Experienced and Committed
Stephen D. Carle
A graduate of Wabash College and Duke Law School, Stephen D. Carle (Steve) was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1976 and has had his law office in Zephyrhills since 1977. In 1992, he was certified by the Florida Bar as a specialist in Wills, Trusts, and Estates.
His practice includes preparation of wills, living and revocable trusts, deeds, powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, and the other documents involved in estate planning. When appropriate, it involves tax planning to minimize the impact of taxes on a client's estate plan.
After a client's death, he represents personal representatives and trustees in administering the decedent's estate plan, both trust administration and probate estates. This involves advice and counsel to the personal representative or trustee as to their various duties, including what the various legal deadlines are, notice requirements, meeting the requirement of fully accounting to all beneficiaries, and the various tax liabilities and obligations of the decedent and the decedent's estate or trust.
In addition to the traditional aspects of estate planning and trust and estate matters, Steve's practice focuses more and more on the emerging area of elder law, which encompasses the special needs of older and retired clients who are trying to protect and preserve their assets and ensure that they will be well cared for. Where appropriate, this includes helping clients take the steps necessary to qualify for Medicaid benefits without having to exhaust their assets.
For over forty years, Steve has served his clients personally and through his community involvement. He is a past president of the Noon Rotary Club; served on the board of directors of the chamber of commerce for a number of years; and served on the board of trustees of the East Pasco Medical Center Foundation Board and served as its chairman. He speaks to clubs and church groups about estate planning, trusts, wills, elder law, and related matters. He is on the board of directors of First National Bank of Pasco.
He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star.
In addition to being admitted to the practice of law in Florida, he is also admitted to practice in Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana.