Our Firm
The Elder Law Firm of Clements & Wallace, P.L. is dedicated to serving the legal needs of senior Floridians. We strive to provide accurate and current legal advice to seniors and their families in a professional and sensitive manner. Our firm is unique in that all attorneys in the firm concentrate their practice in the field of elder law. Our attorneys have many decades of combined experience in resolving the types of legal problems that seniors and their families face. Our clients benefit from the shared knowledge and experience of our team.
Our broad practice areas usually meet all of our clients’ legal needs, providing the convenience of a “one stop shop”. We often represent individuals and families over extended periods of time through many important life events and changes. From traditional estate planning, to planning for long-term care through asset protection to qualifying for Medicaid benefits, VA benefits or other government assistance programs, we can meet your needs. We work with families of the incapacitated and with families in administering estates, trusts and wills.
PROBATE LAW, PLANNING & LITIGATION
Our goal is always through careful planning to help you avoid the expense, delay and anxiety caused by litigation. However, when litigation becomes necessary in cases involving matters of capacity, guardianship, or wills and trusts, our firm is experienced and equipped to aggressively represent your interests.
Probate litigation is a highly specialized branch of the probate practice, and only a small number of probate lawyers venture into this arena. Probate attorneys have specialized knowledge of probate law, but they rarely have extensive knowledge and experience in trial procedure. The lack of trial knowledge and experience makes many probate attorneys reluctant to venture into contested matters. Attorneys well versed in both probate law and trial procedure are rare. We have successfully handled guardianship litigation in defending persons alleged to be incapacitated and also will contests and cases involving trust administration.
Many times clients seek the advice of an elder law attorney at a time of great stress. The sudden death or incapacity of a loved one may require you to take legal action. We understand that you may be totally unfamiliar with the legal system and overwhelmed by events. We can help lighten the load by providing you timely and accurate information and guide you through the legal process with as much assistance as you need. We are here for you.
COST OF SERVICES
Fees are charged either on an hourly basis or a flat fee for a particular services. Because every case is different it is impossible for us to set a fee before meeting with you to learn your needs and the facts involved. The first step is to call our office and schedule an appointment with an attorney. During that meeting the attorney will gather the information needed to determine how we can help you and how fees will be charged. If a flat fee will be applied, you will be told the full amount of the fee and how it is to be paid. If hourly charges will apply, we give you a range of possible fees whenever possible.
OUR ATTORNEYS
Mark E. Clements, the founding member of the firm, is a third generation native of Lakeland, Florida. Through his deep roots in the community, Mark has extensive knowledge of resources available to meet our clients’ varied needs. Mark has more than thirty years of experience representing Florida seniors in our practice areas. He has a proven track record of success in helping hundreds of Florida seniors plan for long-term care through asset protection.
Mark has been nationally certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation since April 2003. He has been a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) since 1994. Mark is a member of the Elder Law Section and the Wills, Estates, and Probate Section of the Florida Bar. Mark is also certified as a Circuit Court Mediator by the Supreme Court of the State of Florida. Mark is also a member of the Academy of VA Pension Planner and an accredited lawyer with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In 2009 Carol Wallace partnered with Mark and the Elder Law Firm of Clements & Wallace, P.L. was born. Carol Wallace has dedicated her career to serving the legal needs of seniors. Carol practiced thirty years in Alabama before relocating to Florida in 2008. Her experience ranges from teaching law students in a clinical setting at The University of Alabama School of Law over 15 years, to establishing the first law firm in Alabama dedicated solely to serving the legal needs of seniors.
Carol has been certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation since 1996. She was the first attorney in Alabama with this distinction. Carol has been a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) since 1994. Carol is a member of the Florida Bar and the Alabama State Bar. She was a charter member of the Elder Law Section of the Alabama Bar. Carol is also a member of the Elder Law Section and the Wills, Estates, and Probate Section of the Florida Bar.
Contact Us
Contact our Elder Law Attorneys for an appointment to answer your questions and allow them to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.