Estate planning, probate & elder law in Fort Lauderdale

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Business lawRunning a business in South Florida means decisions that carry real weight. John Clarke is the steady counsel behind the formation, contracts, and succession choices that keep your company protected and pointed in the right direction.
Most business problems are far cheaper to prevent than to fix. John gets the foundation right early, the entity, the agreements, the contracts, so your business is built to last and to weather a dispute.

Three steps, from first formation to long-term succession, with one attorney who knows your business throughout.
What you do, who you work with, and where the risk really sits. Good counsel starts with understanding how your company actually runs.
The right entity, clear operating agreements, and contracts that hold up. The groundwork that keeps small disagreements from becoming lawsuits.
As the business changes, John is there for new contracts, partner changes, disputes, and eventually a clean succession or sale.
John Clarke has helped numerous clients achieve success and preserve their assets through tailored business planning and protective structures. Here is how we can help.
Schedule a free consultationWe help you choose the most appropriate legal structure (a limited liability company, S corporation, C corporation, or limited partnership) based on your goals, tax situation, and liability concerns. Choosing the right entity for your situation is one of the most important factors in a business's success. The formation, management, and third-party liability of these entities are governed by the Florida statutes, including Chapter 605 (Limited Liability Company Act), Chapter 607 (Business Corporation Act), and Chapter 620 (partnership laws).
John Clarke has helped dozens of clients structure their businesses for maximum efficiency, profit, and protection from liability. Learn more about John, or schedule a consultation to talk through your business.
Rated 5.0 across 55 verified reviews on Avvo, Google & Thumbtack
“John was very knowledgeable and helpful in giving advice on the handling of my father's estate. He provided a step-by-step course of action to probate the estate. I would definitely recommend him.”
Nat L.
Probate · via Thumbtack
Jan 2026
“I am pleased to share my highest recommendation for Clarke Law PA. From our very first interaction, John demonstrated a deep understanding of the law, communicated clearly, and gave guidance that was both practical and strategic for my needs. Every question was answered promptly, and I always felt fully informed and supported.”
Heleven M.
Estate planning · via Thumbtack
Dec 2025
“I am very impressed by John Clarke's skills as a lawyer and advocate. He helped me plan my estate and helped my father qualify for Medicaid long-term care. He was knowledgeable, caring, and very efficient. I would definitely use Mr. Clarke again.”
Drew H.
Elder law & Medicaid · via Thumbtack
Apr 2019
Practical answers for business owners.
Small and mid-size Florida businesses, owners, and professionals. If you run the company or own a piece of it, John can be the lawyer in your corner.
It depends on your goals, your taxes, and your risk. John explains the trade-offs in plain language and helps you pick the structure that actually fits your business.
Yes, and it is usually money well spent. A short review now can save you from a clause that costs you dearly later. John drafts contracts too.
It is the agreement that decides what happens to an owner's share if they leave, die, or want out. If you have a partner, you want one in place before you ever need it.
Yes. When a deal or a partnership goes sideways, John works toward a practical resolution and protects your interests, in or out of court.
Yes. You work with John himself, not a call center or a junior associate, from the first call onward.
Florida's new Digital Bill of Rights, effective July 1, 2024, expands data privacy protections and requires businesses to implement privacy policies.
Read articleComparing C corporations, S corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships in Florida on liability protection, taxation, management, and administrative requirements.
Read articlePhilip Seymour Hoffman left his entire estate outright to his unmarried partner and turned down trusts for his children. Here is what that teaches unmarried couples and blended families in Florida.
Read articleHeath Ledger signed his will two years before his daughter was born and never updated it, so she was left out entirely. Here is why keeping your will current matters, and how Florida law handles it.
Read articleRobin Williams had a sophisticated estate plan, yet his family still ended up in court fighting over his watches and memorabilia, because it never spelled out his personal property. Here is how to avoid that in Florida.
Read articleAretha Franklin left two conflicting handwritten wills, one found in a couch cushion, and it took a jury trial to sort out. Here is why a homemade will can be worse than no plan at all, especially in Florida.
Read articleBrowse all business law articlesTalk to John about your entity, your contracts, or a deal on the table. The first consultation is free, with straight answers and no runaround.
✓ Free, no-obligation consultation
No call center and no junior associate. You reach John directly. The first consultation is free, and there is no obligation.

Serving clients across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.