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Maria L. Shinn

Estate planning Attorney at Cleveland, OH

5.0   97 reviews

also known as Maria Shinn

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  • Licensed for 26 years
    State OH
    Acquired 1997
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

Wonderful estate planning experience
Tim
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Perfect choice
Michael
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Maria

Learn Maria’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    30%
    Developing estate plans for clients that are creative, comprehensive, and fully carry out the clients' wishes. Discuss legal issues and options with clients, including provate avoidance techniques, designating beneficiaries, gifting options, and titling of assets. Prepare Wills, Living Trusts, General Durable (Financial) Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Appointment of Representative for Funeral and Burial Arrangements forms for clients.

    25 years

  2. Probate
    30%
    Provide personal attention and professional services that guide clients through the probate and estate administration process. Provide the following services: probating the Will, dealing with the deceased's creditors, helping clients navigate the probate court process, preparing and filing probate court documents (including inventories and accounts), making sure that the necessary tax returns are prepared, and making sure the deceased's probate and non-probate assets are distributed properly.

    25 years

  3. Adoption
    15%
    Specializing in adoption, assisted reproductive technology, and shared custody rights for gay and lesbian families; counseling non-traditional couples and LGBTQ individuals and families; creating estate plans that meets each client's needs.

    25 years

  4. Trusts
    15%
    Prepare Living Trusts specific to each client's needs and goals and assist clients with funding their Trusts.

    25 years

  5. Elder law
    10%
    Help clients identify and address issues facing aging adults, such as: Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Guardianships, Living Wills, asset protection, gifting options, probate and estate administration, access to medical care, and long-term planning issues, including home health care, nursing home care, hospice and respite care. Treat clients with dignity and respect.

    25 years

Maria is known and respected for the quality of her legal work.  She prides herself on the personal attention she provides, showing compassion, honesty, patience and respect to each and every client.  Maria listens to each client’s needs and concerns and discusses solutions with her clients in plain English, not legalese.  She recognizes that each client is unique and puts together a plan for each client that is unique, timely and cost-efficient.

Maria started her own law firm in 2000.

