Bonnie Klein Rhoden, Esq.

Family Law ~ Adoption ~ Wills, Trusts, Estates ~ Dependency/DCF ~ Probate ~ Elder Law

Incapacity Planning ~ Guardianship ~ Attorney Ad Litem

Teaching ~ Community~ Family

The firm congratulates Attorney Bonnie Klein Rhoden on her designation as a Top Rated Family Law Attorney by SUPER LAWYERS. Send Bonnie a congratulation email!

Ms. Rhoden graduated summa cum laude from Florida Institute of Technology and earned her Juris Doctorate at the Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law.  Bonnie brings 25 years of business experience to her practice of law providing a strong skill set to address her clients’ legal matters.

As a resident of Brevard County since 1978 Ms. Rhoden is well known in the community as a strong supporter of military personnel and veterans, for continuing work to support the needs of elder persons, and for advocacy for animal rescue.

Community Affiliations:

• Super Lawyers designation as a “Top Family Law Attorney”, 2019
• Vassar B. Carlton Inn of Court, Class of 2015, Board Member
• Board Member, Florida Tech Pre-Law Advisory Board
• Florida Real Estate Licensed – 2004/2007
• The Florida Bar, Member in Good Standing
• Family Law Section of The Florida Bar
• Real Property, Probate & Trust Section of The Florida Bar
• Elder Law Section of The  Florida Bar
• American Bar Association, Member Past
• Real Property, Trust & Estate Section  of the ABA, Member Past

“I pride myself on the relationships I build with my clients.” says Ms. Rhoden, “At times I am a client’s only local family and at other times I become an extension of the family.  This type of trust is imperative to successfully managing my clients’ legal needs.”

Areas of Practice

Family Law

Ms. Rhoden works closely with Attorney Ken Rhoden on family law cases such as divorce, modification for alimony or child support,  relocation of children, paternity, relocation of children and many other cases that fall under Family Law.  As a team the two attorneys offer strong client support and a highly experienced litigator to all family law clients.

Bonnie has become known in  the community as a resource for adoption and especially step-parent adoption. It is not unusual  for her to have several such matters running at the  same time.  This is a sensitive topic for the family and in  particular for the biological parent who has re-married and has a strong spouse who is already caring for the child but wants to formalize the relationship of parent-child.  This is a stressful process however as past clients have said – Ms. Rhoden goes the extra mile to ensure everyone understands the process and is prepared for the final hearings.  You can call her with  your questions about adoption at 321-631-0506 or text her at 321-480-7557.

Guardianship is another area of the law Attorney Rhoden is known for and she enjoys working with  families in need of guardianship for minor children, at risk adults, or elder family members.  Bonnie explains, “Guardianship is not the  first choice for providing care for our family members as it is a restrictive method of care but  if and when it becomes necessary it is important to have an attorney that is willing to guide you through the processes year after year.  Many people do not know that an attorney is required for guardianships in Florida and it is a relationship that is maintained year to year due to the requirements of the law for annual reporting and accounting.”   If  you  have questions about guardianships for elders, disabled adults, minor children receiving a settlement or inheritance, or minors being cared for by grandparents/family – contact Bonnie for information.  Consultations are always at no charge.

“Dear Bonnie, Thank you for everything.  You were not only my lawyer but also my guide through this process.   I don’t think I’d  have made it with my sanity without you and  your paralegal.  I definitely learned the  importance  of things I never imagined would matter in  a case like this such as keeping a journal log and how to  manage responses to my children’s mother. I also know my rights  now and will never again be kept from a doctor’s appointment or school activity but if something happens I will call you for advice.  Thank you, I  especially appreciate the upcoming PEACEFUL holidays for the first time in many years.”

As written in a thank you card from a client in 2019

Wills, Trusts & Estates

Attorney Bonnie Rhoden provides a wide breadth of estate planning documents including:  Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, Living Will, Health Care Surrogate Designation, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts, Lady Bird Deed, Special Needs Trust, Life Estate Deed, and others.  Every estate planning package is drafted for the individual client and their specific needs.

“Not everyone needs or wants the same type of documents and there are many factors to consider when preparing an estate plan such as the client’s age, tax implications, business holdings, homestead property or rental property, size of the asset base, and even religious beliefs.” explains Ms. Rhoden.

Dependency / DCF

Don’t go to court alone when you are involved in a matter with DCF and/or the Dependency Court.  The cases in this area are fast moving to start and you must get your attorney on board immediately to ensure you are protecting your rights.  Call Attorney Rhoden for a complimentary consultation on your matter.

