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Cynthia Crofoot Rignanese

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About Cynthia

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 117 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 (863) 294.1114. Mailing: PO Box 2012, Winter Haven, FL 33883.

For nearly 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!

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Practice areas

OtherReal estateProbateBusinessEstate planning
  1. 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.

    30 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Business: 15%

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

    30 years, 300 cases

  3. Probate: 15%

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

    30 years, 800 cases

  4. 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.

    30 years, 750 cases

  1. 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.

    30 years, 1,030 cases

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

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Contact

141 NW 5th Street, Suite 300
Winter Haven, FL, 33881

    Tampa Office [By Appointment Only]

    Downtown Tampa
    Tampa, FL, 33602

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    FLMember in Good Standing199106/11/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers58
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Lawyer of The Year for Wills & TrustsWinter Haven Women's Bar Association2021
    Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (The Group's Highest Honor)Who's Who Legal2021
    Top Commenter - For Engagement and InsightBoss Lady Esquire2020
    Spotlight BusinessWinter Haven Chamber of Commerce2020
    Woman of The YearFemales Advancing Business (FAB) Network2012
    In the First 3 Lawyers of 80,000 as: "Speaker of The Month"Florida Bar2006
    Alumni SpotlightUniversity of Florida Triangle Magazine2002
    Citizen of The YearLake Wales Masonic Lodge #2422001
    Leadership Class IVLake Wales Chamber of Commerce1999
    Ring of HonorKiwanis International1996
    Kiwanian of The YearKiwanis Club of Lake Wales1995
    Who's Who in AmericaWho's Who AmericaN/A
    Who's Who Among Executive and Professional WomenCambridge Who's WhoN/A
    Who's Who in American LawWho's WhoN/A
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Senior Managing Partner and FounderRignanese & Associates, PLLC2018 - Present
    Show Host on "LadyLawyerLive"Blog Talk Radio2010 - 2021
    "Lady Lawyer Live"WIPC Legal Radio Show Host2000 - 2002
    Adjunct ProfessorWebber International University1994 - 1996
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    FAB - Females Advancing BusinessFounding Member, Director, 2013-14 President, Legal Advisor2010 - Present
    Meals on WheelsLegal Counsel1996 - Present
    Winter Haven Womens Bar AssociationFounding Member and PresidentN/A
    Celebrate Lake Wales CommitteeN/AN/A
    YMCA Turner Center CommitteeN/AN/A
    Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class IVN/AN/A
    University of Florida Mentoring ProgramMentorN/A
    Winter Haven Executive ClubN/AN/A
    Kiwanis Club of Winter HavenN/AN/A
    Kiwanis Club of Lake WalesScholarship Chair, Delegate to Seven International ConventionsN/A
    Kiwanis Club of Lake WalesPast President, Kiwanian of the Year, DirectorN/A
    Kiwanis InternationalN/AN/A
    Golden KeyN/AN/A
    Phi Eta SigmaN/AN/A
    American Bar AssociationN/AN/A
    Middle District of Florida CourtsN/AN/A
    Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida BarN/AN/A
    Estate Planning Council of Polk CountyN/AN/A
    Florida BarN/AN/A
    American Business Womens AssociationN/A2008 - 2010
    Meals on WheelsBoard Member1996 - 2019
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Multiple Locations"Trusts: Here Are a Few Good Tips About Living Trusts for People of all Ages".2021
    Lake Wales NewspaperWhy Now Is Time To Refinance Your Home2021
    Multiple Locations"Power of Attorney: Lawyers Warn the Powerful Document be Issued with Care"2020
