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Cynthia Rignanese

Cynthia Rignanese

Practicing Law Locally, Thinking Globally!
  • Estate Planning, Probate, Real Estate Law ...
  • Florida
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Biography

The passion to practice law is #1 in my life! I enjoy the everyday opportunity to work with individuals, families and businesses; I help them to save time and trouble!

Outside of work, I enjoy a number of activities and hobbies. For me, travel is paramount; I have been to all 50 US States, seven of seven continents and 117 countries!

I enjoy photography (travel and landscape particularly), public speaking, non-fiction reading, creative writing and publishing articles, visiting art museums, jazz, gardening, hiking, kayaking, backgammon, attending performing arts and theatre productions, and dining on exotic cuisine.

I have offices in Winter Haven and Tampa, Florida. The main office telephone number is (863) 294.1114. Mailing: PO Box 2012, Winter Haven, FL 33883.

For nearly 30 years, I have focused my law practice in estate administration and planning. I help individuals and families plan for the eventuality of passing and assure them that the family will save time, trouble, hassle and money!

Education
University of Florida Levin College of Law
J.D. (1990) | Juris Doctor of Law
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University of Florida
B.S. (1987) | Business Administration with emphasis in Tax, Management and Economics
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Honors: Graduated with High Honors
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University of Siena, Florence, Italy
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Richmond College, London, England
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Professional Experience
Founder and Senior Managing Partner
Rignanese & Associates, PLLC
Current
Blog Talk Radio
Show Host on "LadyLawyerLive"
Current
Adjunct Professor
Webber International University
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Trusts: Here Are a Few Good Tips About Living Trusts for People of all Ages
Multiple Locations
Lack of Estate Planning Can Cause Difficulties
R & A Blog
Power of Attorney: Lawyers Warn the Powerful Document be Issued with Care
Multiple Locations
Speaking Engagements
You Can't Take It With You (Estate Planning for Seniors), Sweetwater, Florida
Certifications
Florida Bar License To Practice Law
The Florida Bar
Awards
Lawyer of the Year for Wills & Trusts
Winter Haven Women's Bar Association
Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (The Group's Highest Honor)
Who's Who
The Group's Highest Honor. To qualify, one must have been a Who's Who for 20 years and a professional for 30 years plus received multiple awards in law.
Top Commenter - For Engagement and Insight
Boss Lady Esquire
Woman of The Year
Females Advancing Business (FAB) Network
In the First 3 Lawyers of 80,000 as: "Speaker of The Month"
Florida Bar Association
Alumni Spotlight
University of Florida Triangle Magazine
Citizen of The Year
Citizen of The Year
Kiwanian of The Year
Kiwanian of The Year
Who's Who in America
Who's Who in America
Who's Who Among Executive and Professional Women
Who's Who Among Executive and Professional Women
Who's Who in American Law
Who's Who in American Law
Professional Associations
The Florida Bar  # 0881880
Member
Current
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Winter Haven Womens Bar Association
Founding Member and President
Current
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FAB - Females Advancing Business
Founding Member, Director, 2013-14 President, Legal Advisor
Current
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Celebrate Lake Wales Committee
Organizing Committee in Inaugural Year
Current
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YMCA Turner Center Committee
Organizing Committee in Inaugural Year
Current
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Lake Wales Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class IV
Leadership Class IV
Current
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University of Florida Mentoring Program
Mentor for University Students
Current
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Winter Haven Executive Club
Current
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Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven
Current
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Kiwanis Club of Lake Wales
Scholarship Chair, Delegate to Seven International Conventions
Current
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Kiwanis Club of Lake Wales
Past President, Kiwanian of the Year, Director
Current
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American Bar Association
Current
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Middle District of Florida Courts
Admitted Attorney
Current
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Estate Planning Council of Polk County
Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Florida
The Florida Bar
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Our firm offers an initial, free, 20-minute intake telephone conference with the Chief Paralegal. This is not a consultation with the attorney.
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
Probate
Probate Administration
Real Estate Law
Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate
Business Law
Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Formation
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • Spanish: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
Q. What can I do to gain a durable power of attorney for my elderly mother?
A: It is great that you are taking care of her!

To help you to help her, you have two options, depending on her mental state.

If she is still mentally competent, see an estate planning/elder law lawyer and get

*a Power of Attorney

*a Health Care Surrogate

*and Estate planning done.

If not, a court can appoint you to be her 'guardian,' it is like being a parent for a child, except in reverse. You need a guardianship lawyer to start this process.
Q. How can my Mother-In-Law access her deceased sons bank account?
A: Consider this from the standpoint of the bank -- if they pay the wrong person, and the right person shows up, the Bank has to pay out DOUBLE the money. For this reason, the Bank requires a Court Order. Depending on the amount of money in the bank account, a Summary Administration (short) Probate or a Full Probate may be required in Florida. Using a lawyer experienced in Probate will assist the family during this difficult time.
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Social Media
Websites & Blogs
Website
Contact & Map
Rignanese & Associates, PLLC
PO Box 2012
Winter Haven, FL 33880
Telephone: (863) 294-1114