Skip to main content

Debra Lynn Dandar

  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Tampa, FL
  • Licensed for 23 years
View more
See more Tampa Elder Law lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Debra

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

Read More

Practice areas

Estate planningProbateElder law
  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.

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1243865 1403130129

1243865 1403130188

1243865 1403130288

1243865 1403130308

Contact

3611 West Azeele Street
address map

Debra Dandar

3611 West Azeele Street
361
Tampa, FL, 33609

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
FLMember in Good Standing199703/01/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers10
Legal guides3
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
A+ RatingBetter Business Bureau2015
A+ RatingBetter Business Bureau2014
A+ RatingBetter Business Bureau2013
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerLaw Office of Debra L. Dandar, now known as Tampa Bay Elder Law Center2001 - Present
Associate AttorneyLaw Offices of Wm. Fletcher Belcher1997 - 2000
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Penick Inns of CourtMaster2014 - Present
Florida Bar, Elder Law Section, Medicaid CommitteeMember2014 - Present
Florida Bar Elder Law Section, VA CommitteeMember2013 - Present
ElderCounselMember2011 - Present
Florida Bar, Elder Law SectionMember2011 - Present
Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law SectionMember2011 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysN/A2009 - Present
Accredited to Practice Before the Veterans AdministrationN/A2009 - Present
Academy of Florida Elder Law AttorneysN/A2009 - Present
Hillsborough County Bar Association, Elder Law SectionN/A2009 - Present
Hillsborough County Bar Association, Elder Law SectionCo-Chair Elder Law Section2014 - 2016
Hillsborough County Pro Bono CommitteeMember2014 - 2016
St. Petersburg Bar Association, Probate and Guardianship SectionN/A1997 - 2014
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer MagazineJan/Feb 2015 "Lawyer" magazine2015
National Business Institute SeminarMedicaid Crisis Planning and Benefits Restoration2014
National Business Institute SeminarLong Term Care Planning Challenges and Concerns2014
Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer MagazineSept/Oct 2014 "Lawyer" magazine2014
Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer MagazineNov/Dec 2014 "Laywer" magazine2014
Paraclete - Publication of the St. Petersburg Bar AssociationFormer Contributing Author and Member of Editorial BoardN/A
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Stetson University College of LawLL.M - Master of Laws2009
Stetson University College of LawJuris Doctorate1997
University of South FloridaBachelor1994
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Advanced Elder LawAdvanced Elder Law2014
Sponsor - Taking Action for Your ParentsElder Law2013
Positively Tampa BayUse of Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate and Living Wills2013
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Medicaid and VA Benefits PlanningApproval for Benefits

Reviews

(6)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Debra Dandar

Debra has never let us down

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Elder Law Counsel

Posted by

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.

A High Recommendation for Attorney Debra Dandar

Posted by

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.

Experience with Attorney Debra Dandar

Posted by

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.

Estate Planning Law Services

Posted by

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.

A Whole-hearted Recommendation

Posted by

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.

Attorney endorsements

(7)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jamil Daoud, Probate Attorney on Apr 11, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Debra is extremely knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.

Carol Moody, Elder law Attorney on Oct 13, 2015
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 Centonzio, Elder law Attorney on Oct 9, 2015
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 Chase, Elder law Attorney on Jul 14, 2015
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 Lasley, Elder law Attorney on Apr 8, 2015
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 Rambaum, Elder law Attorney on Jan 23, 2015
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 Caskey, Probate Attorney on Dec 4, 2014
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.