How much does it cost to hire Howard for a elder law case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Howard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Howard offer a free consultation?

Howard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Howard's current terms during booking.

How long do elder law cases in Florida typically take?

Simple elder law 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. Howard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Howard take my case if I'm outside Clearwater?

Howard is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Howard 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 Howard?

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. Howard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Howard accepting new elder law clients right now?

Howard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Howard Pendleton Rives III, Elder Law Attorney

Quick answer

Howard Pendleton Rives III is a member based in Clearwater, FL. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. Howard has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rives & Rives, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Clearwater, FL
Experience: over 50 years
Known for: Elder Law · Estate Planning · General

Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General matters from Clearwater, FL.
Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Howard's practice areas in Clearwater

Howard concentrates on elder law, estate planning, general, probate, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Howard handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Elder Law cases in Clearwater, Florida

Howard takes elder law matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Howard agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Clearwater, Florida

Howard takes estate planning matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Howard agrees to represent you.

General cases in Clearwater, Florida

Howard takes general matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Howard agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Clearwater, Florida

Howard takes probate matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Howard agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Clearwater, Florida

Howard takes real estate matters in Clearwater, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Howard agrees to represent you.

Biography

Howard Pendleton Rives III, elder law attorney serving Clearwater

Howard Pendleton Rives III is a member based in Clearwater, FL. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and General. Howard has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Rives & Rives, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Howard works from Clearwater, Florida and takes on elder law matters across the region.

Mr. Howard Pendleton Rives III is a lawyer practicing real estate, wills, trust and probate and 4 other areas of law. Howard received a B.A. degree from University of the South in 1970, and has been licensed for 50 years. Howard practices at Rives & Rives, P.A. in Clearwater, FL.

How Howard handles elder law matters

Mr. Howard Pendleton Rives III is a lawyer practicing real estate, wills, trust and probate and 4 other areas of law. Howard received a B.A. degree from University of the South in 1970, and has been licensed for 50 years. Howard practices at Rives & Rives, P.A. in Clearwater, FL.

Who Howard represents

Howard reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and general matters in Clearwater and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Howard studied and practices

University of Florida
J.D. · 1976
University of the South
B.A. · 1970

Jurisdictions

Howard's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1978 · ACTIVE
Florida
1976 · ACTIVE

Howard studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of the South.

Law school and academic background

Howard completed J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in University of the South. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Howard runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Howard Pendleton Rives III's office in Clearwater

Howard's primary office is at 1265 S. Myrtle Ave., Clearwater, FL, 33756. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Rives & Rives, P.A.

1265 S. Myrtle Ave.

Clearwater, FL 33756

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Howard Pendleton Rives III — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Howard. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law attorneys in Clearwater.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Howard Pendleton Rives III claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Howard Pendleton Rives III — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Howard usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Howard charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard'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; Howard will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Clearwater, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law 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 Howard

Howard discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every elder law 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. Howard confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Howard's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Howard Pendleton Rives III

How much does it cost to hire Howard for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Howard walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Howard offer a free consultation?
Howard charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Howard's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Howard's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Florida typically take?
Simple elder law 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. Howard gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Howard take my case if I'm outside Clearwater?
Howard is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Howard 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 Howard?
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. Howard will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Howard accepting new elder law clients right now?
Howard's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by elder law attorneys like Howard Pendleton Rives III. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How Can I Protect My Mother’s Assets In Florida Nursing Home?
My mother just moved into a nursing home in Tampa, Florida, and we're worried about her savings being depleted for the care. She has around $100,000 in savings and owns a home. I r
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Florida
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I’m discussing healthcare decisions with my elderly aunt in Denver, Colorado, and I want her wishes documented through an advance directive. What do I need to know about creating o
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Colorado
How Can I Avoid Probate In Tennessee For My Parents’ Estate?
My parents passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, and I want to avoid the lengthy probate process for their estate. They had some assets but no will. What legal options do I have to
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Tennessee
What Are My Responsibilities As A Guardian In Texas?
I was recently appointed guardian for my elderly father who lives in Austin, Texas, after he developed dementia. I'm not sure about my legal obligations, especially concerning his
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Texas
What Legal Documents Do I Need For My Aging Parents In Virginia?
My parents live in Richmond, Virginia, and I want to get their legal affairs in order as they age. I know they need a will and other documents, but I’m unclear about what exactly i
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Virginia
How To Access Long-Term Care Services For Veterans In Louisiana?
My father is a veteran living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and he might need long-term care. I’m trying to navigate the benefits available to him as a veteran. How do I access these
1 verified answer · Elder Law · Louisiana

Areas served

Elder Law attorneys serving Clearwater, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Howard handles elder law matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.

Howard Pendleton Rives III, Elder Law Attorney in Clearwater, Florida

Quick answer