Tax Litigation

My passion for helping people started in childhood when I traveled with my father, a country doctor, to visit ill and elderly patients. Unknowing to my father, his care and attention to the needs of patients taught me how to help my clients. I have been married for over 30 years. My life-long hobby is magic. I am a Magician Member of the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. I enjoy performing magic several times a year at the close-up tables located throughout the Magic Castle. I graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School (January 1996), Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, fifth in my class of over 200. My undergraduate degrees are from Regis College (May 1986), Cum Laude, with a double bachelors in Accounting and Business Administration. My professional licenses are Certified Public Accountant (Nevada 1990); Attorney at Law, Nevada (1996) and Colorado (1997). I am also a Bar Member of the United States Supreme Court and Tax Court. The focus of my law practice is to assist individuals to prepare for and navigate life changing events with estate and business planning, trust and probate litigation, accounting and tax planning and preparation.

When you are dealing with high stakes litigation, you know what is at risk, and so do I. At the Law Offices of Sebastian Ohanian, LLC, I represent good people throughout the Miami area who have been accused of serious crimes or have complex legal issues. I provide aggressive litigation tactics and the highest quality guidance in complicated legal situations.

John J. Schrot, Jr.’s legal career has predominantly focused on family law. He also has extensive experience in contract negotiations, commercial transactions, employment law, real estate, insurance, construction, securities, corporate law, arbitration, and other intricate personal and contractual relationships. Mr. Schrot received the prestigious Top 10 Attorney Award from both the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA) and American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (AIOFLA), recognizing him as one of the Top 10 family law attorneys in Michigan. NAFLA was established with the primary goal of discovering and recognizing the top 10 family law attorneys in each state for their hard work, knowledge, skill, experience, expertise and success in their practice of family law. AIOFLA is similar, as well as having an emphasis on "client satisfaction." The attorneys who make the NAFLA and AIOFLA Top 10 must first be nominated. He has been consistently recognized as a Super Lawyer(Super Lawyers.com), a Top 100 Matrimonial and Family Attorney by The National Advocates, and in the dbusiness Magazine as a Top Lawyer in Metropolitan Detroit in the practice areas of family law and litigation; and selected by his peers as a Leading Lawyer in family law in Michigan. He has served by court appointment as a special master of discovery, facilitator, mediator, umpire, arbitrator and receiver. He has consistently achieved an AV Preeminent rating, the highest peer rating by Martindale Hubbell, a nationally recognized directory of attorneys, for his legal ability and ethical standards. He received the Distinguished Lawyer Award from the Shamrock Bar Association, and has been named a Leader in the Law. He has appeared in state and federal courts throughout Michigan and has argued in the Michigan Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Professional memberships include the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan and Oakland County Bar Association, ABA section memberships include litigation, family law and business law. Section memberships in the State Bar of Michigan include family law and business law. He is an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Mr. Schrot is a past chairman of the Oakland County Bar Association’s Circuit Court Committee. He is also a member of the City of Birmingham Board of Ethics, Past Grand Knight of the Birmingham Knights of Columbus, Past President of the Birmingham Rotary Club, among other volunteer positions. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, and has been past chair of the Board of Directors of the Birmingham YMCA and the City of Birmingham Ethics Board and Advisory Parking Committee. He was the recipient of the Federal Bar Foundation Edward Rakow Scholarship Award at the Detroit College of Law in 1976, where he was the Editor-in-Chief of the Detroit College of Law Review. He also served as Law Clerk to the Honorable Harold H. Bobier, Judge of the U.S. District Court in Bankruptcy for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Hope Blocton, Esquire is a dedicated attorney serving clients throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Michigan. A native of River Rouge, Michigan, she earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University before obtaining her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University, where she graduated Cum Laude with a concentration in litigation. With more than seven years of legal experience, Ms. Blocton has built a reputation for providing thoughtful, effective representation to individuals and families across the communities she serves. Through her practice, Bloc One Services, LLC, she continues to deliver high-quality legal services grounded in professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to access and fairness. The firm has been recognized for maintaining high standards of legal achievement while ensuring that services remain accessible and reasonably priced. Ms. Blocton handles a broad range of legal matters, including bankruptcy, real estate transactions, family law and divorce, as well as civil and business litigation. Her practice reflects a deep understanding of both the legal and personal complexities her clients face, and she works diligently to provide clear, strategic guidance throughout every stage of the legal process. To schedule your free consultation today, call 240-200-0076 or fill out our contact form online.

