Mary Beth Kelly - Lake Mary, FL

Overview

My legal experience began right after high school when I was hired as a legal secretary for a firm in Orlando, one of the largest law firms in the state of Florida. For the next 25 years, I worked as a legal assistant, and then paralegal, all while raising my two children. I always knew I wanted to practice law, and my opportunity came on the heels of an unexpected change in my life. It was then that I put myself through law school.

Having lived through my own divorce and having helped my Mom and sisters care for my Dad suffering from Alzheimer’s, I promised myself that I would one day not only competently practice law, but would do so compassionately and respectfully to assist others and instill confidence and security in each and every one of my clients. I believed, and still believe, that reaching out and making a positive difference in the lives of others would, in turn, make a positive difference in my life. I followed my heart and received my undergrad from the University of Central Florida, and my Juris Doctor from Barry College School of Law.

I established my own law practice in 2017, The Law Office of Mary Beth Kelly, LLC. I focus my practice on estate planning, wills and trusts, estate and trust administration; probate; special needs planning; guardianships; and Medicaid assistance.

My clients are individuals wanting to maintain control of their lives for as long as they can. I assist my clients choose who will assist in their care when they are unable, and ensure that they will give what they want to whom they want. Together we prepare an estate plan that will not only plan for distribution of their estate but will also provide confidence and instill satisfaction in my clients knowing they have taken the steps necessary to protect the financial well-being of not only themselves but also their loved ones.

Age is not a factor in planning for the future. For everyone, young and old, preparing for the future is one of life’s necessities. I welcome the opportunity to help you make a will; create a trust; name your health care surrogate or be named health care surrogate for your children as they turn 18 and become adults; probate the estate of a deceased loved one; prepare a power of attorney; establish a living will; protect your assets; plan for long-term care; set up a guardianship; and/or establish a special needs trust.

Together we will create a plan specific to you and your exact needs. My experience and education, coupled with my compassion and genuine concern for others, form the cornerstone of my law practice. Once we complete your specific plan, you will know that you have done what is necessary to prepare for the future. And then you will be able to enjoy each and every day, knowing that you have a plan in place that protects you, and provides for the ones you love.

My husband (Joe) and I are members of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Winter Springs. Joe and I are both former members of the Rotary Club of Lake Mary, a civic organization focused on encouraging and fostering the ideal of service. I also served for several years on the Board of Directors for Safehouse of Seminole, having served as president in 2015 and 2016. Together, Joe and I focus our lives on service to others, trusting that our efforts bring some semblance of peace to our community and beyond.