+ Rating
  • Better Business Bureau
  • 2015
  • A+ Rating
  • Better Business Bureau
  • 2014
  • A+ Rating
  • Better Business Bureau
  • 2013

Publications

  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • Medicaid Crisis Planning and Benefits Restoration
  • 2014
  • National Business Institute Seminar
  • Long Term Care Planning Challenges and Concerns
  • 2014
  • Paraclete - Publication of the St. Petersburg Bar Association
  • Former Contributing Author and Member of Editorial Board
  • N/A
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Advanced Elder Law
  • Advanced Elder Law
  • 2014
  • Sponsor - Taking Action for Your Parents
  • Elder Law
  • 2013

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (4)
Endorse Debra
Jamil George Daoud headshot
Jamil Daoud
Probate Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Debra is extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with."
Carol Still Moody headshot
Carol Moody
Elder law Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Debra is very well-respected in the legal community, having served as both chair and co-chair of the Elder Law Section of the Hillsborough County Bar Assoc. She is a mentor for Bay Area Legal Services and is knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate."
Javier Andres Amador Centonzio headshot
Javier Centonzio
Elder law Attorney | Oct 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Debra is an extremely knowledgeable and compassionate elder law attorney. She is very involved in the elder law community and is always willing to help others. I enthusiastically endorse elder law attorney Debra Dandar."
Julia Best Chase headshot
Julia Chase
Elder law Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Debra for several years and have asked her for guidance in the area of elder law and probate. As a family law attorney, I have seen her work product via clients that have come into my office for divorce and have trusts that were authored by Debra. I am impressed with the thoroughness and detail of her trust documents. If you want a highly skilled and compassionate lawyer, look no further. I sincerely endorse Debra."
Mindi Beth Lasley headshot
Mindi Lasley
Elder law Attorney | Apr 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Dandar is an exceptional elder law and estate planning attorney. She has a solid reputation for providing her clients with skilled and expert advice regarding medicaid planning, wills, trusts, assisting Veterans in obtaining VA benefits and a litany of other services one would not anticipate planning for. I have found as a family law attorney that these services are often underutilized, and clients often wait too late to see an elder law attorney, which can cost them a significant amount of money in the future, for themselves and their loved ones. I trust Ms. Dandar to handle wills, trusts, and all elder law issues I need for myself and my parents, and I believe you should do the same."
William Brian Rambaum headshot
William Rambaum
Elder law Attorney | Jan 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Debra is very active in the Elder Law community. She is very knowledgeable and highly competent. She is dedicated to her clients. I worked with her on one highly complex case. She served as an expert witness for me. She worked very hard, did great research, and did an outstanding job for me in court. I wouldn't hesitate to use her again, and I would recommend her without hesitation to clients and other lawyers."
John Richard Caskey headshot
John Caskey
Probate Attorney | Dec 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I worked with Debra on several matters and have been impressed with her organization, strategies, and analytical abilities. She is knowledgeable and ethical. Perhaps most importantly, she has a genuine concern for her clients and their families."
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Tampa Elder law Lawyer Debra Lynn Dandar
Debra Lynn Dandar
Elder law Attorney
Tampa, FL
Licensed for 25 years
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