Working to protect Kentucky’s most vulnerable citizens and natural landscapes has long been Joe’s personal and professional passion. As an undergraduate student at the University of Kentucky, Joe successfully lobbied for Appalachian studies curricula and the formation of the UK Appalachian Center. As a law student, Joe spent his summers working throughout east Kentucky and central Appalachia with the Appalachian Land Ownership Task Force documenting absentee land and mineral ownership by out of state energy giants. This work inspired the creation of the Kentucky Fair Tax Coalition, which later became Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. Joe started his legal career with the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund (AppalRed) in Jackson, Kentucky, and has now been in private practice for forty years. He represented landowners in some of Kentucky’s most important mineral and tax litigation, which led to major reforms in property tax of unmined minerals and passage of the Broad Form Deed Amendment to the Kentucky Constitution in 1988. ​ From 1988 to 1992, Joe was a partner of Shepherd & Childers, where he practiced with now Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd. From 2007 to 2011, Joe was a partner in Getty & Childers, a Lexington civil litigation firm. In 2012, Joe started Joe F. Childers & Associates, the predecessor to Childers & Baxter, PLLC. Joe has served on the boards of the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, Kentucky State University, Kentucky Employers Mutual Insurance Company, the State Board of Claims, and as Commissioner on the State Mine Safety Review Commission and the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Since 2015, Joe has served as Board Chair of the Kentucky Resources Council. Joe and his wife Denise have two adult children.

Shipley Law Firm & Title Company is pleased to provide the highest quality, professional legal services for clients in Lake County and throughout central Florida. The firm's attorneys are experienced in representing individuals and businesses in the areas of bankruptcy law, business and corporate law, civil litigation, family law, wills, trusts and estate planning, probate, and real estate law (including real estate closings and title insurance). Our firm offers comprehensive analyses of all debt relief and debt workout options including skilled and cost-effective legal representation in all types of Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 bankruptcy law matters. We are dedicated to finding the best possible financial solution for our clients, which financial solution may or may not include bankruptcy. If you need legal assistance with a business and corporate law or civil litigation matter, Shipley Law Firm & Title Company can help. The firm has for many years represented clients in matters involving business formation, commercial lease agreements, and the purchase and sale of businesses and real estate. We also represent clients in business and corporate disputes involving breach of contract, unfair competition, fraud, landlord-tenant issues and employment. Whenever possible, we try to resolve disputes through alternative dispute resolution to avoid the time and expense of trial. However, when necessary we will aggressively defend your interests in litigation. Shipley Law Firm & Title Company provides legal services related to wills, trusts and estate planning to ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Our firm can draft and reviewing wills and trust documents as well as identify and implement asset protection strategies for Medicaid, to minimize estate and probate taxes, and plan for potential creditor's claims. At Shipley Law Firm & Title Company, we provide family law services related to adoption, dissolution of marriage/divorce, child custody, child support, post-dissolution modifications, spousal support/alimony, and ante-nuptial/prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements. We guide prospective adoptive parents through the complicated Florida adoption process and help file the necessary paperwork with the court. Our firm also guides clients through the difficult legal process of divorce and assists with the drafting and review of ante-nuptial/prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements. Shipley Law Firm & Title Company has also successfully represented clients in a variety of real estate matters related to closings, title insurance, easement disputes, title insurance claims, deed restrictions, enforcing real estate contracts, evictions and landlord-tenant litigation, homeowners associations, foreclosures, boundary disputes and quiet title actions. Mr. Shipley received both a Master's Degree in Business Administration (M.B.A.) concentrating in Entrepreneurship and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Florida State University. He is also licensed as a Florida Certified Public Accountant and is a member of many professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, REALTORS® Association of Lake & Sumter Counties, Inc., the Lake County and Orange County Bar Associations, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the Central Florida Bankruptcy Law Association. Mr. Shipley also served in the United States Army Reserve for eight years and was on active wartime duty during the Persian Gulf War.

