Dana Laganella Gerling

Probate Attorney at Bradenton, FL

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Excellent Experience

I retained Dana Laganella’s law firm after researching several attorney’s in the Sarasota and Bradenton area. Her office responded expediently, provided accurate information and was welcoming. From my first encounter to the settlement I found their communication consistent and exemplary. A lawsuit is a highly stressful situation, and difficult for the lay person to understand at times. Dana and her staff guided me through the process with friendly professionalism. Her encompassing expertise was evident on many occasions. I also noticed that her colleagues held a high regard for her demeanor and knowledge. Some of my questions and concerns throughout the proceedings might have seemed trivial to Dana and her staff but they patiently helped me understand. Dana and her staff felt like friends by the time my case was completed. I have had occasion to request information from them in the approximately two years since the case was closed and have continued to receive their trademark service. That tells a lot about the character of the office. Since my case, I have recommended Ms. Laganella’s office to several friends who required legal assistance. I have heard they are as happy as I was from the service and results received. Oustanding customer service, sharp legal minds and a consummate effort to satisfy clients — that is what I received from Ms. Laganella’s office.

David H. Rosenberg, Esq.

About Dana

Learn Dana’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Dana Laganella Gerling has been nominated again in 2020 as a Super Lawyer; this is the tenth year she has been on the Florida Super Lawyers Magazine list. Only 2.5 % of lawyers in Florida receive such designation. She has also been voted as Legal Elite for a sixth year in Florida Trend Magazine. Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group has won People’s Choice Award from the Bradenton Herald for Favorite Attorney for eight years. Dana is a dedicated community leader who primarily practices in areas of law that include: Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration and Elder Law.

Dana is originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut and graduated Cum Laude. She was awarded the Best Advocate of the Northeast Region and was voted Best Attorney in East Manatee County by Living Out East Magazine. It is Dana’s commitment to providing quality, affordable legal services that has won her respect and acclaim from both her peers and her clients. She truly enjoys her work. Her passion for helping people in her community is evident in her dedication to providing education on important topics, including Wills, Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney’s and Health Care Surrogates. Further, as a founding partner of Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group Chartered, Dana’s commitment to protecting the interests of her clients has become the focus of this client centered firm.

She is currently President of the Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers for her third term and has also served on the Board of Directors with the Sarasota County Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Dana is a member of both the Manatee County and Sarasota County Bar Associations. She formerly served on the Board of the Sarasota County Humane Society, Manatee County Animal Control Advisory Board, and the advisory Board of the Pinellas Animal Foundation.

She earned her undergraduate degree in Business Finance from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, graduating with honors. Dana is a mother of two little girls as well as being an animal lover, providing a loving home for two dogs and two bunnies of her own. She is a strong supporter of all animal related organizations in the community.

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Licensed for 21 years

State FL

Status Member in Good Standing

Acquired 2001

Updated 02/23/2023

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

Contact Dana

Dana Laganella Gerling

(941) 564-9929 Office

6148 State Road 70 E

Bradenton, FL, 342039707

gerlinglawgroup.com

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

61 customer reviews

5 Star

98%

4 Star

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2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Jodi | September 1, 2009

Excellent Experience

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Posted by David | May 9, 2008

David H. Rosenberg, Esq.

I have had the opportunity to work with Dana many times over the past few years and have found her to be professional and well versed in her practice areas. Additionally, Dana has brought a high level of customer service to the legal profession which is generally unheard of. I have no hesitation in making referrals to Dana!

Posted by Elizabeth | August 17, 2021

Probate for My Daughter:

Dana and the Staff were just wonderful. Explained everything, walked me through what needed to be done, very personable and timing was spot on! Had no worry with this team on my side.

Posted by Sylvia | April 26, 2021

Best estate attorney

I’m a widow and moved to Florida about 3 years ago and so glad I found Dana to help me with my Eatate will. She’s very knowledgeable, friendly, patient and very reasonable with the fee. Now I’m so relieved that everything is organized for my estate. I strongly recommend her if ever needs to sort out your Eatate will.

Posted by Michael | February 22, 2021

Revocable Trust Developed With Ease

My wife and I moved to area recently and wanted to set up a trust to ease the burden on our heirs. Doing so with Dana Gerling proved to be extremely easy as well as cost effective. Ms. Gerling was very knowledgeable and thorough. The entire process was both efficient and enjoyable. I would highly recommend the Gerling Law Group if their services meet your needs.

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Posted by William | February 2, 2021

Professional and competent

Attorney Gerling helped with all aspects of our estate planning, drawing up several documents that we had neglected. She was very professional and courteous and COVID-19 safe. A good experience for us.

Posted by Carolann | January 5, 2021

Attorney Review of Ms Dana Gerling, Esq.

