Our Firm
Attorney And Staff
Nydia Menéndez
Founder, Managing Partner
Nydia Menendez is the Managing and Founding Partner of the firm.
She is a highly experienced public speaker and estate attorney in Fort Lauderdale, focusing on issues related to estate planning, probate, tax, real estate, and corporate/business law. She is passionate about helping individuals and families plan their affairs so they can have a voice and be in control of their life choices.
Nydia obtained her law degree in 1992 from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and her Masters in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999. Before opening Menendez Law Firm in 2002, Nydia worked for the Florida Department of Revenue, Deloitte & Touche, and Holland & Knight.
When Nydia is not in the office, she is likely traveling, cooking, gardening, at the beach with Jayda (her Rottie), or at the farm with Ranger, a beautiful retired racehorse.
Nydia believes that the legal profession is one of nobility and advocacy. For this reason, she supports several organizations, such as Hispanic Unity, Meals on Wheels, World Vision, Feed the Hungry, Compassion International, and others.
Attorney & Staff
Nydia Menéndez
Partner
Nydia Menendez is the Managing and Founding Partner of the firm.
She is a highly experienced attorney and public speaker, focusing on issues related to estate planning, probate, tax, real estate, and corporate/business law. She is passionate about helping individuals and families plan their affairs so they can have a voice and be in control of their life choices. This is why she conducts free informative webinars regularly. (Visit our Home Page to view the webinar schedule.)
Ms. Menendez obtained her law degree in 1992 from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and her Masters in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999. Before opening Menendez Law Firm in 2002, Nydia worked for the Florida Department of Revenue, Deloitte & Touche, and Holland & Knight.
When Nydia is not in the office, she is likely travelling, cooking, gardening, or at the farm with Ranger, a beautiful retired racehorse.
Nydia believes that the legal profession is one of nobility and advocacy. For this reason, she supports several organizations, such as Legal Aid, Hispanic Unity, Broward County Bar Association, World Vision, Feed the Hungry, Compassion International, and others.
Claudia Moncarz
Of Counsel
Claudia Moncarz focuses her practice in representing both US-based and foreign clients. In terms of disciplines, her practice concentrates in tax planning for businesses, pre-immigration tax planning, and representation in front of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in audit and collection matters.
Claudia Moncarz has been a frequent speaker at workshops on topics including tax planning, representation in front of the IRS, doing business in the U.S., estate planning for nonresident aliens, asset protection and estate planning for nontraditional families. She has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and is AV Preeminent rated by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating available.
Claudia Moncarz also served as adjunct tax professor at Concordia University – Law School. She taught income taxation and corporate taxation.
Claudia Moncarz received her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Florida State University. She was awarded a Juris Doctor and an LLM in Taxation Law from the University of Florida. During her time in Gainesville, she served as graduate tax editor for the Florida Tax Review. Also, Claudia Moncarz was a research assistant for Professor Kenneth Nunn and completed an internship in Barcelona, Spain, performing comparative law works on the income tax area.
Claudia Moncarz is also fluent in Spanish.
Ana Lara
Client Services Coordinator
Ana is the Client Services Coordinator at the firm. Her extensive experience in administrative organization, analysis, reporting, process optimization, marketing, and coordinating teams is incredibly valuable. Her exposure to the legal profession since childhood ensures she can effectively apply her diverse skills to ensure our firm’s quality is maintained as we continue to grow.
After work hours, she enjoys time spent with her family, as well as reading. Ana’s greatest passion is her painting. Increased recognition following her first exhibition has been energizing, and she continues to grow in her artistic endeavors.
Rafael Contreras
Legal Services Coordinator
Rafael is the Legal Services Coordinator at the Menendez Law Firm.
Rafael is a Lawyer in Venezuela with a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management and extensive experience in Academic Research.
Rafael has years of legal experience, with emphasis on contracts, negotiations, customer service and organizational management, which clearly makes him an asset to the firm and our valued clients.
After work, Rafael likes to spend time with his family, practice recipes to enjoy with, and approved by, his daughter, and learn other languages.
Roxana Urdaneta
Paralegal
Meet Roxana, a dedicated lawyer with nearly 8 years of experience specializing in Labor Law. Alongside her role as a seasoned litigation attorney, Roxana has nurtured her passion for education by serving as a college professor.
Drawing from her extensive experience, Roxana brings a wealth of skills perfectly suited for the Legal Services Coordinator position at our firm. Her experience has honed her communication and customer service expertise, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction. As a former sole practitioner, Roxana's meticulous attention to detail guarantees the protection of clients' interests.