For over twenty-nine years Paul M. Gaide has been an accomplished litigation and transactional lawyer and advisor. When aggressive representation is desirable and appropriate, the Law Offices of Paul M. Gaide is quite capable of advocating for you. When a subtle approach will benefit you most, Attorney Gaide is fully capable of utilizing a collaborative approach and applying all pertinent facts and law to obtaining an acceptable and timely resolution of client matters. Paul M. Gaide’s law practice has emphasized superior representation of clients: (a) in conflict resolution, including litigations before probate courts, state trial courts, state appellate courts, United States District Courts, and United States Bankruptcy Courts; and (b) in connection with transactional and planning matters. Prior to relocating back to Colorado, Attorney Gaide practiced law in New England with the Am Law 100 firm of Edwards & Angell, LLP, n/k/a Edwards Wildman Palmer LLP, now having over 620 lawyers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia, with Schatz & Schatz, Ribicoff & Kotkin, the then third largest law firm in the State of Connecticut with 135 attorneys, and in his own firm. Attorney Gaide is admitted and licensed to practice law in Colorado, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Paul M. Gaide is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, Juris Doctor, Emphasis in Taxation (1989) (Research Assistant: N. Steuben, Real Estate Planning (Cases, Materials, Problems, Questions and Commentary) (3d ed. 1989)); and a graduate of the University of Denver, College of Business Administration, B.S.B.A. - Finance (Bal F. Swan Scholar, Dean’s Lists). You are encouraged to contact the Law Offices of Paul M. Gaide to confidentially communicate your concerns and determine if the firm can be of assistance to you. The firm offers a no-cost initial consultation of up to one hour. Weekend and evening appointments may be available. The website of Law Offices of Paul M. Gaide may be found at www.Law-Or-Equity.com Paul M. Gaide maintains a physical presence at the Law Offices of Paul M. Gaide, 417 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521.

Vinny Iyer has always had a desire to learn a variety of different subjects, and has always had a passion for justice; both of these traits led him to the practice of law. Vinny went to Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska where he received his Bachelor of Arts. While at Creighton, Vinny majored in music performance and theory, co-majored in political science, and completed the pre-medical program. After Creighton, Vinny attended the University of Nebraska – Omaha to study music composition where he learned counterpoint, orchestration, and advanced music theory. During this time, Vinny also played with his band while teaching music theory and guitar lessons. Eventually, Vinny’s passion lead him to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate. Additionally, Vinny completed the litigation skills program of concentrated study with a criminal emphasis. While enrolled in law school, Vinny Iyer served as a clerk with Atwood, Holsten, Brown, Deaver and Spier Law Firm. In this role, he primarily handled personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, which would later become his focus at Falgien Warr & Iyer, P.C. Upon graduating from law school, he worked as a senior analyst contract attorney, auditing foreclosure and mortgage procedures for a multinational bank. He then represented clients through his own contract defense firm and at Clear Creek Consulting, wherein he helped individuals and businesses resolve tax liabilities with Federal and State taxing authorities. Subsequently, Vinny was hired as an attorney at The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, LLC where he focused on personal injury cases. Vinny is a founding partner of Falgien, Warr & Iyer, P.C. where his primary focus is on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Additionally, Vinny is on the Board of Directors of the non-profit Ancova Empowerment Project, which is an organization designed to help young people who have faced behavioral, economic, or legal challenges to have positive and constructive experiences while gaining life skills and learning how to overcome obstacles to their success, mostly through the creation of art. http://www.ancovaep.org/ In his off time, Vinny likes to play guitar, stay involved with current events, keep up with the newest shows, hike, travel, and play with his dog Bandit.

