Cynthia Rignanese - Lawyer in Winter Haven, FL

Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese

Estate planning Attorney at Winter Haven, FL

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Setting up my trust Execellent resources referrals

Mr.

About Cynthia

Learn Cynthia’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Estate planning

45%

Estate Planning for US Citizens and Cross-border planning; Elder Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate and initial Trust Administration after death is 70% of my current practice.

32 years, 1,000 cases
Business

15%

Structuring, forming, operating, merging and closing corporations, sole proprietorships and LLCs is the focus of my business practice.

32 years, 300 cases
Probate

15%

Assisting the families who have lost a loved one is a rewarding area of law.

32 years, 800 cases
Real estate

15%

Real estate closings, contracts, loans and non-litigation real estate matters are my focus. I see the real estate market in Central Florida improving, and as it does, then the number of closings on residential, commercial and agricultural property that I handle will come back towards the pre-recession level of 2007.
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32 years, 750 cases
Elder law

10%

Planning to save time, money and hassle as we get older a challenging and rewarding area where I focus my law practice.

32 years, 1,030 cases

The passion to practice law is #1 in my life! I enjoy the everyday opportunity to work with individuals, families and businesses; I help them to save time and trouble!

Outside of work, I enjoy a number of activities and hobbies. For me, travel is paramount; I have been to all 50 US States, seven of seven continents and 124 countries!

I enjoy photography (travel and landscape particularly), public speaking, non-fiction reading, creative writing and publishing articles, visiting art museums, jazz, gardening, hiking, kayaking, backgammon, attending performing arts and theatre productions, and dining on exotic cuisine.

I have offices in Winter Haven and Tampa, Florida. The main office telephone number is. Mailing: PO Box 2012, Winter Haven, FL 33883.

For 30 years, I have focused my law practice in estate administration and planning. I help individuals and families plan for the eventuality of passing and assure them that the family will save time, trouble, hassle and money!

Photos and videos

Licensed for 31 years

State FL

Status Member in Good Standing

Acquired 1991

Updated 11/23/2022

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

Contact Cynthia

Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese

141 NW 5th Street, Suite 300

Winter Haven, FL, 33881

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Tampa Office [By Appointment Only]

Downtown Tampa

Tampa, FL, 33602

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

59 customer reviews

5 Star

98%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Doreen | January 25, 2023

Setting up my trust Execellent resources referrals

Rignanese and Associates helped me with changing my name on my property , set up a trust fund and gave me referrals on items in regards to the loss of my husband. They helped me move foward with Execellent knowledge, the utmost understanding and compassion! Always willing and available to help! Cynthia, Edy and Marte are the best!

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Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2022

Mr.

The entire Team works with you directly and were greatly helpful. Assisted in estate matters and appreciate their assistance and guidance. Definitely great customer service and professionalism. Recommend Rignanese Team as they kept me updated throughout the process. Thank You!

Posted by Krista | December 21, 2022

Highly recommend!

We contacted Rignanese & Associates, PLLC to handle my father-in- law’s estate when he passed away this summer. He lived in Florida and we live in Pennsylvania. Ms. Rignane’s assistant, Edie was our go to person. We had no idea where to even start. She guided us through the entire probate process and answered every single question we had. She was very knowledgeable, efficient, and most of all, kind. Ms. Rignanese even handled the sale of my father-in-law’s home. I highly recommend them!

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Posted by Mike | November 16, 2022

Trust for My Aunt

My 99-year-old aunt updated her trust and asked me to be her trustee. I found that Cynthia and Edie were very helpful in providing guidance and support through the entire process. Over two and a half years later, I was unable to find a copy of the documents and Edie sent them to me electronically without delay. Great experience and yes, my aunt is now 101.

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Posted by John | October 29, 2022

Updated Trust

I have been doing business with Rignanese & Associates for many years now. They have always been professional in all my visits. They answer and explain my questions in a way that is easy for me to understand. I have recommended Rignanese & Associates to family and friends over the years and will continue to do so.

Posted by Greg | September 21, 2022

Excellent service handling an estate and making a complex process very simple for me!

I reached out to Mrs. Rignanese and associates following the death of my mother for assistance with handling the estate, and they have been spectacular! They walked me through the process and timing, and have made a very difficult time much less so by simplifying all of the legal aspects. Edie is also wonderful to work with - thank you!

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Posted by Sharyn | August 23, 2022

Great Experience

After recently moving to Florida we needed to redo our wills, advanced medical directives, etc. We are happy everything was completed in a timely manner and Edie was additionally wonderful to work with. Highly recommend this law firm.

Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2022

Best Real Estate, Estate Planning, business attorney in Central Florida.

For over 20 years, Cynthia has helped me with real estate matters, Estate Planning and business ventures. She is very dedicated, efficient and most important cares. Her staff is efficient, helpful, and also knowledgeable. I would recommend this firm for any needs you may have.

Posted by Tracy | July 4, 2022

Very helpful

We were very satisfied with the firm's attention to detail and communication. They were very helpful in navigating us through the probate process and the sale of my mother-in-law's house. We would happily recommend them to anyone in need of a probate/real estate attorney.

Posted by Barbara | June 23, 2022

Excellent Service

Cynthia, Edie, Karen and the entire staff are wonderful to work with. They are professional and their attention to detail is appreciated. I will forever be grateful for all of their time and efforts!

Posted by Cindy | May 27, 2022

Excellent Service

Cynthia and her staff have always been very professional and informative. I had the pleasure of working with Edie in preparing a new Will after my husbands passing. Several years ago I also went to them for the closing of my home.

Posted by Wayne | May 25, 2022

Estate Planning

I was recently married and wanted to prepare all of the appropriate Estate Planning documents for me and my wife. We filled out an estate planning questionnaire and then a follow-up call with Cynthia. Three weeks later we reviewed the Estate Planning documents and provided feedback. Then we were able to sign all of the documents. We were very happy for the staff and the service that we received.

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Posted by Catherine | May 4, 2022

Lawyer as good as yours!

Rignanese & Associates provided superior legal service and support to this client, the clueless "self." The Rignanese legal organization was competent and well organized within. Equally critical, the organization connected smoothly and efficiently with the overarching legal system as required by Florida law. In this sad time I found my "self" suddenly tossed into a maw of total unknown and unknowable and incomprehensible real-world business/financial/ property/legal connections to/of this world. Just to erase an "unerasable someone" from life. In this world. The RIgnanese' "legaleagle" made the process doable. Best review I can provide is to quote words spoken to me by a close family member (who was also serving, sadly, in the same capacity as I for another "unerasable someone" who had been lost to us just six months earlier). "Gee, I wish the lawyer I have was as good as the one you have!"

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Posted by Grace | March 17, 2022

The best!

The best in Polk County - Estate Law. My situation was complicated, they made it easy. Attorney Rignanese explained the law so that It was easy to understand. The staff was very helpful, friendly and professional. Thank you for the great service!

Posted by anonymous | February 4, 2022

Hired attorney

Wonderful attorneys. Very professional and always answers questions immediately. Great group of people.

Posted by John | December 14, 2021

Estate Attorney

Ms. Rignanese is a very professional attorney. She has been very helpful to my needs and is always there to answer any questions I may have. I highly recommend her and her firm.

Posted by Dean | November 19, 2021

Excellent service

Staff and the entire office is helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, and assisted me navigate a difficult circumstance in closing out estate business, when I had to remain out of state. Edie is exceptional!

Posted by Eli | October 19, 2021

Exceeded Expectations

After my father's passing Cynthia and staff provided outstanding assistance to myself and sister. I was concerned of challenges, due to the fact I do not live in Florida. I quickly realized I had no reason for concern. Thank you Cynthia and staff.

Posted by Karen | September 10, 2021

Doctor/Dentist

Cynthia Rignanese is very thorough and takes her job with great care. I personally appreciate her professionalism yet friendly personality. Her team is also very knowledgeable, well spoken, and timely in returning any inquiries you may encountered while working with her.

Posted by Cynthia | August 11, 2021

Excellent service

My parents were very pleased with the attention they received. Atty Crofoot explained everything and even had a Spanish translator in case my parents didn’t understand something. Very attentive from start the finish.

Response from Cynthia Rignanese August 13, 2021

Thank you for your kind words. Myself and the "Legal Eagles" Team enjoyed working with your family on your estate planning and wills. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! Thank you!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.4 (Superb)

Work Experience

Senior Managing Partner and Founder
Rignanese & Associates, PLLC
2018 - Present

Show Host on "LadyLawyerLive"
Blog Talk Radio
2010 - 2021

"Lady Lawyer Live"
WIPC Legal Radio Show Host
2000 - 2002

Adjunct Professor
Webber International University
1994 - 1996

View all work experience

Education

Legal Fuel - Florida Bar Association
Continuing Legal Education Required Annually
2020

