
Derek N. Rodstrom, Estate Planning Attorney in Fairview Park, Ohio
Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning and Probate · 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
PartneratPolito Burke Rodstrom Szep LLP
Fairview Park, OH
Practicing estate planning in Fairview Park since 1996.
- 30+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Derek N. Rodstrom?
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Quick answer
Derek N. Rodstrom is a partner based in Fairview Park, OH. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Derek has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Polito Burke Rodstrom Szep LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Fairview Park, OH
- Experience
- over 30 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Estate Planning and Probate matters from Fairview Park, OH.
- Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Derek N. Rodstrom: Derek N. Rodstrom is a partner based in Fairview Park, OH. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Derek has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Polito Burke Rodstrom Szep LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Derek N. Rodstrom
Derek concentrates on estate planning and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning cases in Fairview Park, Ohio
Derek takes estate planning matters in Fairview Park, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Fairview Park, Ohio
Derek takes probate matters in Fairview Park, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Derek N. Rodstrom — Over 30 years of Ohio estate planning experience
Derek N. Rodstrom is a partner based in Fairview Park, OH. The practice focuses on Estate Planning and Probate. Derek has over 30 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Polito Burke Rodstrom Szep LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Derek N. Rodstrom earned his BA from Ohio Northern University and Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University. After practicing law for several years, Derek went on to earn a Master of Laws in Taxation from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. His primary areas of practice are estate planning (wills, trusts, powers-of-attorney) and estate settlement (probate and trust administration). Derek resides with his wife, Marie, and their three sons in Fairview Park, Ohio. He loves reading, running in the Cleveland Metroparks, and coaching middle school track.
Courts Frequented
• Cuyahoga County Probate Court
• Lorain County Probate Court
• Medina County Probate Court
Get to know Derek
Derek resides with his wife, Marie, and their three sons in Fairview Park, Ohio. He loves reading, running in the Cleveland Metroparks, and coaching middle school track.
Experience and Professional Associations
• WealthCounsel, LLC
• Former President, Ohio Forum of Estate Planning Attorneys
Derek's approach to estate planning cases
Derek N. Rodstrom earned his BA from Ohio Northern University and Juris Doctor from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University. After practicing law for several years, Derek went on to earn a Master of Laws in Taxation from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. His primary areas of practice are estate planning (wills, trusts, powers-of-attorney) and estate settlement…
Clients Derek works with
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning and probate matters in Fairview Park and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Derek N. Rodstrom's legal education and bar admissions
Case Western Reserve University
LL.M. Taxation · 2005
Ohio Northern University
B.A. · 1993
Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
U.S. Tax Court
2004 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1996 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at LL.M. Taxation in Case Western Reserve University and B.A. in Ohio Northern University.
Law school and academic background
Derek completed LL.M. Taxation in Case Western Reserve University and B.A. in Ohio Northern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derek runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Derek N. Rodstrom
Derek has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Derek N. Rodstrom's office in Fairview Park
Derek's primary office is at 21300 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, OH, 44126. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Polito Burke Rodstrom Szep LLP
21300 Lorain Road
Fairview Park, OH 44126
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Derek N. Rodstrom — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Derek. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Fairview Park.
5.0
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Derek N. Rodstrom claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Derek N. Rodstrom — 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 Derek usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Derek charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derek'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; Derek will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Fairview Park, Ohio
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 Derek
Derek 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. Derek confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Derek'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 Derek N. Rodstrom
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Derek walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Derek offer a free consultation?
Derek charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derek's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Ohio 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. Derek gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Derek take my case if I'm outside Fairview Park?
Derek is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Derek 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 Derek?
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. Derek will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Derek accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Derek'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 Fairview Park, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio
Derek handles estate planning matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in Ohio
If Derek's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Fairview Park handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





