Anne Sheffler Douglass

Anne grew up in Manatee County, Florida and has always served those in her community.  She has witnessed the devastation caused by failure of families to plan for long term care, disabilities and end of life.  Her goal is to make these life challenges easier to negotiate for the Senior as well as for the Senior’s family.  Having practiced law here since 1977, she practices Elder Law which includes probate and estates, estate planning, guardianships, wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, advance directives, Medicaid planning and Special Needs Trusts.

Anne has been a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys since 1988 and she is a member of the Florida Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, as well as a member of their Elder Abuse Committee.  She is a member of the Florida Bar Association and part of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section.  Anne served on the Florida Bar’s Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee and on the Grievance Committee for the local circuit. She is a member of the Manatee County Bar Association, having been its treasurer for three years and is presently serving, again, as a board member. She was a founding member of the Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers and served as its treasurer for two years.

In addition to her professional associations, Anne has stayed busy in her community.  She was a founding member and past Treasurer of the Junior League of Manatee County.  Anne was a founding member of the Board of PACE Center For Girls, Inc.  She served as its local board president and on its state board for several years. Anne has also served on the board of the Manatee Glens Corporation, a not-for-profit organization which provides mental health and substance abuse care to residents of Manatee County.

Anne has many interests.  She was a founding member of the Manatee County Council for the Arts and served as their president.  Due to her love of horses, Anne’s daughter’s both showed horses and were on the FSU Equestrian team.  Anne was a member of and provided legal assistance to the Florida Quarter Horse Association.  Anne is a member of Christ Episcopal Church and has served on the alter guild.