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Thomas Taneff

Probate Attorney at Columbus, OH

4.7   47 reviews
  • Licensed for 35 years
    State OH
    Acquired 1988
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Thomas

Learn Thomas’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Probate
    45%
    PROBATE / ESTATE ADMINISTRATION AND LITIGATION, ESTATE PLANNING, ADOPTION

    35 years

  2. Adoption
    20%

    35 years

  3. Child custody
    15%
    FOSTER PARENT

    35 years

  4. Guardianship
    9%

    35 years

  5. Estate planning
    5%

    35 years

  6. Wills and living wills
    5%

    35 years

  7. Trusts
    1%

    35 years

 

           

Thomas Taneff was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1988 and has been practicing law for 30 years. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and Capital University Law School. Mr. Taneff was a Judicial Law Clerk and Franklin County Probate Court Magistrate. He practices in the areas of estates, probate, estate planning, guardianships, adoption and surrogacy throughout the State of Ohio, including interstate and international adoptions. He has handled over 5,000 adoption and/or surrogacy related cases and was awarded the United States Congressional Adoption Award in 2005. He was chosen as an Ohio Super Lawyer for 2011 through 2022 and won Columbus C.E.O. Magazine's Best of Business Award (for law firms under 50) for 2010 and 2011.  Macedonian Honorary Consul to the United States (Ret.).

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Contact Thomas

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Thomas Taneff Co., LPA
250 Civic Center Drive
Suite 210
Columbus, OH, 43215

Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  47 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
6%
Posted by Drew | November 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellence in wills
They were flexible with their time, accurate in their work, fast in completion of their work and very kind.
Response from Thomas Taneff 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
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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!
Response from Thomas Taneff 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
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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.
Response from Thomas Taneff 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
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted 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.
Response from Thomas Taneff June 30, 2022
Lena, Thank you so much for trusting our office! Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Christian | June 27, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Smooth and easy
I used the Taneff Law firm services for a pending charge I had, his firm took excellent care of me. I was never left with any questions of what was going on in my case, I was fully informed with every detail I needed. The firm has exceptional communication and personable skills, very enjoyable to work with. He also filed my estate planning documents. Best Probate lawyer I have ever dealt with, highly recommend using the Taneff Law services - CW
Read less
Response from Thomas Taneff June 30, 2022
Christian, Thank you for trusting me to do your ESTATE PLANNING! You are an example that even young people need ESTATE PLANNING ! Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Darlene | June 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful
My husband and I recently had our wills, powers of attorney and living wills prepared by Taneff Law. Tommy's experience was evident and he was beyond thorough. Everyone in the office was so very gracious. Thank you all!
Response from Thomas Taneff June 27, 2022
Darlene, It truly was an honor working with your family. Thank you so very much for trusting me to do your ESTATE PLANNING ! Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Angelina | June 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you!
Tom helped us with our estate planning and it couldn’t have been easier. He walked us through the process and gave us the guidance we needed to get our documents together. Highly recommend!!!
Response from Thomas Taneff June 7, 2022
Angelina, Your family is amazing and it was an honor and a pleasure to help with the ESTATE PLANNING! Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Sharon C | April 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
GREAT FIRM!
I highly recommend Taneff Law. Taylor helped put together a Will. My mind is at ease knowing my family will be protected. I recently made a change and in Taylor's absence Mr. Taneff and Tina had everything ready. Mr. Taneff has a great staff and I fill confident working with any one of them.
Response from Thomas Taneff April 26, 2022
Hi Sharon! Such a pleasure working with you and meeting you. It truly was an honor. Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Angie | April 13, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank you
I appreciate their willingness to listen to my challenging problem . They are very professional and willing to help.
Response from Thomas Taneff April 14, 2022
Hi Angie, Thank you so very much for your kind words. Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by anonymous | October 14, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Thomas Taneff and his staff did a fantastic job updating my Trust and Will. They were easy to work with and I trust them 100%.
Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
We had an issue with custody of our grandson & Tom had all involved parties in his office to discuss how to address the issue. He handled the delegate issue so well that everyone was satisfied with his recommended action plan. He took an emotional issue & explained to all that we should do what is best for the child in a manner that everyone understood all of the legal issues involved in a custody. In the end we did what best for the child after Tom addressed everyone’s concerns. Today we are all involved in the child’s life & it took a great person not just a great attorney to handle a tough issue. Tom is the best & we are proof that he means it when he states we will do what is best for the Child. All the Best my Friend
Read less
Response from Thomas Taneff April 14, 2021
Rich, Thank you so very much for your kind words. It truly has been an honor working with your family all of these years. Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Ian | March 3, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
He was very considerate and caring and helpful
Even though he was representing the adoptive parents, he showed great interest in making sure we were not only educated but represented as well. He showed up with knowledge and heart and it showed.
Response from Thomas Taneff March 4, 2021
My deepest gratitude to you and your family. Thank you so very much regarding your kinds words about my ADOPTION work. Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Cindy | December 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dennis and Cindy
Dennis has been friends with Tom for years so when we recently retired, we felt more than comfortable hiring Tom to handle our estate planning. Tom had great advice and we went with his recommendations. We have recommend Tom to our family and friends with the confidence that he will do a great job.
Response from Thomas Taneff December 28, 2020
Dear Dennis & Cindy, It's been such a pleasure providing ESTATE PLANNING suggestions! You have a terrific family. Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Susanne and Gerry Robins | December 14, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
The Best Lawyer !
We have know Tommy for more than 40 years. He has personally help are family in many ways professionally. He is kind,senitive and understanding, we have recommended to many people and all have been very pleased. He is the BEST !!
Response from Thomas Taneff December 17, 2020
Gerry, it's been such a pleasure working with you on so many ESTATE and PROBATE matters for almost 40 years. Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Ryan | December 14, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thomas Taniff is a man I can admire
I have been friends with Thomas for years and have dined with his wonderful family on Christmas Day. I am transitioning from a construction contractor to a small production manufacturing company offering various products that are currently not on the market. I know I can aim high because I have TT to ask for advice. Merry Christmas my friend. Aloha RK
Read less
Response from Thomas Taneff December 17, 2020
RK, it's been a pleasure advising you on ESTATE PLANNING and PROBATE matters. Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Kathryn | December 10, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Super helpful
Thank you uncle Tommy for helping me figure out my estate planning. It was super quick and helpful! Also thanks for making this review worth the cover fee lol
Response from Thomas Taneff December 17, 2020
Kathryn, you're the best! So important for young adults just starting out or who travel for a living to have their ESTATE PLANNING done with WILLS and POWER ATTRORNEYS ! Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Judy | December 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Tommy Taneff review
I contacted Tommy and hired him when I had a lawsuit regarding an estate. He was meticulous in his handling of my case. I would highly recommend Tommy Taneff to anyone!
Response from Thomas Taneff December 17, 2020
Judy, thank you for trusting me with your PROBATE LITIGATION matter ! Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Rhoda | November 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Tommy is top notch!!!
Recently widowed, I was lost. My husband handled mostly everything but now the great weight of dealing with everyday matters fell solely upon my shoulders. It’s been a major life change! It had been 2 1/2 years since I last saw my family who live out of state. That’s when Marvin began having health issues and during that time, Covid happened. I recently made plans to visit my daughter and my grandchildren by myself at Thanksgiving. However, I panicked after realizing I didn’t have a Will. What if something should happen? It was nothing other than divine intervention when I found Tommy! The first thing he did was assure me that we could get my Will done within a few days. The questionnaire he sent was rather intimidating but Tommy called me on Saturday. He took time to go over every single one of the questions. Then, Tommy even gave me his personal cell phone number. When I reached out to him again early on Sunday morning, he responded. A day or two later all the documents were emailed to me and after reviewing them, found nothing at all had to be revised. A couple of days later, I met with Tommy and Tina, his assistant of twenty five years. The longevity of their working relationship, is in itself a testament to what a great boss and person Tommy is. During the meeting, I felt comfortable, at ease and surprisingly not nervous, as I would have been with any other lawyer. Tommy explained some things I had questions about. Then he turned his focus and concentrated on making sure the papers I had come in to sign, were all there and in order. He and Tina witnessed my signatures and whatever needed to be notarized was. I sensed that Tommy was totally professional in his role. He made me feel SAFE. I decided to leave my original Will with him to keep. I luckily found Tommy and now I am entrusting him to continue helping me with making my Trust and doing the probate for my late husband’s estate. During our meeting, Tommy put me on a pedestal, at a time my spirits were rather low. He made me feel important and appreciated and I just want to express what A Class Act he truly is!
Read less
Response from Thomas Taneff December 17, 2020
Thank you so very very much for your kind words! Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by William J. Gambrel | September 14, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Granddaughters
Attorney Tanneff was as thrilled as we were when he assisted in bringing two infant granddaughters into our family. His marvelous display of professionalism was apparent from initial contact through finalization. Tommy remains a dear and compassionate friend today. Our family recommends him highly.
Response from Thomas Taneff September 15, 2020
Bill, what a true blessing to have been given the privilege to help your family with their ADOPTION matters! Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by anonymous | March 8, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer
Tommy was extremely helpful and went above and beyond to assist me (intended parent) with my surrogacy journey. I greatly appreciated his availability outside of normal business hours. He was extremely knowledgeable on the surrogacy process in Ohio.
Response from Thomas Taneff March 25, 2020
Thank you so very much for taking the time to comment. We really appreciate hearing from all of our clients.
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 135-295 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • ATTORNEY
  • THOMAS TANEFF CO., LPA
  • 1993 - Present
  • ASSOCIATE
  • ISAAC, BRANT, LEDMAN & BECKER
  • 1989 - 1993
  • MAGISTRATE
  • FRANKLIN COUNTY PROBATE COURT
  • 1988 - 1989
  • JUDICIAL LAW CLERK, BAILIFF, & DEPUTY CLERK
  • FRANKLIN COUNTY PROBATE COURT
  • 1985 - 1988
View all work experience

