Thomas Taneff

Thomas Taneff

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 37 years

Probate Lawyer at Columbus, OH
Practice Areas: Probate, Adoption, Child Custody ... +4 more

250 Civic Center Drive, Suite 610, Columbus, OH

About Thomas

Biography

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Probate 45%

PROBATE / ESTATE ADMINISTRATION AND LITIGATION, ESTATE PLANNING, ADOPTION

38 years

45%
Adoption 20%

38 years

20%
Child Custody 15%

FOSTER PARENT

38 years

15%
Guardianship 9%

38 years

9%
Trusts 1%

38 years

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 145-375 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Ohio for 37 years

State: Ohio

Acquired: 1988

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA

250 Civic Center Drive, Suite 610, Columbus, OH, 43215

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Thomas Taneff's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

5 star (45)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (3)

Posted by Jon | February 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great friend of my family’s..!

Our mother has been in the hospital on and off this year and can only be released to an assisted living facility. We found out she had no will and my brother was to get a POA. With that said Mr Taneff went out of his way and went to his office on a Sunday and then personally drove to the hospital to ...meet with our mother and my siblings the day after. This man cares about people and his clients. Mr Taneff will forever be in our hearts and minds during these difficult and stressful times. Wish we had done this earlier. Thank you Mr Taneff

Thomas Taneff

Replied last February 20, 2024

Hi Doc! I've known you and your family since the 6th grade! I've loved working with you re your family's ESTATE PLANNING! Sincerely, Tommy

Posted by Drew | November 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellence in wills

They were flexible with their time, accurate in their work, fast in completion of their work and very kind.

Thomas Taneff

Replied last November 18, 2022

Andrew, Thank you for your kind words! It's been a pleasure representing you for 30 years! Sincerely, Tommy

Posted by Vinny | July 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Thank You

Mr. Taneff is an excellent attorney with a great staff around him. He did fabulous on my estate planning and will. I am confident you will be in great hands when working with him. Highly recommend!

Thomas Taneff

Replied last July 16, 2022

Vinny, Thank you for your kind words and for trusting me to draft your WILL and ESTATE PLANNING documents! Sincerely, Tommy

Posted by Apollonia | June 30, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional and problem-free!

Mr. Taneff quickly alleviated a family situation which could have become a long, painful, and very expensive situation. I would recommend his services to anyone wanting a speedy resolution.

Thomas Taneff

Replied last June 30, 2022

Apollonia, I have absolutely loved advising your family on all of it's legal matters. Thank you for trusting me. Sincerely, Tommy

Posted by Lena | June 28, 2022 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Estate planning

I highly recommend Taneff Law and the rest of the Team as they eased my mind about the whole process. Highly dedicated flexible and precise estate planning. Definitely great customer service and professionalism second to none.

Thomas Taneff

Replied last June 30, 2022

Lena, Thank you so much for trusting our office! Sincerely, Tommy

See All Client Reviews

Thomas Taneff's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Thomas
Elizabeth Ann Johnson headshot
Elizabeth Johnson

Adoption lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tommy is an excellent lawyer, and I refer complex adoption and probate matters to him. He also recently consulted with me on one of my cases. He responded promptly, answered my questions and I am grateful for his knowledge and willingness to assist other attorneys in our community. Attorneys like Tommy help the legal community provide better service to clients and families."

Michelle Lynn Marshall headshot
Michelle Marshall

Guardianship lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I refer all of my guardianship and complicated probate matters to Mr. Taneff. I trust that his experience, knowledge and expertise will yield the best possible results for the client. I endorse this lawyer."

Joyce Stewart Schwensen headshot
Joyce Schwensen

Adoption lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I recently had the opportunity to work with Tommy Taneff on an interstate adoption matter and he was excellent to work with. Tommy highly knowledgeable about adoption law, and I also found him to be very cooperative and easy to communicate with. I hope I have an opportunity to work with Tommy again in the future."

Kevin Roger Bacon headshot
Kevin Bacon

Probate lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tommy is a great attorney. One of the best!"

Christopher S. Vonau headshot
Christopher Vonau

Probate lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tommy mentored me as a new attorney and gave me a good deal of legal and practical advice that has helped shape the attorney I am today."

Andrew Scott Grossman headshot
Andrew Grossman

Adoption lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tommy is a highly skilled probate lawyer, a trusted adviser, an outstanding communicator and an incredibly likable person. I have never hesitated to recommend Tommy to prospective clients, and he has never disappointed."

Christopher Thomas O'Shaughnessy headshot
Christopher O'Shaughnessy

Adoption lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tommy is an exceptionally ethical, knowledgeable lawyer with the experience and talent to serve any client. I recommend him to anyone who asks."