I had the opportunity to work with Dana Gerling to create a trust upon my becoming a resident of Florida in 2019. She was detailed, explained everything, made recommendations and handled all the details. I felt very comfortable with her and her staff. Subsequently I had to go to probate on my husband's estate and she handled all of the paperwork very efficiently and in a caring manner as the probate work had to be done in concert with and estate litigation attorny. Ms Gerling worked in concert with the litigation attorney and all documents were sent to me electronically in a timely manner as I had gone back to NJ for the summer of 2020. Her administrative assistant, Ms. Howser, kept on top of all documents that had to be signed and would call me to follow up. In spite of the angst of probate, Ms. Gerling was extremely helpful and got the job done.

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Posted by Mary | December 18, 2020

Outstanding Service

From our first consultation to our documents signing Dana and her staff provided courteous and professional service and guidance. We felt confident that our wishes and concerns were addressed. We are extremely happy with the service and attentiveness we received.

Posted by Dennis | November 10, 2020

Great experience. Made it so easy for us.

Well worth our time. Dana Gerling took the time to explain every aspect of the Trust and wills. She and her staff were so professional and never once made us feel that our que. were not important to them. They keep us informed along the way and every meeting was met on a timely bases. We want to thank her and the staff for guiding us through this to us difficult process.

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Posted by Marcus | August 18, 2020

Great focused and pragmatic advice/services

Dana and her team were great at getting us through our estate planning in an efficient way, and ensuring we understood any decisions we made (family trust, wills, DPOA and healthcare surrogate) Wholeheartedly recommend her!

Posted by Dennis | August 11, 2020

Review for Dana Gerling

Dana was very well prepared and answered questions with language and reasons that were understandable. All costs for services were right up front so there were no surprises.

Posted by Kathleen | August 6, 2019

Estate Planning, Pet Trusts

Dana was outstanding. We needed special personalized attention for our trust and pet trusts for our cats and dogs. She took lots of time to listen to our wishes and concerns and addressed them thoroughly. She provided exceptional thoughtful solutions to our needs.

Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2019

Estate Planning

Dana was very helpful; she explained everything really well; thorough and supportive.

Posted by stella masaki | May 31, 2019

Outstanding Lawyer, Ms. Dana Laganella Gerling

Ms. Laganella Gerling is efficient and patient. She is also very professional and easy to communicate with. I recall asking her some questions more than once and she was not irritated. She also made sure we used the time we had with her efficiently/wisely and this helped us save some money/time. The people who works in the office were friendly, professional and you could tell they enjoyed working at the law firm. We are extremely pleased with our visits with Ms. Laganella Gerling.

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Posted by Andrea | May 8, 2019

COMPETENT, CARING, AND TOP ATTORNEY

We hired Dana to do our will and set up a trust for us. It was apparent at the first meeting that she is very bright, efficient, careful, knowledgeable, and first rate. She also clearly cares about her clients and her reasonable rate shows that caring not money is her motivator. We would recommend Dana to anyone, at any income level, as a terrific attorney.

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Posted by anonymous | May 8, 2019

Highly Recommend

Affordable Attorney was highly recommended on NextDoor and we are so pleased that we used their services. Dana Laganella Gerling and her staff were outstanding. Dana provided excellent estate planning advice and we did not feel pressure during the process. The document preparation was a fast, efficient and affordable process to have our will and estate plan completed.

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Posted by Susan | February 27, 2019

Affordable Attorneys are the BEST!

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is hard enough but being out of state is even harder. I found Affordable Attorneys online by reading reviews on AVVO. I initially contacted Dana during one of the hardest times of my life, dealing with the loss of my father. Dana and her staff were very caring and compassionate at this time. My father's estate was not the easiest and there were several hurdles to jump through. Dana was great dealing his estate. She helped my sister and I through the whole process. She and her staff were very patient, thorough and prompt when taking us through each step of the probate and estate process. Dana Gerling is highly recommended! If you want the best, go to Affordable Attorneys and see Dana!

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Posted by anonymous | December 3, 2018

Great Service

Dana is a great person to have taking care of your estate. Thorough, meticulous and very knowledgeable, she is able to provide great information and provide sound advice. Her bubbly personality and her helpful courteous staff makes this somewhat mundane process a breeze! Highly recommend!

Posted by Michael | November 28, 2018

Excellent service

Dana prepared documents for my Living Will, my Last Will and Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney, and Designation of Health Care Surrogate. She explained everything in easy to understand language and made helpful recommendations. The whole process was very smooth. A couple decades ago I used Legal Zoom to do this. It was a disaster, and I don't recommend using it.