Education

  • Harvard University Law School
  • Program of Instruction for Lawyers
  • 1997
  • Capital University Law School
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 1987
  • Ohio State University, Columbus
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1984

Associations

  • Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
  • Chairman
  • 2018 - Present
  • State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
  • Vice Chair
  • 2014 - Present
  • International Visitors Council
  • Trustee
  • 2005 - Present
  • Columbus Bar Association
  • Fellow Member
  • 1998 - 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
  • 1988 - Present
  • Judicial Screening Committee of Franklin County Republican Central Committee
  • Former Member
  • N/A
  • Franklin County Children Services
  • Former Committee Member
  • N/A
  • Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law
  • Former Committee Member
  • N/A
  • Board of Advisors
  • Former Board Member
  • N/A
  • Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
  • Chairman
  • 2017 - 2018
  • Macedonian Honorary Consul to the United States (Ret.)
  • Macedonian Honorary Consul to the United States (Ret.)
  • 2008 - 2011
  • Jewish Family Services
  • Former Trustee
  • 2007 - 2009
  • State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors
  • Board Member
  • 2007 - 2014
  • Ohio State Board of Cosmetology
  • Board Member
  • 2005 - 2017
  • New Albany & Plain Township Franklin County Republican Central Committee
  • Former Member
  • 2002 - 2010
  • New Albany Village Council
  • Former Councilman
  • 1995 - 2005
  • Voinovich Ohio Adoption Task Force
  • Former Committee Member
  • 1991 - 1998
  • Voinovich Ohio Adoption Commission
  • Former Committee Member
  • 1991 - 1998
  • Columbus Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1988 - 1998
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Bulgarian
  • Serbo-Croatian

Honors and Awards

  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • 2019
  • Ohio Super Lawyer
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • 2014 Ohio Super Lawyer
  • Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2014
  • 2013 Ohio Super Lawyer
  • Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2013
  • 2012 Ohio Super Lawyer
  • Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2012
  • 2011 Ohio Super Lawyer
  • Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2011
  • Best of Business Winner of Best Law Firm
  • Columbus C.E.O. Magazine
  • 2011
  • Best of Business Winner of Best Law Firm
  • Columbus C.E.O. Magazine
  • 2010
  • AV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • Adoption Award
  • U.S. Congress
  • 2005
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Teaching Adoption/Surrogacy at Doctors West Hospital
  • Adoption/Surrogacy
  • 2018
  • Teaching Adoption at Felbry College Nursing Program
  • Adoption
  • 2017
  • Doctor's West Hospital
  • Adoption In-Service
  • 2011
  • 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
  • 2010
  • 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
  • 2009
  • Capital University Law School
  • Adoption
  • 2008
  • 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
  • N/A
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (8)
Endorse Thomas
Adoption Attorney | 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."
Guardianship Attorney | 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."
Adoption Attorney | 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."
Probate Attorney | Oct 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Tommy is a great attorney. One of the best!"
Probate Attorney | 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."
Adoption Attorney | 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."
Adoption Attorney | 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."
Adoption Attorney | 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."
Adoption Attorney | 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."
Probate Attorney | 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."
Adoption Attorney | Jan 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Estate planning Attorney | 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."
Probate Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Tom is a trusted advisor and a skilled probate attorney."
View more endorsements