Debra Lynn Dandar

Debra Lynn Dandar

5.0
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 28 years

Elder law Lawyer at Tampa, FL
Practice Areas: Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate

3611 West Azeele Street, Tampa, FL

About Debra

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Elder Law 35%

I handle Medicaid benefits planning, and prepare documents that can help people to qualify for Medicaid benefits for long term care. I have an LL.M. (Masters of Law degree) in Elder Law.

35%
Estate Planning 35%

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.

35%
Probate 30%

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.

30%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 28 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1997

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

TAMPA BAY ELDER LAW CENTER, P.A.

3611 West Azeele Street, Tampa, FL, 33609

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Debra Lynn Dandar's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (7) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Trustworthiness

Posted by Jim | July 13, 2011 | Elder Law

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 ha...d 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.

See All Client Reviews

Debra Lynn Dandar's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Debra
Jamil George Daoud headshot
Jamil Daoud

Probate lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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 lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
William Brian Rambaum headshot
William Rambaum

Probate lawyer

Jamil George Daoud headshot
Jamil Daoud

Probate lawyer

Javier Andres Amador Centonzio headshot
Javier Centonzio

Military law lawyer

John Richard Caskey headshot
John Caskey

Probate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2025

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2024

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2023

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2022

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2021

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2020

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2019

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2018

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2017

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2016

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2015

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2014

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

2013

A+ Rating, Better Business Bureau

Work Experience

2001 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Debra L. Dandar, now known as Tampa Bay Elder Law Center

1997 - 2000

Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Wm. Fletcher Belcher

Associations

2011 - Present

ElderCounsel

Member

2011 - Present

Florida Bar, Elder Law Section

Member

2011 - Present

Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section

Member

2009 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

2009 - Present

Academy of Florida Elder Law Attorneys

2014 - 2016

Hillsborough County Bar Association, Elder Law Section

Co-Chair Elder Law Section

2014 - 2021

Penick Inns of Court

Master

2014 - 2016

Hillsborough County Pro Bono Committee

Member

2014 - 2024

Florida Bar, Elder Law Section, Medicaid Committee

Member

1997 - 2014

St. Petersburg Bar Association, Probate and Guardianship Section

Sample of Legal Cases

Medicaid Benefits Planning

Approval for Benefits

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

Stetson University College of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws

1997

Stetson University College of Law

Juris Doctorate

1994

University of South Florida

Bachelor

Speaking Engagements

2014

Advanced Elder Law

Advanced Elder Law

2013

Sponsor - Taking Action for Your Parents Elder Law

Publications

2015

Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine Jan/Feb 2015 "Lawyer" magazine

2014

Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine Sept/Oct 2014 "Lawyer" magazine

2014

Hillsborough County Bar Association Lawyer Magazine Nov/Dec 2014 "Laywer" magazine

2014

National Business Institute Seminar Medicaid Crisis Planning and Benefits Restoration

2014

National Business Institute Seminar Long Term Care Planning Challenges and Concerns

N/A

Paraclete - Publication of the St. Petersburg Bar Association Former Contributing Author and Member of Editorial Board

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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