Our attorneys’ academic and professional credentials are outstanding. Alan G. Cosner, the Firm’s Managing Partner, holds a Master of Law degree in Tax from New York University School of Law and a J.D. from Seton Hall University. He is a former Internal Revenue Service agent and accountant. Mr. Cosner is the head of the firm’s real estate, probate, bankruptcy, and personal Injury practice areas. Partner Staci A. Cosner earned undergraduate degrees in economics and political science from Cornell University, where she graduated with distinction. She holds a J.D. from Columbia University Law School and was formerly associated with Skadden, Aarps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Ms. Cosner is the head of the firm’s elder law, medicaid, estate planning and family law practice areas. Partner Marc D. Youngelson graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law. Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. Youngelson was Of Counsel to Sills Cummis & Gross P.C. and was associated with Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP and with Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Mr. Youngelson is the head of the Firm’s Litigation practice area. Of Counsel Rachelle “Shelly” Milstein graduated with Honors from the University of Michigan and holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. Ms. Milstein is an experienced trial attorney. For the past decade, Ms. Milstein has dedicated her practice to the representation of children with special educational needs and their families throughout New Jersey. Associate Rebecca A. Hand graduated with honors from Rutgers University and earned her J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. After graduating, Ms. Hand served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Edward J. Ryan, J.S.C., in the Superior Court of Middlesex County, New Jersey. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Hand was associated with Menz Bonner and Komar LLP. Our lawyers are members of a number of legal associations and organizations, reflecting our involvement in the profession and our continuing commitment to providing our clients with excellent legal counsel. Our practice Our law firm offers legal representation in a variety of areas, including: • Elder law We focus on the needs of the elderly and their children, handling asset protection, long-term care, Medicaid planning and Guardianship matters. Staci A. Cosner is a Member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. • Family law Clients need support during disputes over divorce, custody and support, and property division. We also are there for clients during joyful times such as the adoption of a child, or a wedding, providing a prenuptial agreement. • Probate and estate administration We handle the probate process on behalf of executors and heirs. Alan G. Cosner is a former IRS agent and accountant. He is skilled in shepherding the will through the probate process and asset transfer to heirs. • Estate Planning We help clients plan for the future no matter what size estate you may have. We can help suggest and draft estate planning documents that fit every situation. We draft wills and trusts with the goal of minimizing taxes. • Bankruptcy The firm’s attorneys collectively have over 50 years of experience representing debtors and creditors in a variety of bankruptcy matters. If you are in financial trouble, our attorneys can help determine your eligibility for bankruptcy protection under chapter 7 or chapter 13 laws. We also have handled a wide range of creditors’ rights matters, including fraudulent transfer and preference actions. •Special Education We help children with special educational needs and their families navigate the complex process of enforcing your legal right to a free and appropriate public education. •Litigation Our attorneys have represented businesses and individuals in a large variety of commercial and bankruptcy-related litigations. The Firm is committed to conducting litigation in a cost effective manner that fits within our clients’ business goals. • Personal injury You may be paid for damages caused by another person’s negligence. Our fees are contingent on recovering compensation for you. • Real Estate Whether you are buying, selling, or leasing, our firm makes it happen. In addition to emphasizing matters such as the above, we offer clients a broad spectrum of general legal services, including criminal defense, guardianship issues and tax law. Our pledge to clients We promise to provide our clients excellent legal services at a fair price. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with you, your family and friends. Contact us to learn how we can meet your legal needs. All Credit Cards Accepted · Evening Hours by Appointment · Free Initial Consultation

Gerald C. Shea is an attorney specializing in Tax and Estate law, including Connecticut probate, IRS Defense and IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosures.