Lawyer of Firm Description

About Hill & Bondani, PLLC — Estate Planning Ponte Vedra Beach Attorneys

Hill & Bondani, PLLC is an estate planning Ponte Vedra firm located at 2106 Sawgrass Village Drive in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The firm has served Northeast Florida families since 1981, building a practice that emphasizes honest assessments, fair pricing, and direct attorney access. Attorney Chris Bondani leads the estate planning, tax, probate, and trust administration work for clients across St. Johns County, Duval County, and the greater Jacksonville area. For additional options, the Ponte Vedra Beach attorney directory lists local firms.

The firm’s estate planning practice drafts wills, revocable trusts, and complex multi-generational plans tailored to family circumstances. In addition, Hill & Bondani frequently assists new Florida residents relocating from other states who need to revise wills and trusts to comply with Florida law. This is a common need along the St. Johns County coast, where retirement migration drives steady demand for updated estate documents. The firm also represents executors in contested and complex estates.

What Clients Say

Clients describe Chris Bondani as knowledgeable, responsive, and willing to explain complex topics in accessible terms. Reviewers highlight quick resolution of urgent IRS matters, sometimes addressed the same day they arise. Several families who have worked with the firm across multiple matters—estate planning, tax issues, and real estate—describe a steady, consistent relationship. The 1981 founding date itself reflects the firm’s durability in the Ponte Vedra market.

Estate Planning Ponte Vedra — Practice Areas & Services

Wills, revocable trusts, and complex multi-generational estate plans
Probate and trust administration in St. Johns and Duval County courts
IRS audit representation and tax controversy resolution
Asset protection planning for Florida residents
Corporate governance and business entity formation
Estate plan updates for new Florida residents from other states

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between formal and summary estate planning in Florida?

Florida law recognizes two probate types. Formal administration applies when estate value exceeds $75,000, while summary administration handles smaller estates. For example, a Ponte Vedra homeowner’s estate will typically require formal administration given local property values. Specifically, a proactive estate plan with a funded revocable trust can avoid probate entirely.

Do I need to update my estate plan after moving to Florida?

Yes, in most cases. Florida homestead laws, witness requirements, and the new 1,000-year trust duration rule from Senate Bill 1368 all differ from other states. However, an out-of-state will may still be valid if properly executed. A local estate planning Ponte Vedra attorney can review existing documents and identify needed updates.

Where is probate handled in St. Johns County?

St. Johns County probate cases are handled by the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court, with proceedings at the courthouse in St. Augustine. In addition, Florida has seen over 140,000 probate filings statewide each year. Local counsel familiar with St. Johns County probate procedures can reduce delays during administration.

Quick Facts: Estate Planning in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

Florida probate volume: Approximately 146,763 probate filings statewide in 2023-2024 — Florida Courts Statistics
Florida estate tax: Florida has no state estate or inheritance tax — Florida Department of Revenue
Trust duration rule: Florida now allows trusts to last up to 1,000 years under SB 1368 — Florida Statutes

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Hill & Bondani, PLLC, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is highly regarded as a premier Tax Attorney, Estate Planning Attorney, and Real Estate Attorney. Clients consistently praise Chris Bondani for his exceptional knowledge, responsiveness, and genuine care, often noting how he simplifies complex legal matters and provides clear guidance throughout the process. With a reputation for honesty and professionalism, many reviewers express their strong recommendations, highlighting their positive experiences and the trust they have in Chris and his team.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Mr Bondani was extremely helpful and informative about our situation. I would definitely recommend him when you need legal advice. Phyllis, his assistant was also a sweetheart and helpful.

Great man with so much personality, great lawyer who tells you the truth nothing else i enjoyed working with Chris. you will not regret working with him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! **SMILES**

I recently had the privilege of working with Chris to resolve a legal issue that my small business faced. I was genuinely inspired by their unwavering dedication to achieving a positive outcome. Throughout the entire process, Chris and his team demonstrated a level of responsiveness, knowledge, and communication that was truly exceptional. They took the time to understand the intricacies of my case truly, provided me with clear guidance and support, and worked tirelessly to ensure my needs were met. Their commitment to excellence and unwavering professionalism serve as a true inspiration, and I highly recommend Chris Bondani’s law firm to anyone in need of legal assistance. Thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication to achieving an equitable solution.

I had the pleasure of working with Chris during an IRS audit, and the experience was exceptional. He provided expert guidance, demonstrating a deep understanding of tax law and IRS procedures. Chris was not only professional and responsive but also supportive and compassionate throughout the process. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence, making a challenging situation more manageable. I highly recommend Hill & Bondani to anyone in need of IRS audit assistance – a truly outstanding attorney.

Chris Bondani has been my families attorney for over ten years and has consistently proven to be competent in all legal matters. I would highly recommend his services in any legal matter. Thank you Chris for all your help.

Was referred to Chris for estate planning and he came highly recommended. He didn’t disappoint! Chris was extremely thorough and he fees are reasonable and customary. Most of all, I got a good feeling working with him…he is the real deal. Highly recommend.

I highly recommend working with Chris. I had some concerns about our family estate and needed help navigating my situation. Chris listened to my concerns, analyzed my situation, and explained everything in detail. I felt at ease during the whole process and wasn’t overwhelmed. I look forward to working with him in the future.

So I was in immediate need of tax law questions and action taken rather immediately also. Mr. Bondani replied within an hour of my first email requesting an appointment. Mr. Bondani emailed me back and said he would call later that same day with his schedule to assist me. But what he actually did was call as promised and he actually handled all my IRS concerns over the phone, AWESOME.

Chris Bondani was a tremendous help while I was serving as Executor of an estate that turned contentious. His wise counsel and steady hand helped me see things through where everything was settled to the letter of the law and the intent of the Will/Trust. I strongly recommend him.

Chris helped me establish a new business and complete the appropriate tax forms. I wouldn’t have had the slightest idea what to do without him and he went above and beyond what I had expected. I couldn’t have done it without him. He’s been a helpful resource for many years now.

Chris Bondani was an amazing help when dealing with the responsibilities of being an executor of my fathers estate. I couldn’t have done it without his guidance, knowledge and genuine concern. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone going through similar situation.

We received so much help from Chris Bondani! He was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly honest! I seriously can not recommend him enough. If you need someone who is not going to waste your time and your money, HIGHLY RECOMMEND Chris! Thank you, thank you!! We will always refer family & friends to you when needed!

Chris Bondani assisted me and my family with our transition from Illinois to Florida with revising our trusts and wills. Additionally, he provided assistance with a home transaction and my Mom’s trust. He is incredibly responsive, explains options in layman’s terms, is incredibly knowledgeable and a a real pleasure to work with these matters. Chris instills a sense of trust and is incredibly personable. We highly recommend Chris!

If you or anyone you know needs any Legal help do not think twice about using Chris Bondani. This man is amazing at what he does and helped me out on several different occasions with great results. To say I’m satisfied with his services would be an understatement. Thank you so much Hill & Bondani!!!!!!!!

Very knowledgeable and informative.