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
Juris Doctor of Law
1990

University of Siena, Florence, Italy
1987

University of Florida
Bachelor of Science with Honors
1987

Richmond College, London, England
1986

Attorneys Mortgage Services
Mortgage Law Certification
N/A

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Legal Cases

87 Year Old PreNuptial
Successful Negotiation Led To Client's Happy Marriage

82 Year Long Relationship Leads to Estate Plan
Successful estate plan using Revocable Living Trust to accomplish client's goals

Worldwide Seaplane Pilots Association
Successful negotiation

Associations

FAB - Females Advancing Business
Founding Member, Director, 2013-14 President, Legal Advisor
2010 - Present

Winter Haven Womens Bar Association
Founding Member and President
1996 - Present

Meals on Wheels
Legal Counsel
1996 - Present

Kiwanis International
N/A

Celebrate Lake Wales Committee
N/A

YMCA Turner Center Committee
N/A

Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class IV
N/A

University of Florida Mentoring Program
Mentor
N/A

Winter Haven Executive Club
N/A

Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven
N/A

Kiwanis Club of Lake Wales
Scholarship Chair, Delegate to Seven International Conventions
N/A

Kiwanis Club of Lake Wales
Past President, Kiwanian of the Year, Director
N/A

Florida Bar
N/A

Golden Key
N/A

Phi Eta Sigma
N/A

American Bar Association
N/A

Middle District of Florida Courts
N/A

Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar
N/A

Estate Planning Council of Polk County
N/A

CS International Travel Club - Atlanta Peach Convention 2021
Emissary for USA
2021 - 2021

American Business Womens Association
2008 - 2010

Meals on Wheels
Board Member
1996 - 2019

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Languages Spoken

English

Spanish

Awards

Lawyer of The Year for Wills & Trusts
Winter Haven Women's Bar Association
2021

Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (The Group's Highest Honor)
Who's Who Legal
2021

30 Years of Serving The Community
Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
2021

Top Commenter - For Engagement and Insight
Boss Lady Esquire
2020

Spotlight Business
Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce
2020

Woman of The Year
Females Advancing Business (FAB) Network
2012

In the First 3 Lawyers of 80,000 as: "Speaker of The Month"
Florida Bar
2006

Alumni Spotlight
University of Florida Triangle Magazine
2002

Citizen of The Year
Lake Wales Masonic Lodge #242
2001

Leadership Class IV
Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce
1999

Ring of Honor
Kiwanis International
1996

Kiwanian of The Year
Kiwanis Club of Lake Wales
1995

Who's Who in America
Who's Who America
N/A

Who's Who Among Executive and Professional Women
Cambridge Who's Who
N/A

Who's Who in American Law
Who's Who
N/A

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Publications

Multiple Locations
"Trusts: Here Are a Few Good Tips About Living Trusts for People of all Ages".
2021

Lake Wales Newspaper
Why Now Is Time To Refinance Your Home
2021

Multiple Locations
"Power of Attorney: Lawyers Warn the Powerful Document be Issued with Care"
2020

R & A Law Blog
Lack Of Estate Planning Can Cause Heirs Difficulty
2020

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Speaking Engagements

Kiwanis
Legal Documents You Need Due to Covid19 Pandemic
2021

80 Speaking Topics/Copyrighted Presentations
Speaker on Four Speakers Bureaus
2021

80 Speaking Topics/Copyrighted Presentations
Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Authorized Speaker
2020

Kiwanis
How International Travel enhances US Business and Legal Skills
2019

Aventail Seminar Series
Estate and Financial Planning with Aventail
2019

Lady Lawyer Live Talk Radio
Hot Coffee Verdict with McD - - Legal Aspects
2017

Blog Talk Radio
Estate Planning 101
2016

Multiple Locations
Crafting A Compelling Elevator Speech (2012-2014)
2014

Lake Wales Kiwanis and Lakeland Shooters Photography Club
Travelogue:Crossing Southern Africa-Sometimes by Ostrich
2014

Lake Wales Kiwanis
New Years Resolutions
2013

Rotary Club
Crossing Borders-How Travel Enhances Business Skills
2012

PsychoSocial Organization
PsychoSocial Continuing Education Series - Educating Medical Professionals on Legal Documents
2012

Femaels Advancing Business Womens Network
Networking Works To The Degree Of Your Network
2012

Edward Jones
Legal and Financial Aspects of Estate Planning - Your Will, Trust, Death
2012