Danielle Marie Skestos headshot
Danielle Skestos

Adoption lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Tommy on a number of adoption matters. He is extremely knowledgeable on adoption law and he works very hard for his clients."

Lorri Ann Gorno headshot
Lorri Gorno

Adoption lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tommy is the person you want to go to for adoptions in Central Ohio. He is knowledgeable and has great relationships with his clients. I highly recommend him."

Phillip Glenn Lilly headshot
Phillip Lilly

Probate lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Tom since my first week of law school in 1984. He is an excellent probate and adoption attorney. In point of fact, he is one of the pioneers of private adoptions in Ohio. He is a man of intelligence, integrity, and has the highest ethical approach of any attorney I know. He recently became an AV rated attorney through Martindale Hubble which is one of the highest ratings an attorney can achieve."

Jay David Goodman headshot
Jay Goodman

Adoption lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Charles Halter Lease headshot
Charles Lease

Estate planning lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Tommy is knowledgeable, intelligent, dilligent, timely, and reasonable, all the things I expect from a professional."

David Keith Stein headshot
David Stein

Probate lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Tom is a trusted advisor and a skilled probate attorney."

View All Endorsements
David Anthony Ingram headshot
David Ingram

Government lawyer

David A Bhaerman headshot
David Bhaerman

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Douglas James Suter headshot
Douglas Suter

Litigation lawyer

Michelle Lynn Marshall headshot
Michelle Marshall

Real estate lawyer

Joyce Stewart Schwensen headshot
Joyce Schwensen

Adoption lawyer

Andrew Scott Grossman headshot
Andrew Grossman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Danielle Marie Skestos headshot
Danielle Skestos

Adoption lawyer

Andrew Jay Art headshot
Andrew Art

Probate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Ohio Super Lawyers, Ohio Super Lawyers

2023

Ohio Super Lawyers, Ohio Super Lawyers

2019

Ohio Super Lawyers, Ohio Super Lawyers

2018

Ohio Super Lawyer, Ohio Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

2014 Ohio Super Lawyer, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

2013 Ohio Super Lawyer, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

2012 Ohio Super Lawyer, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

2011 Ohio Super Lawyer, Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Best of Business Winner of Best Law Firm, Columbus C.E.O. Magazine

2010

Best of Business Winner of Best Law Firm, Columbus C.E.O. Magazine

2009

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2005

Adoption Award, U.S. Congress

Work Experience

1993 - Present

ATTORNEY, THOMAS TANEFF CO., LPA

1989 - 1993

ASSOCIATE, ISAAC, BRANT, LEDMAN & BECKER

1988 - 1989

MAGISTRATE, FRANKLIN COUNTY PROBATE COURT

1985 - 1988

JUDICIAL LAW CLERK, BAILIFF, & DEPUTY CLERK, FRANKLIN COUNTY PROBATE COURT

Associations

2018 - Present

Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board

Chairman

2014 - Present

State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Vice Chair

2005 - Present

International Visitors Council

Trustee

1998 - Present

Columbus Bar Association

Fellow Member

1988 - Present

Ohio State Bar Association, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section

Member

1988 - Present

Columbus Bar Association

Fellow Member: Probate

1988 - Present

Ohio State Bar Association

Member

Judicial Screening Committee of Franklin County Republican Central Committee

Former Member

Franklin County Children Services

Former Committee Member

Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law

Former Committee Member

Board of Advisors

Former Board Member

2017 - 2018

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology

Chairman

2008 - 2011

Macedonian Honorary Consul to the United States (Ret.)

Macedonian Honorary Consul to the United States (Ret.)