    R & A Law BlogLack Of Estate Planning Can Cause Heirs Difficulty2020
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Legal Fuel - Florida Bar AssociationContinuing Legal Education Required Annually2020
    University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of LawJuris Doctor of Law1990
    University of Siena, Florence, ItalyN/A1987
    University of FloridaBachelor of Science with Honors1987
    Richmond College, London, EnglandN/A1986
    Attorneys Mortgage ServicesMortgage Law CertificationN/A
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    KiwanisLegal Documents You Need Due to Covid19 Pandemic2021
    80 Speaking Topics/Copyrighted PresentationsSpeaker on Four Speakers Bureaus2021
    80 Speaking Topics/Copyrighted PresentationsPrincess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Authorized Speaker2020
    KiwanisHow International Travel enhances US Business and Legal Skills2019
    Aventail Seminar SeriesEstate and Financial Planning with Aventail2019
    Lady Lawyer Live Talk RadioHot Coffee Verdict with McD - - Legal Aspects2017
    Blog Talk RadioEstate Planning 1012016
    Multiple LocationsCrafting A Compelling Elevator Speech (2012-2014)2014
    Lake Wales Kiwanis and Lakeland Shooters Photography ClubTravelogue:Crossing Southern Africa-Sometimes by Ostrich2014
    Lake Wales KiwanisNew Years Resolutions2013
    Rotary ClubCrossing Borders-How Travel Enhances Business Skills2012
    PsychoSocial OrganizationPsychoSocial Continuing Education Series - Educating Medical Professionals on Legal Documents2012
    Femaels Advancing Business Womens NetworkNetworking Works To The Degree Of Your Network2012
    Edward JonesLegal and Financial Aspects of Estate Planning - Your Will, Trust, Death2012
    Blog Talk RadioPowers of Attorney - New Law Enhancements2011
    Allen & Company/FABWomen & Wealth - Legal and Financial Issues2011
    FABHow International Travel Changed My Life and Law Practice2010
    Cypress Creek Homeowners AssociationYour Community, You and Estate Planning2009
    American Business Womens AssociationEstate Planning for Business Women2009
    Bok Tower GardensEstate Planning Panel2008
    American Bar Association Grant UnderwrittenLiving Wills (Advance Directives)2004
    WIPC RADIO AM 1280Living Will vs. Living Trusts2003
    Beta Sigma Phi SororityEstate Planning for Beta Sigma Phi2003
    WIPC RADIO AM 1280Attorney's Role in a Real Estate Sale2002
    WIPC RADIO AM 1280The IRS and You2002
    WIPCWhat To Do Before You Say I DO: Pre-Nuptial Agreements2002
    WIPCPost-Death Money Fights2002
    Winter Haven, Meals on Wheels, Edward JonesEstate Planning with Charitable Intentions2002
    Spring Haven Retirement CenterYou Can't Take It With You2002
    Multiple LocationsMortgage Law2002
    WIPC RADIO AM 1280Everything You Want To Know About Trusts2001
    Winter Haven Kiwanis Keynote SpeakerOrgan Donation2001
    Multiple LocationsMortgage Law2001
    Multiple LocationsTen Reasons To Have A Will2001
    Meals on Wheels of Polk County, Inc.Estate Planning for Professionals2001
    Meals on Wheels of Polk County, IncEstate Planning To Do Now2001
    Lake Wales Kiwanis ClubCharitable Fundraising2001
    Hawthorne InnPlanning Your Estate2001
    B Street Community CenterEstate Planning For Your Family2001
    WIPC RADIO AM 1280Power of Attorney: Who Handles Your Business2000
    WIPCBusiness Entity Choices2000
    Lake Wales Medical Center Conference Keynote SpeakerLegal Aspects of Organ Donation2000
    PrudentialTrusts, Insurance and Investing for Seniors1996
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    87 Year Old PreNuptialSuccessful Negotiation Led To Client's Happy Marriage
    82 Year Long Relationship Leads to Estate PlanSuccessful estate plan using Revocable Living Trust to accomplish client's goals
    Worldwide Seaplane Pilots AssociationSuccessful negotiation

    Reviews

    (37)
    5 Star
    		97%
    4 Star
    		3%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Cynthia Rignanese

