I have more than 38 years of experience as an estate planning and business attorney. I concentrate my practice in the areas of estate planning and administration, probate litigation, pre and post nuptial agreements, real estate and business entity formation. I assist clients in the preparation of wills, trusts, family cottage limited partnerships, as well as providing counsel to minimize income and estate taxes.
I am admitted to practice in Michigan and Florida.
I have been recognized for his work in estate planning and probate by Florida Super Lawyers® magazine (2012-2018) and Best Lawyers In America® (2006-2018). I hold the highest AV rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
Prior to moving to Sanibel in 2003, I was a shareholder at Farhat and Story, P.C. in East Lansing and Fraser Trebilock in Lansing, Michigan. My wife, Kathleen, and I have two daughters and two grandchildren. In my spare time, I enjoy "island life" and all its activities, and I am active in several island charities. We still return to our house in East Lansing to enjoy the cooler summers, and attend Spartan games as often as possible.
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 1992 | 06/01/2022 |
MI | Active And In Good Standing | 1980 | 06/06/2022 |
Legal answers | 50 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Thomson Reuters | 2016 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyer in America | 2016 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers in America | 2015 |
Florida Super Lawyer | Thompson Reuters | 2015 |
Florida Super Lawyer | Thompson Reuters | 2014 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers in America | 2014 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2013 |
Florida SuperLawyer | Thompson Reuters | 2013 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2012 |
Florida Super Lawyer | Thompson Reuters | 2012 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2011 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2010 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2009 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2008 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2007 |
Best Lawyer | Best Lawyers | 2006 |
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 1995 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Shareholder | David M. Platt, P.A. | 2018 - Present |
Shareholder | Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, Pa | 2003 - 2018 |
Shareholder | Fraser Trebilcock | 2001 - 2003 |
Adjunct Professor | Michigan State University College Of Law | 2000 - 2003 |
Shareholder | Farhat and Story, PC | 1988 - 2001 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Lee County Bar Association | 2003 - Present | |
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) | Board Member | 2009 - 2011 |
Lee Memorial Health System Foundation | Board Member | 2004 - 2017 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Henderson Franklin Website | Your Social Security Options Just Became More Limited | 2015 |
Henderson Franklin Website | The Art of Estate Planning and Dremel Tools | 2015 |
The Legal Scoop of SW Fla Real Estate | Clearing Title to Real Property on Death of a Spouse | 2014 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Western Michigan University - Thomas M. Cooley Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1980 |
Michigan State University | MA | 1976 |
Michigan State University | BA | 1975 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Financial Planning Seminar | Making sure that the American Tax Relief Act is Relief to You | 2013 |
Marlaine Teahan, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 25, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
David Platt is a very experienced estate planner. He is a very personable and skilled attorney. One of David's best assets is his ability to explain highly technical legal and tax principles in plain English, enabling clients to move forward making informed decisions. I recommend him! Marlaine Teahan, Fraser Trebilcock
Gayle Carson, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 17, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer. David has the rare ability to forge connections with a client that allow him to bring his talents in estate planning, business and estate taxation in a way to target potential issues and solve them creatively. He has a real breadth of experience and expertise (not to mention empathy) that makes a real difference to his clients
Marlaine Teahan, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 25, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
David Platt is a very experienced estate planner. He is a very personable and skilled attorney. One of David's best assets is his ability to explain highly technical legal and tax principles in plain English, enabling clients to move forward making informed decisions. I recommend him! Marlaine Teahan, Fraser Trebilcock
Gayle Carson, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 17, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer. David has the rare ability to forge connections with a client that allow him to bring his talents in estate planning, business and estate taxation in a way to target potential issues and solve them creatively. He has a real breadth of experience and expertise (not to mention empathy) that makes a real difference to his clients
Carol Lawson, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. David is aexcellent detail person who has the best interest of the client's objectives in mind, and is well ersed in estate planning matters. I have know David for over 20 years.
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