2007 - 2009

Jewish Family Services

Former Trustee

2007 - 2014

State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors

Board Member

2005 - 2017

Ohio State Board of Cosmetology

Board Member

2002 - 2010

New Albany & Plain Township Franklin County Republican Central Committee

Former Member

1995 - 2005

New Albany Village Council

Former Councilman

1991 - 1998

Voinovich Ohio Adoption Task Force

Former Committee Member

1991 - 1998

Voinovich Ohio Adoption Commission

Former Committee Member

1988 - 1998

Columbus Bar Association

Member

Education

1997

Harvard University Law School

Program of Instruction for Lawyers

1987

Capital University Law School

Juris Doctorate

1984

Ohio State University, Columbus

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2018

Teaching Adoption/Surrogacy at Doctors West Hospital

Adoption/Surrogacy

2017

Teaching Adoption at Felbry College Nursing Program

Adoption

2016

CLE Live Webcast The Prince Without a Will

2012

2011

Doctor's West Hospital

Adoption In-Service

2010

Whitehall-Yearling High School

Adoption A to Z

2010

Summer Adoption Law Institute

Adoption Law

2010

Retirement Planning Seminar

Estate Planning Seminar

2010

Parent Seminars

Estate Planning For Families with a Special Needs Child

2010

Doctor's Hospital

Adoption In-Service

2009

Riverside Methodist Hospital

Adoption In-Service

2009

Retirement Planning Seminar

Estate Planning Lecture

2009

Grant Medical Center

Adoption In-Service

2009

Columbus South High School

Adoption In-Service

2009

All Ohio High School Counselors Conference

Adoption

2008

Capital University Law School

Adoption

N/A

WOSU-AM Radio Talk Show

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

WNCI-FM Radio

Adoption

N/A

WMNI Radio AM/FM

Adoption

N/A

WLVQ-FM 96 Radio

Adoption

N/A

WCVO 105 FM Radio

Adoption

N/A

WCMH-TV

Adoption

N/A

Resolve

Adoption

N/A

Professional Education Systems, Inc.

Probate/Adoption

N/A

Prenatal Caring-Improving Birth Outcomes

Adoption

N/A

Ohio State Hospital

Adoption

N/A

Ohio C.L.E. Institute

Probate/Adoption

N/A

New Roots

Adoption

N/A

National Association of Retired Federal Employees

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Multiple Sclerosis Society

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Mount Carmel School of Nursing

Adoption

N/A

Mount Carmel East and West Hospitals

Adoption

N/A

Mount Carmel East and West Hospitals

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Madison County Hospital

Adoption

N/A

FCCS - National Adoption Day

Adoption

N/A

Elizabeth Blackwell Center

Adoption

N/A

Doctor's Hospital North

Adoption

N/A

Columbus Public Schools

Adoption

N/A

Columbus Public Library Linden Branch

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Columbus Cancer Clinic

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Columbus Bar Association

Probate/Adoption

N/A

Columbus Assn. of Legal Secretaries

Probate/Adoption

N/A

Columbus Alzheimer's Care Center

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Central Ohio Radio Reading Service

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Central Ohio Diabetes Association

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Central Ohio Community Senior Centers

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

Annual Region IV Perinatal Conference - OSU

Adoption

N/A

American Red Cross

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

American Cancer Society

Estate Planning Lecture

N/A

American Association of Retired People

Estate Planning Lecture

Publications

2023

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Should You Have a Living Trust?

2023

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Great News for Ohio's Adoptive Parents

2022

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Grown Up Kids Need Estate Planning Too!

2021

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website The "Do It Yourself" Will

2021

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA "I Never Knew I Could Adopt an Adult"

2020

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Common Mistakes After Setting Up A Trust

2020

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Estate Planning Screw-ups!

2019

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website What Happens at the Hospital During My Adoption?

2019

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website How to Make the Most of Dying

2019

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Adoption Tax Credit May Increase With H.B. 206!

2019

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website HB 405 Linked Deposit Program

2018

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Fighting for Custody of Your Foster Child

2018

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Don't Make These Estate Planning Mistakes!

2018

2018

2017

2017

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Prince's Estate: Who Gets the Jewels?

2017

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website When Should Foster Parents Hire An Attorney?

2016

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Estate Planning After A Divorce

2016

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Choosing the Best Executor

2016

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website The Prince Without A Will

2016

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Guardianships Gone Sour

2016

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Effective Life-Books Lead to Faster Adoptions

2016

Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website Birth Mother Adoption Expenses

2015

Ohio State Bar Association, Law You Can Use Ohio's Adoption Law Now Allows Advertising

2013

Taneff Law Website 2013 Ohio Super Lawyer

2013

2013

Taneff Law Website Estate Planning for Frozen Eggs

2012

2012

2012

2012

Taneff Law Website Adoption Tax Credit Will Expire

2011

Taneff Law Website Adoption Tax Credit Expanded

2011

Taneff Law Website Estate Planning For Pets

2011

Taneff Law Website How to Avoid A Guardianship

2011

2011

2011

Taneff Law Website House Bill 92

2011

Taneff Law Website The Silent Crime of Elder Abuse

2011

Taneff Law Website What is Gestational Surrogacy?

2010

2010

2010

Taneff Law Website Open Adoption

2010

2010

Taneff Law Website Reasons to Have a Will

2010

2010

2010

Taneff Law Website Contesting A Will

2010

2010

2010

Taneff Law Website How To Avoid Adoption Scams

2010

Taneff Law Website How To Avoid Probate Litigation

2009

2009

2009

Taneff Law Website Estate Planning for Your Pets

2009

2009

Taneff Law Website When is Probate Necessary?

2009

Taneff Law Website Adoption Insurance

2009

Taneff Law Website How to Avoid an Adoption Scam

2009

2009

2009

Taneff Law Website What is Open Adoption?

2009

Taneff Law Website Adoption Myths

Languages

English

Bulgarian

Serbo-Croatian

Activity

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