Katharine Walter Payne
Phone: (941) 655-8970
Fax: (941) 655-8973
I grew up in a small southern West Virginia town before making Florida my home over 20 years ago. I relocated to Charlotte County less than two weeks before hurricane Charley visited the area in August of 2004.
My legal expertise and board certification is in Florida wills, trusts and estates. In addition to my legal degree, I have a Masters of Tax Law, allowing me to help clients navigate the complex and unique world of taxation as part of their estate planning.
Oftentimes, when a client is in need of my legal services it is at a very difficult time in their life. Whether it be for medical reasons, the death of a loved one or a family emergency, it is of utmost importance to me to offer a caring and compassionate touch while providing expert legal services. I have found that this can make all the difference in what may be an otherwise overwhelming and emotional experience.
Katharine Walter Payne
Whether you are looking into estate planning for the very first time, need changes to your existing plan or need help administering an estate after a loved one has passed, I would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to meet with and help you.
From a very young age it has been and still is my absolute passion to help people. I enjoy getting to know my clients, learning what matters most to them and then utilizing my knowledge and skill-set to help them accomplish their estate planning goals. I consider it an honor and privilege when a client entrusts me to come alongside them and help guide them and their loved ones through the probate or trust administration process.
Volunteer Work
Salvation Army Port Charlotte - Advisory Board Member
Valerie’s House - Former Valerie’s House Advisory Committee Member for Charlotte County
Former Member of the Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee
2006 Graduate of Leadership Charlotte program
Areas of Practice
Tax Planning and Taxation
Education
Fairmont State College, Fairmont, WV - BA - Summa Cum Laude
Florida State University College of Law, J.D., 2004 - Cum Laude
University of Florida - Masters of Tax Law, 2009
Professional Achievements
Florida Bar Board Certification - Wills, Trusts and Estates, 2014 (less than 1% of all Florida attorneys have achieved this certification. For more information click here).
Co-founder and previous Chair of the Charlotte County Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Division of the local Bar Association
Previously appointed by The Florida Bar President to The Florida Bar Probate Rules Committee
Fellow with The Florida Bar Leadership Academy