Blog Talk Radio
Powers of Attorney - New Law Enhancements
2011

Allen & Company/FAB
Women & Wealth - Legal and Financial Issues
2011

FAB
How International Travel Changed My Life and Law Practice
2010

Cypress Creek Homeowners Association
Your Community, You and Estate Planning
2009

American Business Womens Association
Estate Planning for Business Women
2009

Bok Tower Gardens
Estate Planning Panel
2008

American Bar Association Grant Underwritten
Living Wills (Advance Directives)
2004

WIPC RADIO AM 1280
Living Will vs. Living Trusts
2003

Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
Estate Planning for Beta Sigma Phi
2003

WIPC RADIO AM 1280
Attorney's Role in a Real Estate Sale
2002

WIPC RADIO AM 1280
The IRS and You
2002

WIPC
What To Do Before You Say I DO: Pre-Nuptial Agreements
2002

WIPC
Post-Death Money Fights
2002

Winter Haven, Meals on Wheels, Edward Jones
Estate Planning with Charitable Intentions
2002

Spring Haven Retirement Center
You Can't Take It With You
2002

Multiple Locations
Mortgage Law
2002

WIPC RADIO AM 1280
Everything You Want To Know About Trusts
2001

Winter Haven Kiwanis Keynote Speaker
Organ Donation
2001

Multiple Locations
Mortgage Law
2001

Multiple Locations
Ten Reasons To Have A Will
2001

Meals on Wheels of Polk County, Inc.
Estate Planning for Professionals
2001

Meals on Wheels of Polk County, Inc
Estate Planning To Do Now
2001

Lake Wales Kiwanis Club
Charitable Fundraising
2001

Hawthorne Inn
Planning Your Estate
2001

B Street Community Center
Estate Planning For Your Family
2001

WIPC RADIO AM 1280
Power of Attorney: Who Handles Your Business
2000

WIPC
Business Entity Choices
2000

Lake Wales Medical Center Conference Keynote Speaker
Legal Aspects of Organ Donation
2000

Prudential
Trusts, Insurance and Investing for Seniors
1996

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Attorney endorsements

Received (11)

Given (20)

Endorse Cynthia

Clark Dray

Estate planning Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Cynthia is a great resource for estate planning and real estate matters. She's invested in making the legal process more efficient and streamlined for her clients. She also hosts a radio show called LadyLawyerLive, in which she shares her extensive legal knowledge with callers."

Nicole Loughlin

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Deena Buchanan

Estate planning Attorney | Dec 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Cynthia and I collaborated through a national attorney organization and she was wonderful, responsive and thoughtful. I highly recommend her."

Merium Malik

Estate planning Attorney | Dec 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cynthia is known for her decades of experience doing estate planning in Central Florida. A tour of her office finds three commercial ‘will safes.’ These fireproof cabinets house more than 1000 original will and trust documents. Clients looking for an experienced lawyer in Florida, do not need to look further than Cynthia"

Nicole Vette

Business Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cynthia is excellent and I highly recommend her."

Colleen Scarola

Estate planning Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have referred clients to Cynthia and she and her team do a wonderful job. She is thorough, patient with clients, personable and well versed in estate planning/probate law. I highly endorse this lawyer."

Chloe Alyn

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"We met through a group exclusively for women who run law firms called Boss Lady Esquire. Subsequent contact with Cynthia was always positive. She has nearly 30 years of experience in her specialty of estate planning. She is well known for her work; whether it is a simple will or complex trust, she'll watch out for the client and family. I highly recommend Cynthia."

Craig Spanjers

Probate Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She is thorough and well-prepared. We have worked and are currently working together on several probate/trust matters."

Jack Rosenkranz

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Her work is excellence in action, detail oriented and client focused."

Amy Phillips

Estate planning Attorney | Nov 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Cynthia comes to mind as the go-to attorney for estate planning in Winter Haven. I would trust her with the most unique, complex matters. Her depth of experience and approachable personality are a great combination for serving her clients well."

A Pobjecky

Estate planning Attorney | Jul 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I whole-heartedly endorse this lawyer's work and she is the only attorney I would trust with my estate planning, real estate and corporate needs! Ms. Rignanese is continually involved with her community and is a frequent lecturer on estate planning needs. She is in very high demand since she delivers speeches that are enjoyable and educational. Ms. Rignanese is well known as one of the premier estate planning and corporate attorneys in the Polk County area - if not the State of Florida. Ms. Rignanese is dedicated to client service and her business philosophy ensures that clients will receive the best advice and representation possible."

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Probate

Unknown

Employment and labor

Immigration

Divorce and separation

Colleen Scarola