$ 145-375 per hour
Thomas Taneff
About Thomas
Biography
Thomas Taneff was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1988 and has been practicing law for over 37 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, trusts, estate planning, guardianships, adoption, surrogacy/reproductive law and foster parents throughout the State of Ohio, including interstate and international adoptions. He has been involved in over 5,000 Probate/Estate/Trust/Guardianship matters. 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 2024, won Columbus C.E.O. Magazine's Best of Business Award (for law firms under 50) for 2010 and 2011, and won Columbus C.E.O. Magazine’s Top Lawyers for 2022 and 2024. Macedonian Honorary Consul to the United States (Ret.).
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Ohio for 37 years
State: Ohio
Acquired: 1988
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
48 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Estate Planning (11)
Probate (10)
Adoption (7)
Wills & Living Wills (7)
Family (5)
Lawsuits & Disputes (3)
Contracts & Agreements (2)
Criminal Defense (2)
Trusts (2)
Business (1)
Child Custody (1)
Consumer Protection (1)
Corporate & Incorporation (1)
Guardianship (1)
Intellectual Property (1)
Power Of Attorney (1)
Residential (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Apollonia | June 30, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family
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, 2022Apollonia, I have absolutely loved advising your family on all of it's legal matters. Thank you for trusting me. Sincerely, Tommy
Posted by Patrick | March 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
The Best in Estate Planning
My wife Janet and I have known Tommy for many years. He treats and takes care of us like family. Always has his clients best interest as a top priority. Extremely personable and caring. Also, Tina as his support staff is top notch as well. Very fortunate to have Tommy and Tina in our corner. Th...
Thomas Taneff
Replied last March 25, 2020Thank you so very much for the kind words, Patrick.
Posted by Douglas | March 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Taneff lawfirm is the best by far
Thomas and his staff has been and currently is doing an amazing job for my sister and I.. He knows what he's doing.. just have faith and trust in him and his staff and let them do their job.. he will generally email you a few times daily to keep you updated so need to call them for updates. we couldn...
Thomas Taneff
Replied last March 25, 2020Thank you, Douglas, for your kind words and confidence in our firm. We really appreciate hearing from you.
Posted by anonymous | March 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Family
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.
Thomas Taneff
Replied last March 25, 2020Thank you so very much for taking the time to comment. We really appreciate hearing from all of our clients.
Posted by Steve | December 19, 2019 | Probate
Mr. Taneff mishandle my case
I was a client of this attorney. I had a probate case. Mr. Taneff was not returning my calls for days. I had to wait to only talk with his assistant. He was never available. Mr. Taneff or his assistant was never able to give me specific answers on my questions. It was very frustration to deal w...
Thomas Taneff
Replied last December 19, 2019We're sorry you feel this way. This matter does not sound familiar, and we strive for the utmost client satisfaction in every case. I can say with absolute certainty that my not returning a call is impossible! We are neurotic about returning calls within hours, if not minutes. Speaking with my Assistant is optional. My Legal Assistant hourly rate is much lower and can save you money! We explain this to all clients, and many times my Legal Assistant can explain something or answer questions at a lower cost. The only time I am unavailable is if I am in Court, with another client, or teaching. As a former Probate Court Magistrate, there are very few Probate issues I cannot answer. Clearly we handled everything correctly since the Probate Court approved everything. Please contact me directly to discuss your specific concerns. Tommy Taneff
Thomas Taneff's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Tommy is a great attorney. One of the best!"
"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."
"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."
"Tommy is an exceptionally ethical, knowledgeable lawyer with the experience and talent to serve any client. I recommend him to anyone who asks."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Tommy is knowledgeable, intelligent, dilligent, timely, and reasonable, all the things I expect from a professional."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Tom is a trusted advisor and a skilled probate attorney."
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Experience
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 BoardChairman
2014 - Present
State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral DirectorsVice Chair
2005 - Present
International Visitors CouncilTrustee
1998 - Present
Columbus Bar AssociationFellow Member
1988 - Present
Ohio State Bar Association, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law SectionMember
1988 - Present
Columbus Bar AssociationFellow Member: Probate
1988 - Present
Ohio State Bar AssociationMember
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 CosmetologyChairman
2008 - 2011
Macedonian Honorary Consul to the United States (Ret.)Macedonian Honorary Consul to the United States (Ret.)
2007 - 2009
Jewish Family ServicesFormer Trustee
2007 - 2014
State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral DirectorsBoard Member
2005 - 2017
Ohio State Board of CosmetologyBoard Member
2002 - 2010
New Albany & Plain Township Franklin County Republican Central CommitteeFormer Member
1995 - 2005
New Albany Village CouncilFormer Councilman
1991 - 1998
Voinovich Ohio Adoption Task ForceFormer Committee Member
1991 - 1998
Voinovich Ohio Adoption CommissionFormer Committee Member
1988 - 1998
Columbus Bar AssociationMember
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
2013
WBNS TV10
Couples turn to Social Media to Adopt
2012
NBC4 News
Russian Adoption Ban
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
NBC4 News
Is Ohio's Adoption System Broken?
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
2024
Columbus Jewish News
Serving as executor is a complex, but important, job
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
What Do You Mean I'm Not Covered By The Insurance!? The Hidden Danger of Transfer on Death Deeds
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
Choosing a Guardian for Your Kids! Or, Choosing The Least Worst Person You Trust!
