Tallahassee estate planning attorney Ben Patton manages McRae & Metcalf, P.A.’s estate planning, asset protection, and elder law division.
Legal Experience
Ben graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in political science and received his Juris Doctorate from the Florida State University College of Law. During law school, he clerked for the Honorable Judge Robert Wheeler and the Honorable Judge Kevin Carroll in the Florida Second Judicial Circuit. He was selected to participate in the prestigious Florida House of Representatives Legislative Internship Program, where he worked for the Judiciary Committee analyzing legislative policy. Ben also participated with the Children’s Advocacy Clinic at Florida State University, where he received a Pro Bono Service award. Ben has also been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a licensed Circuit Court Mediator.
Why Ben Believes in the Value of Comprehensive Estate Planning
For Ben, estate planning and ensuring your family are protected in their time of need is deeply personal. In 2020, his wife was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. At the time, Ben's sons were 5 and 2.
"To my embarrassment and shock, my family did not have an effective estate plan to deal with my wife's new illness, her incapacity, and what would happen in the event of her death," Ben said. "We still had hundreds of unanswered questions. What would happen to our children if something happened to me as well? How would I make enough money to care for my boys' health, education, and welfare? Who would be responsible for their temporary care? Who would be accountable and responsible for their permanent care? How could I leave a legacy for them to remember?"
During this daunting time, Ben became unrelenting in discovering how best to protect his family and plan effectively for their future. Now, he brings that passion to helping his clients ensure they are prepared for whatever the future may hold. "I care deeply about helping protect families from the perils that life inevitably presents," Ben said. "I am your partner in developing and crafting a plan that meets your family's needs. I am here for you to plan for what matters most, one step at a time. Fortunately, my wife has made a full recovery, we have a plan in place, and I am committed to helping you gain the peace and comfort that an effective estate plan brings."
Hobbies and Special Interests
Ben is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending time on the water with his wife and two sons.