Todd Douglas Kaplan

I have many friends in the local Sarasota and Bradenton Florida legal communities. When it came time for my wife and I to update our complex estate planning, I first asked my friends for recommendations. The one resounding recommendation was Attorney Todd Kaplan. I was told that he would not only s...erve my needs, but that he is the area's premier estate planning, probate, trust administration, business and tax attorney. I couldn't agree more, and my wife and I found Todd to be personable, respectful, professional, knowledgeable and that he obviously possesses a solid report in the legal community. Like Todd, his staff is easy to deal with and exemplify excellence. When it came to our disabled child, Todd was not only compassionate, but we were surprised to find that Todd is highly involved in a local charity for people with disabilities. Seeing such a busy attorney giving so much back to the community was very impressive. Likewise, his tax planning for our child's disability and my several businesses is the epitome of a skilled practitioner. After completion of my estate planning, I chose Todd to represent my businesses as well, and he has shown the exact same diligence and high standard that I have become accustomed to. When my mother passed away several months after we discovered Todd, he also represented me as personal representative in the probate of my mother's estate. He has that "x-factor" magnetic personality that makes everyone seem to gravitate toward him. I have dealt with many attorneys in the past, and I realized quickly that Mr. Kaplan is the attorney that I want on my side. For the reader of this review, if you take anything away from what I have written above, it should be that Mr. Kaplan is one of the few well-rounded and highly skilled attorneys that represent what the rest of the legal industry should strive to be.

Todd was reccomended by a neighbor and friend to update my will and trust since it had not been updated since my husband passed away 8 years ago. I had put off making revisions to my will and trust since my husband passed away because my last experience with another local attorney who had drafted ou...r first will and trust (and then handled my husband's estate) was not a positive one. Based on that last experience, I was intimidated to see an attorney by myself but knew that i needed to get this accomplished. When i got to the offices of Icard Merrill in Lakewood Ranch, I was greeted warmly by the receptionist and then by Todd's legal assistant. Mr. Kaplan was on time for the appointment and from the first minute, I was comforted by his demeanor. He took the time to explain the relevant laws, review my documents and make good suggestions that will save my children alot of time and money upon my passing. He provided me with a flat fee quote (and actually charged me a little less than quoted) and my work was completed relatively timely. Overall, I was extremely happy with the and comforted by the experience. If you are like me and heistant to see an attorney, I would not hesitate to suggest and reccomend Todd.

I came to see Todd for issues and advice regarding my company. We have grown substantially over the past few years but did not have all of the necessary documentation to protect myself and my business. I have partners and Todd took the time to explain a number of issues and problems with the curren...t structure. He also had several suggestions to reduce our current tax liability. Todd ultimately drafted a well needed operating/buy-sell agreement that was specific to our business needs. This new operating agreement was far better than the cookie cutter Operating agreement (full of errors) that I got when I set up my company with another local attorney.I also just made an appointment to update mine and my husband's wills and trusts since they have not been looked at in over 10 years. I presume that this experience will be as successful as the first one. I definately recommend Todd to anyone looking for a smart, knowledgeable (and affordable) attorney.