How much does it cost to hire Susan for a chapter 13 case?

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

Does Susan offer a free consultation?

Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some chapter 13 attorneys offer free consults — check Susan's current terms during booking.

How long do chapter 13 cases in Florida typically take?

Simple chapter 13 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. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Fort Myers?

Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?

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

Is Susan accepting new chapter 13 clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Susan McLaughlin, Chapter 13 Attorney in Fort Myers, Florida

Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Chapter 13, Estate Planning, and HOA · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Co-Founder and PartneratPavese Law Firm

Fort Myers, FL

Practicing chapter 13 in Fort Myers since 1976.

50+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Chapter 13 Estate Planning HOA Insurance Litigation Probate +4 more →

Are you Susan McLaughlin?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Susan McLaughlin is a co-founder and partner based in Fort Myers, FL. The practice focuses on Chapter 13, Estate Planning, and HOA. Susan has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pavese Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Fort Myers, FL
Experience: over 50 years
Known for: Chapter 13 · Estate Planning · HOA

Handles Chapter 13, Estate Planning, and HOA matters from Fort Myers, FL.
Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Susan McLaughlin

Susan concentrates on chapter 13, estate planning, hoa, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Susan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Chapter 13 cases in Fort Myers, Florida

Susan takes chapter 13 matters in Fort Myers, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Fort Myers, Florida

Susan takes estate planning matters in Fort Myers, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

HOA cases in Fort Myers, Florida

Susan takes hoa matters in Fort Myers, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Insurance cases in Fort Myers, Florida

Susan takes insurance matters in Fort Myers, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Fort Myers, Florida

Susan takes litigation matters in Fort Myers, 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 Susan agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Susan McLaughlin — Over 50 years of Florida chapter 13 experience

Susan McLaughlin is a lawyer practicing probate & trust, civil litigation, condominium law and 7 other areas of law. Susan received a B.S. degree from New York University in 1974, and has been licensed for 50 years. Susan practices at Pavese Law Firm in Fort Myers, FL.

How Susan handles chapter 13 matters

Who Susan represents

Susan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for chapter 13, estate planning, and hoa matters in Fort Myers and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Susan McLaughlin's legal education and bar admissions

Villanova University Law School
J.D. · 1976
New York University
B.S. · 1974

Jurisdictions

Susan's state bar admissions

Florida
2001 · ACTIVE
New York (Inactive)
1988 · ACTIVE
New Jersey (Inactive
1983 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania (Inacti
1976 · ACTIVE

Susan studied at J.D. in Villanova University Law School and B.S. in New York University.

Law school and academic background

Susan completed J.D. in Villanova University Law School and B.S. in New York University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Susan runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Susan McLaughlin

Susan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Susan's professional memberships and bar associations

The Florida Bar
membership

Locations

Susan McLaughlin's office in Fort Myers

Susan's primary office is at 1833 Hendry St., Fort Myers, FL, 33901. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Pavese Law Firm

1833 Hendry St.

Fort Myers, FL 33901

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Susan McLaughlin — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Susan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing chapter 13 attorneys in Fort Myers.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Susan McLaughlin claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Susan McLaughlin — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new chapter 13 attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Susan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a chapter 13 attorney in Fort Myers, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many chapter 13 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 Susan

Susan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in chapter 13 practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every chapter 13 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. Susan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Susan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many chapter 13 practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Susan McLaughlin

How much does it cost to hire Susan for a chapter 13 case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Susan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Susan offer a free consultation?
Susan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Susan's office. Some chapter 13 attorneys offer free consults — check Susan's current terms during booking.
How long do chapter 13 cases in Florida typically take?
Simple chapter 13 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. Susan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Susan take my case if I'm outside Fort Myers?
Susan 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 — Susan 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 Susan?
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. Susan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Susan accepting new chapter 13 clients right now?
Susan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Chapter 13 attorneys serving Fort Myers, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Susan handles chapter 13 matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified chapter 13 attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Susan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these chapter 13 attorneys in Fort Myers handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.