    Very Helpful

    Posted by

    The entire staff was very knowledgeable, professional, responsive, and helpful!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Assistance

    Posted by

    Cynthia, Karen, Edie and Marty have always done a great job in accommodating business and real estate transactions. Recently an LLC to facilitate a purchase. Also, they had the knowledge to assist in a purchase of a boat slip, condo and a residence. Now i need to listen to her and get my estate plan done
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Brilliant

    Posted by

    Cynthia's wealth of knowledge on estates, and trusts was very helpful in assisting me in answering complex questions.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Best Attorney around Polk County

    Posted by

    Cynthia helped me file for a case in Polk County. She was so efficient that the Judge actually said that the paperwork I had filed was better than most attorneys that she deals with. We we granted the petition without any problems. Thank you so much for being so good.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    CARING AND KNOWLEDGEABLE

    Posted by

    Cynthia did a presentation to my retirement community explaining Will and Trusts. Her presentation was given in a kind, gentle manner in a way everyone could understand. Cynthia’s wonderful personality came through and made a great impression on the people who attended. Through her lecture, many people realized what they are currently doing to prepare for the inevitable is incorrect and changes must be made to their plan, especially if people are doing nothing to prepare. My husband and I use Cynthia as our attorney and always highly recommend her to our friends and family. If you are looking for an attorney that knows her stuff and truly cares about her clients, I would not hesitate to hire her.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Estate Planing and Settlement

    Posted by

    I can't tell you how much I appreciate Cynthia Rignanese and Edie for all the help they are giving me in settling my fathers estate. Cynthia is always there to answer questions and give me the correct direction to follow. She is so knowledgeable regarding estate planning and Probate. I was luck to have her because she took over for her partner who passed away a couple years ago. She was able to pick up right where he left off as if she was the original attorney. I would highly recommend her for any or your estate planning or probate needs. She is a blessing to me.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    settling estate and general legal help

    Posted by

    Cynthia and her team did a great job in 2017 settling the final estate of my mother after taking this over due to the sudden and unexpected death of an associate attorney. She had great assistance from Edie and Marti. If you need legal assistance in the Winter Haven, FL area, I certainly recommend you consider Cynthia Rignanese and her very helpful staff. They will provide the support you need in a timely an professional manner.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Cynthia Rignanese's response: Thank you for your kind words, Richard. It was a pleasure to assist you. Your matter was exactly the type of case that my firm enjoys handing - - helping people settle an estate smoothly and efficiently, after a loved one passes away.

    Estate Planning & Business Succession Planning

    Posted by

    Cynthia has guided us through our estate planning with the expertise we have been looking for. Her wealth and depth of knowledge has put our affairs in order and we couldn't be more satisfied. Regarding the Succession Business Planning she has guided us through the twists and turns that we were unaware of. She has made the blending of the estate planning and the succession plan a solid path for us to move into the future with. We value our relationship with Cynthia and her staff and look forward to a long lasting relationship.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Estate Planning

    Posted by

    Cynthia, Edie and her team handled my Mother's, and my Estate plans. My mother is 87 years old and not in good health. They were extremely helpful and very compassionate while working with us. Special thanks to Edie.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Planning A Secure Future

    Posted by

    Cynthia and her team of Legal Eagles have been incredibly professional, knowledgeable, supportive, and helpful in creating a feeling of security for my family. She helped us make educated decisions concerning the future and we know our decisions are founded on sound advice. If you ever need a team to listen, understand, and provide appropriate solutions, Cynthia is the one to call.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (9)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Deena Buchanan, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 22, 2020
    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 on Dec 20, 2020
    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 on Dec 18, 2020
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Cynthia is excellent and I highly recommend her.

    Colleen Scarola, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 18, 2020
    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 on Apr 10, 2019
    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 on Oct 2, 2018
    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 on Oct 12, 2017
    Relationship: Friend

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

    Amy Phillips, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 4, 2014
    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 on Jul 22, 2010
    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.