Donald Joseph Farinato

Donald Joseph Farinato, Estate Planning Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts · 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Practicing estate planning in Knoxville since 1997.

29+
Years practicing
4.5 ★
2 client reviews
5
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Donald Joseph Farinato is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Donald has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hodges, Doughty and Carson, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in
Knoxville, TN
Experience
over 29 years
Known for
Estate Planning · Probate · Trusts
  • Handles Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts matters from Knoxville, TN.
  • Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Donald Joseph Farinato: Donald Joseph Farinato is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Donald has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hodges, Doughty and Carson, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Donald Joseph Farinato

Donald concentrates on estate planning, probate, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Donald handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Donald takes estate planning matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Donald takes probate matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Knoxville, Tennessee

Donald takes trusts matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Donald agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Donald Joseph Farinato — Over 29 years of Tennessee estate planning experience

Donald Joseph Farinato is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Probate, and Trusts. Donald has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hodges, Doughty and Carson, PLLC. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Donald Joseph Farinato is a lawyer practicing probate & trust law, trust, estate planning & probate. Donald received a B.S. degree from University of Massachusetts at Amehurst in 1989, and has been licensed for 29 years. Donald practices at Hodges, Doughty and Carson, PLLC in Knoxville, TN.

Donald's approach to estate planning cases

Donald Joseph Farinato is a lawyer practicing probate & trust law, trust, estate planning & probate. Donald received a B.S. degree from University of Massachusetts at Amehurst in 1989, and has been licensed for 29 years. Donald practices at Hodges, Doughty and Carson, PLLC in Knoxville, TN.

Clients Donald works with

Donald reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, probate, and trusts matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.

Credentials

Donald Joseph Farinato's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Tennessee College of Law

    J.D. · 1997

  • University of Massachusetts at Amehurst

    B.S. · 1989

Jurisdictions

Donald's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Tax Court

    2000 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    2000 · ACTIVE

  • Tennessee

    1999 · ACTIVE

  • New Hampshire

    1998 · ACTIVE

  • Massachusetts

    1997 · ACTIVE

Donald studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee College of Law and B.S. in University of Massachusetts at Amehurst.

Law school and academic background

Donald completed J.D. in University of Tennessee College of Law and B.S. in University of Massachusetts at Amehurst. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Donald runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Donald Joseph Farinato

Donald has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Donald's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Knoxville, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and American Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

Donald Joseph Farinato's office in Knoxville

Donald's primary office is at 445 S. Gay Street, Suite 401, Knoxville, TN, 37901-0869. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hodges, Doughty and Carson, PLLC

445 S. Gay Street, Suite 401

Knoxville, TN 37901-0869

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Donald Joseph Farinato — 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Donald. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Knoxville.

4.5

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Donald Joseph Farinato claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Donald Joseph Farinato — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Donald usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Donald charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald'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; Donald will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 Donald

Donald discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate planning 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. Donald confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Donald's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Donald Joseph Farinato

  • How much does it cost to hire Donald for a estate planning case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Donald walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Donald offer a free consultation?

    Donald charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Donald's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Donald's current terms during booking.

  • How long do estate planning cases in Tennessee typically take?

    Simple estate planning 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. Donald gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Donald take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?

    Donald is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Donald 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 Donald?

    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. Donald will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Donald accepting new estate planning clients right now?

    Donald's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee

Donald handles estate planning matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Donald's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.