Hollyn Foster | Jacksonville Estate Lawyer

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
I have had several cases in the recent past where I was able to resolve decades old property title issues. The cases have involved investigative research, multi-general familial negotiations, probate proceedings and complying with stringent title insurance requirements. Several of the cases had been started and dropped by other attorneys due to the complexity of the issues and the personalities of the parties.

How did you build a successful practice?
I believe in active communication and being very responsive to my clients. My policy here is to respond to any text, phone call or email within 24 hours. Usually my response is almost immediate if possible. I also understand that most individuals have no idea how the system works and therefore try and take plenty of time explaining the process we will go through both good and bad.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Someone who returns telephone calls promptly, is willing to answer questions and is knowledgeable on the subject to which they have been retained.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Local knowledge is good when a judge or opposing counsel knows that what you are presenting to the Court is competent and truthful facts and research. It saves time and ultimately saves the client money. I think it is equally important that a client not be paying unnecessary fees for an attorney to travel from out of town to handle their matter. Luckily in the probate arena much of the paperwork is done online or telephonically so court appearances are often unnecessary allowing an attorney to handle matters all over the state.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
It really depends on the type of case and the facts of the matter. Many initial consultations result in a determination that either no case is necessary or that the services needed can be done without an attorney. I also can often evaluate what type of services are actually necessary and the approximate cost of those services.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
Access to relevant documents, dates, and facts.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I almost always answer my own calls immediately and am willing to discuss a client’s issue whether it be an preexisting client or a potential client. I generally also make myself available to my clients by phone, email or text 24 hours a day and on weekends. I am also willing to travel to a client’s home or facility if necessary.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Being able to help a client, resolve issues or conflicts beyond their ability or understanding and hopefully mending broken relationships in the process.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I am an avid reader.

Are you involved in your community?
I am involved in the community through Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, the Christian Legal Society, speaking at Lawyers in the Library Events and the Jacksonville Bar Association Pro Bono Committee. I also provide legal services at the City Rescue Mission, free seminars at nursing homes, churches and other community associations and provide non legal services through my membership with the Benevolent Order of the Elks and my husband’s freemasonry affiliation.

• Christian Legal Society of Jacksonville | Board of Directors | 2011 - Present
  Phi Delta Phi legal fraternity | 2005 - Present
  Christian Legal Society of Jacksonville | President | 2013 - 2016
  Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks-1892 | Judiciary | 2012 - 2013
  Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks-1892| 2012 - Present

• FCSL Founders Award | Florida Coastal School of Law | 2005
  Valedictorian | Florida Coastal School of Law | 2005

• Werner v. Estate of McCloskey, 943 So.2d 1007 (Fla. 1st DCA 2006)
  Court deviated from appointing the son named in the Will as Personal Representative based on an allegation that he had a conflict of interest in the Estate. The Appellate Court overturned the lower tribunal's decision stating that a judge is without discretion to refuse to appoint the personal representative named in the Will unless they are otherwise disqualified by law. If a conflict of interest exists which would effect the administration of the estate it should be brought in a separate action to remove the personal representative.

 Extended hours available based on need.

• LinkedIn
• Avvo | Hollyn Foster
• Hollyn Foster