Probate

Summary Administration and Formal Administration are two common ways Ms. Rhoden’s clients need assistance in the probate court.  Ancillary administration is also available for clients from out-of-state or those with property located outside of Florida.  In its simplest form probate is the process by which assets of a deceased person are properly reviewed and distributed with the protection of court oversight. This does not have to be overwhelming, complicated or expensive and Ms. Rhoden is happy to offer a free consultation if you are facing the need for probate court proceedings.

Elder Law

The area of Elder Law is continuing to develop and can include not only incapacity planning, wills & trusts, probate and trust administration.  The issues that bring people to see Bonnie Klein Rhoden also involve the transition of your spouse, parent or loved one into assisted living or memory care, guardianship or avoiding guardianship, and other advocacy needs.

“I was glad my mom used Bonnie to prepare her will and documents.  I just wasn’t sure we’d need them so soon.
About a year went by and mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness.  When I contacted Bonnie she was sympathetic and listened to me talk about what had happened.  Her first question was, “What can I do to help you now?”  I was surprised but grateful, and what I needed first wasn’t a legal problem.  Bonnie helped me anyway.  When I hired her to assist me and my siblings she was available, responsive and caring.  I was surprised but not really to see Bonnie one day sitting with my mom holding her hand in the hospital. You just don’t find a lawyer like Bonnie every day.  I believe she was placed in mom’s life because mom needed her. We were all happy it happened.” Happy Son.                                                                     

Posted on Google.com 2015-2016

Consultations with Ms. Rhoden to ask your initial questions are at no charge.  Bonnie also makes home visits for a very small fee.  Call today to speak with Attorney Rhoden or to set up your consultation.

Incapacity Planning

“Many people tell me they don’t have an estate to plan for and after a joint chuckle I explain that every adult needs to plan for potential incapacity.  I give examples including the Terri Schiavo case, other client stories and family members to help my clients understand the importance.”

Bonnie Klein Rhoden, Attorney

Call Ms. Rhoden to schedule your complimentary consultation to begin the conversation about your incapacity and estate planning needs.

Guardianship

Avoiding guardianship for yourself, spouse or loved one is the best plan but it is not always possible or it can be too late. Navigating the process of guardianship is not simple as there can be involvement by state agencies or law enforcement or a professional guardianship firm. If you are a guardian over a person and/or their property you have many responsibilities and detailed reports must be submitted to the Court. You and your family need help from a strong advocate that will be present and active on your behalf.

Establishing Guardianships for your parents or a child is sometimes necessary. An attorney is necessary to gather the information, prepare the legal documents, file the proper pleadings, and represent you in court to gain the best result. Guardianships are required for minor children that inherit, are awarded or gifted more money or assets than the current allowable amount.

Call to speak to Attorney Rhoden about a new or an existing guardianship. Initial consultations are always at no cost. 321-631-0506

Attorney Ad litem

Bonnie is available to represent you in your dependency case or to represent your child or grandchild or other children in your life as an Attorney Ad Litem.  See also Dependency Law

Teaching:

Ms. Rhoden is continually finding ways to share her knowledge and experience with others. While a professor at internationally known Florida Institute of Technology she was able to help students in many undergraduate programs to learn Introduction to Law. She has lectured and presented to various college groups, and community gatherings on topics such as estate planning, real estate, probate, elder law matters, criminal aspects of substance abuse, as well as other legal topics, and business issues.  Ms. Rhoden believes in not only helping her clients with their legal situation but also in educating them so they fully understand all of their options and choices.

Community:

Ms. Rhoden is active in the community and has chaired fundraisers for local organizations and contributed time and legal assistance to groups supporting at risk youth, veterans, active duty military, and homeless or abused animals. She has been a member of the Brevard County Estate Council and the Advisory Board of the Pre-Law Program at Florida Institute of Technology.

Family:

Bonnie was born in Philadelphia, PA but raised from age 8 in Brevard County attending Gemini Elementary, Hoover Jr. High, MCC, and Melbourne High all while enjoying soccer, softball, girl scouts, youth group, the band (she played flute), and the beach. She is the youngest of four siblings, all adopted, two girls and two boys ranging over15 years from oldest to youngest. Bonnie is close to her parents who live a few minutes away and to her living brother and sister, nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces/nephews. Bonnie is married to attorney Kenneth Rhoden and they have one rescue pup, Phinneas, and Ken’s adult daughters and their families.