Dana Laganella Gerling, Elder Law Attorney in Bradenton, Florida
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 25 verified client reviews
PartneratA Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group
Bradenton, FL
Practicing elder law in Bradenton since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 25 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Dana Laganella Gerling?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Dana Laganella Gerling is a partner based in Bradenton, FL. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Dana has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at A Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.
- Based in
- Bradenton, FL
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Bradenton, FL.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Dana Laganella Gerling: Dana Laganella Gerling is a partner based in Bradenton, FL. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Dana has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at A Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Dana Laganella Gerling
Dana concentrates on elder law, estate planning, probate, trusts, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Dana handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
View other Elder Law attorneys
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
Probate
View other Probate attorneys
Trusts
View other Trusts attorneys
Wills
View other Wills attorneys
Elder Law cases in Bradenton, Florida
Dana takes elder law matters in Bradenton, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Bradenton, Florida
Dana takes estate planning matters in Bradenton, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Bradenton, Florida
Dana takes probate matters in Bradenton, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Bradenton, Florida
Dana takes trusts matters in Bradenton, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Wills cases in Bradenton, Florida
Dana takes wills matters in Bradenton, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Dana agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Dana Laganella Gerling — Over 25 years of Florida elder law experience
Dana Laganella Gerling is a partner based in Bradenton, FL. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. Dana has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at A Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.
Originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dana Laganella Gerling practices in Estate Planning, Probate Elder Law, and Corporations. She attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut and graduated Cum Laude. She was awarded the Best Advocate of the Northeast Region while in law school. She was included among the 2010 and 2011 Rising Stars in Florida Super Lawyers Magazine and has remained on the Super Lawyers list through 2024! Only 2.5% of lawyers in Florida have received such designation. Dana Laganella Gerling, has also been voted as Legal Elite from 2009 through 2024 from the Florida Trend Magazine. In 2014, she was selected and has remained as a Top Rated Lawyer in Trusts and Estates and achieved the AV Preeminent® peer review rating from ALM and Martindale-Hubbell.
The AV Preeminent® Lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell is the highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards. It is Dana’s commitment to providing quality, affordable legal services that has won her respect and acclaim from both her peers and her clients. She truly enjoys her work. Her passion for helping people in her community is evident in her dedication to providing education on important topics, including Wills, Trusts, Durable Power of Attorney’s and Health Care Surrogates. Further, as a founding partner of Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group Chartered, Dana’s commitment to protecting the interests of her clients has become the focus of this client centered firm.
She is President of the Manatee County Florida Association of Women Lawyers and has also served on the Board of Directors with the Sarasota County Florida Association of Women Lawyers. Dana is a member of both the Manatee County and Sarasota County Bar Associations. She is a member of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, Manatee County Estate Planning Council and the Florida Bar Real Property and Estate Planning section. In the past she has served on the Board of the Sarasota County Humane Society, Manatee County Animal Control Advisory Board, and the advisory Board of the Pinellas Animal Foundation because of her love for animals.
Dana earned her undergraduate degree in Business Finance from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, graduating with honors. Dana is an animal lover, providing a loving home for two dogs of her own. She is a strong supporter of all animal related organizations in the community. Dana also has two girls, Grace and Lilly, who she loves spending time with when not at work.
How Dana handles elder law matters
Originally from a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dana Laganella Gerling practices in Estate Planning, Probate Elder Law, and Corporations. She attended law school at Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut and graduated Cum Laude. She was awarded the Best Advocate of the Northeast Region while in law school. She was included among the 2010 and 2011 Rising Stars in…
The kind of cases Dana takes
Dana reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and probate matters in Bradenton and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Dana Laganella Gerling's legal education and bar admissions
Quinnipiac University
J.D. · 2001
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
B.S. · 1998
Jurisdictions
Dana's state bar admissions
Florida
2001 · ACTIVE
Dana studied at J.D. in Quinnipiac University and B.S. in Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Law school and academic background
Dana completed J.D. in Quinnipiac University and B.S. in Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Dana runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Dana Laganella Gerling
Dana has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Dana Laganella Gerling's office in Bradenton
Dana's primary office is at 6148 State Road 70 East, Bradenton, FL, 34203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
A Affordable Attorney, Gerling Law Group
6148 State Road 70 East
Bradenton, FL 34203
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Dana Laganella Gerling — 5.0/5 rating from 25 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Dana. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Bradenton.
5.0
25 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Dana Laganella Gerling claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Dana Laganella Gerling — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Dana usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Dana charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dana's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Dana will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Bradenton, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Dana
Dana discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Dana confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Dana's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Dana Laganella Gerling
How much does it cost to hire Dana for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Dana walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Dana offer a free consultation?
Dana charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Dana's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Dana's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Florida typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Dana gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Dana take my case if I'm outside Bradenton?
Dana is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Dana will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Dana?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Dana will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Dana accepting new elder law clients right now?
Dana's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Bradenton, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Dana handles elder law matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in Florida
If Dana's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Bradenton handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.