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The Shinn Law Firm, LLC
12511 Madison Avenue
Cleveland, OH, 44107-5004
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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0
  97 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Tim | November 6, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful estate planning experience
Maria and her team were incredibly patient and helpful in the process of estate planning. We wanted to be sure our children would be cared for in the event of any catastrophes in our lives. In addition to helping ease these concerns, Maria also helped by entertaining our children and keeping them occupied while we went through the process of creating and signing our estate plan. She is the perfect lawyer for a family looking for piece of mind.
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Posted by Michael | October 26, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Perfect choice
We wanted to update our trust which was originally established about 10 years ago in California. We searched for an attorney and settled on Maria. There was something human and approachable about her. We weren’t disappointed when we met to discuss the work. She is very knowledgeable, personable, and efficient. We are so thankful that with all the possible choices we chose her.
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Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
estate planning and trust development
Maria and her staff were thorough and caring. She answered all of our questions and guided us through the decision-making process.
Posted by Andrea | March 26, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great to work with!
Maria and her team were a pleasure to work with from start to finish of planning our estate. She was very knowledgeable, professional, and easy to communicate with throughout the entire process. Maria took the time to answer all of our questions, and gave clear explanations of all of our options. I highly recommend Maria for estate planning to anyone in Lakewood and the west side of Cleveland! She made the process straightforward and stress-free.
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Posted by Kathleen G. | February 6, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney, highly recommend
Attorney Shinn and her team did a terrific job handling our wills, POAs, and deed. She managed my father's affairs after he passed and our family was so grateful for her thoroughness, honesty and guidance. We were so impressed that now my mom, sister and brother-in-law are now clients as well. She has given us peace of mind! Highly recommend.
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Posted by Margaret | December 14, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review
No complaints. Maria very helpful, she explained everything in detail. I would use her services again.
Posted by anonymous | November 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, honest, and caring
I highly recommend Maria. She is very knowledgeable and truly cares about her clients.
Posted by Tori | September 26, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding!
Maria helped us with an estate at a very difficult time. She was exceptionally knowledgeable, compassionate and efficient throughout the process. Highly recommend Maria and her staff! We will continue to work with her on other matters. She is a delightful person.
Posted by Richard | July 25, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I'm 110% happy with the work that was done for me
This was truely an easy pleasant experience to go through. The Lawyer and staff were very helpful and made the process extremely easy.Consultation, follow up, and final processes were all handled in a very easy to understand and professional way.
Posted by Judy | February 3, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great experience updating estate documents!
Maria and her team were great to work with when we needed to update our estate documents. She was clear about our options, patient with our questions and efficient with the work. Highly recommend!
Posted by Jim | February 3, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thanks again
The consultation was flawless and the end result was consistent with that. The firm was friendly and professional throughout. Would contact them for any further business.
Posted by Mark | November 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional service
Maria was referred to us by my CPA of many years. She helped my wife and I write our living wills and Last Will and Testaments. She advised us on things we wouldn't have known about otherwise and suggested things we had not thought of. Very, very pleasant, polite, and extremely professional.
Posted by Sophie | November 25, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Most thorough and respectful legal services!
My husband and I were in crunch to get our will and estate planning in order before our trip. There was not much time. On our very first meeting with Maria Shinn, she gave us the time to explain to her precisely what our intentions were. She answered all our questions clearly and with the utmost respect. She demonstrated great patience as we sometimes asked the same questions. The two subsequent meetings were equally as productive and all the paperwork was prepared (correct on the first draft) and ready for full execution before our trip. No corners were cut and Maria Shinn was as pleasant and professional during our last meeting as she was during our first meeting. Both my husband and I felt immediately at ease with Ms. Shinn and felt and a genuine sense of trust. She is unassuming, unpretentious but incredibly knowledgeable and clear in her explanation, which is not typical of most lawyers. Her practice was recommended to us by a very good friend. And we, in turn, highly recommend Shinn Law Firm. Great service for a very reasonable fee. Thank you Maria!
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Posted by Beth | April 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Adoption Review
Going through the adoption process of my son could not have been easier thanks to Maria. She is incredibly knowledgeable, was responsive whenever we had questions, and truly helped guide my family every step of the way. She came highly recommended by friends, and I'm happy to add my name to the list of those who endorse her when going through an adoption. I will definitely contact Maria again with any legal issues.
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Posted by Valerie | March 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Maria was great to work with and made the process seamless. I would highly recommend her to those looking for a knowledgeable, down to earth lawyer. A+++
Posted by anonymous | February 26, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Peace of mind at a reasonable price!
Maria's advice and assistance navigating intimidating legal issues has brought peace of mind and reassurance to the process. She is knowledgeable, professional and highly competent.
Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you, Maria!
My spouse and I needed some help with wills and end-of-life planning, primarily to protect our relationship in case SCOTUS decides to nullify our marriage. Maria was thorough, understanding, kind, and responsive. We feel safer and more secure now that our end-of-life planning is solidified. I'd recommend Maria and her team to anyone.
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Posted by paul | January 7, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Paul E. Bennett, Esq.
Maria did an excellent and sophisticated job for us on some estate planning that included wills, etc and a sophisticated Revocable Trust for my grandchildren. She was timely, professional, very competent and very pleasant. Both my wife and I were more than pleased. We also felt her fees were completely fair.
Posted by Tyra | December 24, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you
Maria and her staff are professional and compassionate. After the loss of my husband - she assisted me in getting my Will and documents together. She took the time to make sure that I was accounting for everything and that all my questions were answered. She and her staff made a very difficult time less stressful. Thank you for all that you do.
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Posted by Jim and Charlie | November 30, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, easy, affordable
Maria is very easy to talk with. We had some unique needs as we desired to revise our will and end of life documents. She patiently listened, respected, and met our needs. Her counsel was helpful. We are confident that whoever you are and however you identify yourself, you will find her and all the staff very welcoming, respectful, and professional. They were very sensitive to protecting us and themselves in this Covid pandemic time. Everything was handled promptly and thoroughly and within our budget.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.5 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney and Owner
  • The Shinn Law Firm, LLC
  • 2017 - Present
  • Senior Partner
  • Shinn Lanter, LLP
  • 2015 - 2017
  • Attorney and Owner
  • Maria L. Shinn, LLC
  • 2000 - 2015
  • Attorney
  • Turoff & Turoff
  • 1997 - 2000
View all work experience

Education

  • Cleveland State University - Cleveland-Marshall College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1997
  • Muskingum College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1990

Legal Cases

  • Fry, et al. vs. City of Cleveland
  • Settled

Associations

  • Ohio State Bar Association, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Ohio Women's Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law Section
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Ohio State Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
  • Board Chairwoman
  • 2017 - 2019
  • Lakewood Senior Citizens Service Corp.
  • Board of Directors
  • 2016 - 2018
  • National LGBT Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2014 - 2018
  • Lakewood City Academy
  • Board member
  • 2014 - 2016
  • LakewoodAlive, Inc.
  • Board member
  • 2013 - 2015
  • LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, Ohio
  • Board member
  • 2013 - 2017
  • LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland, Ohio
  • Secretary
  • 2013 - 2017
  • Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
  • Board Member
  • 2013 - 2019
  • Lakewood Foundation
  • Board Member
  • 2012 - 2018
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Member
  • 2012 - 2018
  • Plexus
  • Member
  • 2012 - 2018
  • PFLAG
  • Member
  • 2011 - 2018
  • Harrison Elementary PTA
  • President
  • 2009 - 2011
  • Adoption Network Cleveland
  • Board member
  • 2008 - 2011
  • Visiting Nurse Association of Cleveland Hospice
  • Volunteer attorney
  • 1998 - 2018
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Cleveland LGBT Heritage Day Award for Service
  • City of Cleveland, Cleveland Community Relations Board, and LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland
  • 2017
  • 2016 Women Honoring Women Award - Small Firm/Solo Practitioner
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
  • 2016
  • Outstanding New Member of the Year
  • Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
  • 2013
  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Visiting Nurse Association of Cleveland Hospice
  • 2010
  • Volunteer of the Year Award
  • Visiting Nurse Association of Cleveland Hospice
  • 2005
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Senior Seminar
  • Legal Protections for LGBT Seniors
  • 2014
  • Lunch and learn series
  • Legal Protections for Seniors and Non-Traditional Families
  • 2014
  • Continuing Legal Education Seminar
  • Additional Legal Protections for Non-Traditional Families
  • 2014
  • Aging & Sage-ing Conference
  • Legal Protections for LGBT Seniors
  • 2014
  • Continuing Legal Education Seminar
  • Legal Protections for LGBT Seniors
  • 2013
  • Presentation
  • Legal Protections for LGBT Seniors
  • 2013
  • Lunch and Learn
  • Legal Issues for Non-Traditional Families
  • 2013
  • Veterans' Meetings (2)
  • A Legal Workshop with an Elder Law Focus
  • 2013
  • Legal Workshop
  • Legal Protections for LGBT Elders
  • 2012
  • Continuing Legal Education Seminar
  • Estate Planning Basics
  • 2012
  • MetroHealth brown bag series
  • Legal Issues for LGBT Individuals, Couples and Families
  • 2011
  • PFLAG meeting
  • Legal issues in the LGBT community
  • 2010
  • MetroHealth brown bag series
  • Estate planning for the non-traditional family
  • 2010
  • MetroHealth GSA Mini-film Series and Panel
  • Legal protections for the non-traditional family
  • 2008
  • CCT meeting
  • Legal protections for the LGBT community
  • 2008
  • Greater Cleveland Adoption and Foster Care Fair
  • Estate planning for the non-traditional family
  • 2007
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (5)
Given (4)
Endorse Maria
Mark Stephen Ondrejech headshot
Mark Ondrejech
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Maria is a very well-respected member of the legal community. She knows how best to serve the people who contact her for legal help and does an outstanding job. I endorse this lawyer."
Arthur Eugene Ott headshot
Arthur Ott
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer in the areas of Estate Planning, Probate and Elder Law. Maria is extremely competent, personable, and an asset to the legal community as well as her clients. She is quick to respond with the best advice possible and her integrity knows no bounds. I know because my connection with Maria goes beyond a professional relationship as she has offered personal legal advice to me as well, in each of these areas."
Roland Benton Gray headshot
Roland Gray
Probate Attorney | May 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked alongside Maria for several years now, and have had the opportunity to watch her advise and interact with her clients in a variety of settings. She not only has a strong grasp of the applicable law, but also has excellent judgment about how to put that to her clients' best advantage. Finally, she communicates effectively with clients and others. Any time a client of mine has probate, estate planning, or elder law needs, I refer the client to Maria Shinn."
Kristin Rose Lay headshot
Kristin Lay
Estate planning Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. Maria is a caring and conscientious attorney. Without hesitation, I would recommend her to handle estate planning matters, both simple and complex."
Scott Alan Ciolek headshot
Scott Ciolek
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer for estate planning. Maria is a knowledgeable and competent attorney. You would be well served by retaining her services."
Mark Stephen Ondrejech headshot
Mark Ondrejech
Business
Amy Lynn Papesh headshot
Amy Papesh
Probate
Arthur Eugene Ott headshot
Arthur Ott
Estate planning
Roland Benton Gray headshot
Roland Gray
Employment and labor
Cleveland Estate planning Lawyer Maria L. Shinn
Maria L. Shinn
Estate planning Attorney
Cleveland, OH
Licensed for 26 years
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