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
Ohio House Bill 188 Blindness Barred as a Factor for Adoption
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
Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website
Go Ahead...Do It Yourself! The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Documents
2018
Thomas Taneff Co., LPA
Don't Leave Money on the Table - Adoption Tax Credit Explained
2018
Thomas Taneff Co., LPA
Don't Let Your Soon-to-be Ex Get Your Stuff!
2018
Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website
Aretha Franklin Dies Without a Will...No Respect!?
2018
Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website
Foster Parents - The Advantages of Having Your Own Attorney
2017
Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website
Getting Remarried? Better Update Your Estate Plan!
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?
2017
The Columbus Dispatch
Trump administration putting new hurdles on international adoptions
2017
The Columbus Dispatch
U.S. House panel restores adoption tax credit, calming prospective parents, advocates
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
2016
The Columbus Dispatch
International Adoptions May Get Harder Due to Proposed U.S. Regulations
2015
Ohio State Bar Association, Law You Can Use
Ohio's Adoption Law Now Allows Advertising
2015
Thomas Taneff Co., LPA Website
OHIO PASSES SWEEPING NEW ADOPTION LAW CHANGES SUB. S.B. 250 EFFECTIVE MARCH 23, 2015
2015
ABC6/FOX28 News
Supreme Court Ruling Could Make Same-Sex Adoption Easier in Ohio
2014
Fox 8 Cleveland
Facebook Status: Social Media Baby Boom
2014
2013
Taneff Law Website
2013 Ohio Super Lawyer
2013
Columbus CEO
Death in the Digital Age
2013
Taneff Law Website
Can A Man's Sperm Be Used After He Dies?
2013
Mail Online
Couple Adopt Baby Using Facebook
2013
Taneff Law Website
Estate Planning for Frozen Eggs
2012
Taneff Law Website
The Reasons to Avoid a Guardianship
2012
Taneff Law Website
Using FaceBook to Locate Babies for Adoption
2012
The Columbus Dispatch
Couples Eager to Adopt Make Appeals on Social Media
2012
Ohio News Network
Sheriff Jobs Password Protected
2012
Taneff Law Website
Does Your Loved One's Odd Behavior Require A Guardianship?
2012
Taneff Law Website
Should I Really Have a Living Trust?
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
Couple Put Up Billboard to Locate a Baby for Adoption
2011
Taneff Law Website
Estate Planning for Same Sex/Non-Traditional Partners
2011
Taneff Law Website
Payable on Death Accounts Can Avoid Probate But Watch Out!
2011
Taneff Law Website
Don't Forget Your IRS Refund for Adoption!
2011
Taneff Law Website
What Happens to Your Digital Stuff After You Die?
2011
Marietta Times
Adoption Methods Raise Some Eyebrows
2011
Taneff Law Website
How to Avoid A Guardianship
2011
Taneff Law Website
Common Questions About Estate Planning
2011
Taneff Law Website
When a Guardianship is Necessary
2011
Taneff Law Website
House Bill 279 To Expand Caretaker Authority To Other Relatives
2011
Taneff Law Website
House Bill 92
2011
Taneff Law Website
Surrogate Will Help Mother Create Grandchild Using Deceased Son's Sperm
2011
Taneff Law Website
The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Probate Guardianship
2011
Taneff Law Website
The Silent Crime of Elder Abuse
2011
Taneff Law Website
What You Must Consider When Selecting A Guardian For Your Kids
2011
Taneff Law Website
What is Gestational Surrogacy?
2010
Taneff Law Website
Estate Planning in the Digital World
2010
Taneff Law Website
Estate Planning: The Differences Between a Will, a Living Will and a Trust
2010
Taneff Law Website
The Reasons to Avoid a Guardianship
2010
Taneff Law Website
Open Adoption
2010
Taneff Law Website
Post Adoption Release of Information
2010
Taneff Law Website
Reasons to Have a Will
2010
Taneff Law Website
The Advantages and Disadvantages of a Probate Guardianship
2010
Taneff Law Website
Suggestions Before You Draft A Will
2010
Taneff Law Website
When A Probate Attorney is Needed
2010
Taneff Law Website
Who Will Take Care of Your Pets If You Become Disabled or When You Die?
2010
Taneff Law Website
Contesting A Will
2010
Taneff Law Office
Adoption Tax Credit Gets Better
2010
Taneff Law Website
The Surrogacy Alternative to Adoption
2010
Taneff Law Website
Social & Medical History: About Adoption Birth Parents
2010
Taneff Law Website
The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning Documents
2010
Taneff Law Website
How To Avoid Adoption Scams
2010
Taneff Law Website
How To Avoid Probate Litigation
2010
Columbus Business First
Understand Creditors' Rights When Settling Estates Bogged Down By Debt
2009
Taneff Law Website
Demystifying International Adoptions
2009
Taneff Law Website
Ohio Law Permits Adult Adoptions
2009
Taneff Law Website
Estate Planning for Your Pets
2009
Taneff Law Website
Ohio Law Helps Prevent Funeral Disputes
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
Taneff Law Website
Adoption: Birth Father Issues/Rights
2009
Taneff Law Website
Adoption is a Loving and Caring Choice
2009
Taneff Law Website
Adoption for Birth Parents: What Will My Child Think of Me One Day?
2009
Taneff Law Website
What is Open Adoption?
2009
Taneff Law Website
Adoption Myths
2009
Taneff Law Website
Reform Bill Changes Adoption Law in Ohio
2009
Taneff Law Website
Adoptions Raise "Right to Know" Questions
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English
Bulgarian
Serbo-Croatian
Activity
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