Business Details
Probate & Estate Planning Lawyers Fort Myers, FL
Linde, Gould & Associates is a Florida-based law firm specializing in probate and trust administration, estate planning, elder law, and guardianship litigation. Founded on principles of ethical practice and relentless pursuit of excellence, our team is led by Florida Bar Board Certified attorneys with decades of combined experience. We represent clients in Fort Myers, Naples, and surrounding areas, offering personalized legal solutions for complex probate disputes, trust litigation, and elder care planning.Our practice integrates litigation expertise with transactional knowledge to protect clients' interests in will contests, fiduciary matters, and long-term care planning. With a focus on Southwest Florida, we serve individuals and families navigating estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
Services
Probate Administration
Trust Litigation
Estate Planning
Elder Law
Guardianship
Highlights and features
- Board-certified attorneys with 25+ years of elder law experience
- Proven track record in 400+ trust and estate disputes
- Integrated litigation and transactional practice approach
- Personalized service with court-appointed fiduciary expertise
- Recognized leaders in Florida probate and guardianship law
Associations and certifications
- Florida Bar Board Certified - Wills, Trusts & Estates
- Florida Bar Board Certified - Elder Law
- Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA)
What people say
Highly recommend
Very professional
Secured best outcome
Knowledgeable staff
Proactive attorney
Services
Probate Administration
We guide executors through Florida's probate process for estates with contested assets. Our attorneys handle will validation, creditor claims, tax filings, and asset distribution. Clients benefit from our courtroom experience in resolving disputes over estate validity and beneficiary rights across Southwest Florida.
Trust Litigation
Our firm litigates trust validity challenges and fiduciary breaches in Florida courts. We represent beneficiaries and trustees in disputes involving undue influence claims, asset mismanagement, and trust modification. Our attorneys combine trial expertise with deep understanding of trust administration complexities.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans addressing asset protection, tax minimization, and incapacity planning. Services include wills, revocable trusts, and advanced directives tailored to individual family dynamics. Our planning considers future litigation risks and tax implications for estates of all sizes.
Guardianship
We assist families with voluntary and involuntary guardianship proceedings for incapacitated adults. Our services cover initial petitions, court evaluations, and ongoing fiduciary compliance. We represent petitioners and respondents in capacity determinations and care plan disputes.
Elder Law
Our elder law practice addresses long-term care planning, Medicaid eligibility, and abuse claims. We help families navigate nursing home issues, guardianship alternatives, and intergenerational wealth transfer while maintaining clients' dignity and autonomy.
People
Matthew A. Linde
Attorney
Florida Bar Board Certified expert in Wills, Trusts & Estates with 25+ years of elder law experience. Former Wisconsin practitioner who handles complex probate litigation and estate planning matters across Southwest Florida.
Douglas T. Gould
Attorney
Experienced litigator assisting with trust disputes and estate administration. Works closely with clients on probate matters and fiduciary litigation in Lee and Collier Counties.
Eva R. Thompson
Attorney
Legal professional contributing to the firm's probate and guardianship practice. Assists with estate planning document preparation and court filings.
Katherine Lang
Senior Paralegal
Naples office senior paralegal with Juris Masters Degree in Legal Studies. Provides litigation support and case management for probate and trust matters since 2020.
Deanna Pavese
Senior Paralegal
Florida Registered Paralegal in Fort Myers office. Handles estate administration documentation and e-discovery for probate litigation cases since 2021.
Questions
What's the difference between probate and trust litigation?
Probate involves court-supervised estate administration with public records, while trust litigation occurs in civil court without automatic transparency. Trust disputes require separate summons and service.
How can I qualify for Medicaid nursing home benefits?
Applicants must have less than $2,000 in countable assets and meet medical need criteria. Our attorneys help navigate Florida's specific eligibility requirements and documentation rules.
Why choose a board-certified estate planning attorney?
Certified specialists demonstrate tested expertise in complex estate matters, reducing risks of litigation from improperly drafted documents that general practitioners might create.
What happens during a guardianship proceeding?
The process involves capacity evaluation by three professionals, court determination, and consideration of less restrictive alternatives before appointing a guardian for personal or financial matters.
How are trustee fees determined in Florida?
Reasonable compensation considers factors like asset size, administration complexity, and time invested. Our attorneys reference statutory guidelines and local trust company standards.