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Posted by Margaret | November 2, 2018

Will, living will etc

Dana is so professional. I put this off because I was reluctant to deal with it. She made it so easy and made me so comfortable with the whole process.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Managing Partner
Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group
2003 - Present

Education

Quinnipiac University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2001

Associations

American Inn of Court - Manatee County
Membership Chair
2015 - Present

Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers
Member
2007 - Present

Manatee County Bar Association, Probate, Trust, Estate Planning and Tax Section
Member
2002 - Present

Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers
President
2018 - 2019

American Inn of Court - Manatee County
Hospitality Chair
2014 - 2015

Kaiser College
Advisory Board for Paralegals
2010 - 2013

Manatee County Animal Advisory Board
Board Member
2008 - 2009

Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers
President
2005 - 2007

Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Sarasota chapter)
Board of Directors
2003 - 2005

Florida Association for Women Lawyers (Sarasota chapter)
Member
2003 - 2008

Sarasota County Humane Society
Board Member
2002 - 2003

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2018

Florida Legal Trend Magazine
Legal Elite
2018

Super Lawyers
Super Laywers Magazine
2018

People's Choice
Bradenton Herald
2017

Best Attorney in East Manatee County
Living Out East Magazine
2009

Best Up And Coming Attorney
Florida Legal Trend Magazine
2008

Best Attorney in East Manatee County
Living Out East Magazine
2007

View all awards

Speaking Engagements

Free Educational Seminars
Probate Avoidance, Estate Planning
2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (26)

Given (26)

Endorse Dana

Joseph Battaglia

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Dana. Dana is knowledgeable, personable, and an excellent counselor to her clients. I would not hesitate to refer a client to her."

Alyson Battaglia

Probate Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dana personally for years and have used her for all matters of probate and estate planning. She is highly effective and an excellent communicator. I would recommend her to anyone I know in need of this type of legal service."

Rebecca Proctor

Unknown Attorney | Aug 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Danielle Lindauer

Unknown Attorney | Jan 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Dana is a strong and knowledgeable attorney. She works hard for her clients and her community. I have complete confidence in her legal representation of my friends and clients."

Gerald O'Brien

Elder law Attorney | Jul 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dana for many years, she is ethical, intelligent, skilled, and compassionate. I endorse Dana without reservation"

Andrea Johnson

Estate planning Attorney | Mar 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Dana for many years in our profession. I have found her to be well prepared, diligent, and hard working in all she does for her clients. She is one of the most trusted attorneys I know. I highly recommend Dana and her law firm and am proud of the professionalism and intellect she brings to the legal community."

Charles Moore

Estate planning Attorney | Mar 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dana is a very experienced attorney who has handled a variety of estate planning and probate related matters. She is also very personable. I highly recommend this lawyer."

Sherry Ellis

Wills and living wills Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dana for 10 years. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her high energy serves her practice and clients well. Dana respects people of all walks of life and animals too. She has worked cases in protecting the rights of animals/pets and their owners."

Aaron Tracy

Estate planning Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mrs. Gerling provides quality legal services at more than reasonable rates."

Kevin Burke

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

"Ms Gerlings's answers on Avvo demonstrate a depth of knowledge of estate planning law and a profound ability to analyze complex legal problems. I am happy to endorse her."

Cindy Hill

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

"Dana is not only a talented lawyer, but also a caring person. Recognizing that the expense of legal services can be a great concern for many people, she makes an effort to work with her clients to provide the services they need at a cost they can afford. I therefore do not hesitate to refer people who contact me regarding a need for estate planning to Dana, confident that they will be well taken care of."

Jason Reid

Estate planning Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I personally know Dana Gerling as a very experienced and talented attorney practicing in the areas of trusts and estates, probate, and wills. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an attorney in these practice areas."

Telese McKay

Estate planning Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Not only have I worked with her on a professional level, I have gone to her for my personal estate planning purposes as a client. She was very thorough and followed up well to make sure the work and documentation was done in a timely manner. She is also very friendly, which makes working with her as an attorney enjoyable and comfortable."

Terri Cromley

Wills and living wills Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dana is an excellent attorney. She is very well respected in the Bradenton area. She was instrumental in planning the "Wills for Heroes" where first responders can obtain wills free of charge from local attorneys."

David Rosenberg

Probate Attorney | Apr 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"It is not uncommon to come accross a probate matter in the course of my real estate practice. Dana is the person I trust to handle these issues She is excellent at getting to the crux of the matter and helping to keep my transaction moving forward. Additionally, she has done an excellent job with a number of my clients on their estate planning."

Patricia Fradley

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I've worked with Dana on a number of Pre-Nuptial agreements, and have referred many clients with Estate Planning needs to her. I've only received positive feedback from my clients. She is very personable and takes the time to listen to their concerns. Her staff is extremely efficient and very helpful whenever I call or email. I endorse her without reservation."

Michelle Liguori

Trusts Attorney | Jan 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Dana is very easy to work with. She has helped me out with client matters when I needed Florida counsel, and she has also done estate planning and trusts for my own parents. She has great knowledge about her practice area and is very accommodating when it comes to her clients' needs. I have repeatedly recommended Dana to friends, family and anyone else in need of legal services in the Sarasota/Bradenton area."

Tracey Starrett

Trusts Attorney | Aug 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I would (and do) recommend her to anyone seeking a highly skilled, knowledgeable, and responsive attorney to help them with their estate planning."