Outside of her legal endeavors, Roxana finds joy in quality time with her family, indulging in the pleasures of literature, and exploring her culinary skills in the kitchen. Additionally, she finds solace in nature, taking moments to appreciate its breathtaking beauty.
Kathi Marsh
In-House Audit Analyst
Ms. Marsh earned her Bachelors at Florida Atlantic University. After graduating, Ms. Marsh entered private practice before joining the Florida Department of Revenue. During her 35 year tenure with the Department, Ms. Marsh worked with all Florida taxes, focusing on Sales and Use Tax, Corporate Income Tax, and Re-Employment Tax, with various duties ranging from audits dispute resolution, including the creation and implementation of the Doubt as to Collectibility procedures, the Voluntary Disclosure procedures, review and resolution of protested tax audits and billings, and the analysis of pending legislation, as well as the final review of the Department’s implementation of tax law. After retiring from the Department, Ms. Marsh joined the Menendez Law Firm as an Audit Analyst.
Ana Lara
Client Services Manager
Ana is the Client Services Coordinator at the firm. Her extensive experience in administrative organization, analysis, reporting, process optimization, marketing, and coordinating teams is incredibly valuable. Her exposure to the legal profession since childhood ensures she can effectively apply her diverse skills to ensure our firm’s quality is maintained as we continue to grow.
Rafael Contreras
Legal Services Manager
Rafael is a Lawyer in Venezuela with a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management and extensive experience in Academic Research.
Rafael has years of legal experience, with emphasis on contracts, negotiations, customer service and organizational management, which clearly makes him an asset to the firm and our valued clients.
Roxana Urdaneta
Paralegal
Meet Roxana, a dedicated lawyer with nearly 8 years of experience specializing in Labor Law. Alongside her role as a seasoned litigation attorney, Roxana has nurtured her passion for education by serving as a college professor.
Drawing from her extensive experience, Roxana brings a wealth of skills perfectly suited for the Legal Services Coordinator position at our firm. Her experience has honed her communication and customer service expertise, ensuring exceptional client satisfaction. As a former sole practitioner, Roxana's meticulous attention to detail guarantees the protection of clients' interests.
Kathi Marsh
In-House Audit Analyst
Ms. Marsh earned her Bachelors at Florida Atlantic University. After graduating, Ms. Marsh entered private practice before joining the Florida Department of Revenue. During her 35 year tenure with the Department, Ms. Marsh worked with all Florida taxes, focusing on Sales and Use Tax, Corporate Income Tax, and Re-Employment Tax, with various duties ranging from audits dispute resolution, including the creation and implementation of the Doubt as to Collectibility procedures, the Voluntary Disclosure procedures, review and resolution of protested tax audits and billings, and the analysis of pending legislation, as well as the final review of the Department’s implementation of tax law. After retiring from the Department, Ms. Marsh joined the Menendez Law Firm as an Audit Analyst.
Team Member’s Spotlight
Team Member Spotlight – Nydia Menéndez is excited to announce that she just got a new puppy and it was love at first sight. She is a Rottweiler with a shinny black coat absolutely beautiful. Her name is Jada and since Nydia got her, she rushes home to spend time with her, she has become such an important and special member of the Menéndez Law Firm family.
Team Member Spotlight – Nydia Menéndez got a new four-legged love. His name is Ranger, a handsome retired race horse that she recently adopted. After a busy work week, Nydia enjoys quality time with Ranger. They understand and love each other unconditionally.
Download our Free Estate Planning Worksheet
There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Map
Our Clients
The Steede Family got their Estate Plan done at Menéndez Law Firm right on time for the holiday season.
The Navarro Family got their Estate Plan done at Menéndez Law Firm before the end of 2020.
Download our Free Estate Planning Worksheet
There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, and you may not always have access to an estate attorney in Fort Lauderdale. However, with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Map
Team Member’s Spotlight
Nydia Menéndez – Nydia Menéndez is excited to announce that she just got a new puppy and it was love at first sight. She is a Rottweiler with a shinny black coat absolutely beautiful. Her name is Jada and since Nydia got her, she rushes home to spend time with her, she has become such an important and special member of the Menéndez Law Firm family.
Nydia Menéndez – Nydia Menéndez got a new four-legged love. His name is Ranger, a handsome retired race horse that she recently adopted. After a busy work week, Nydia enjoys quality time with Ranger. They understand and love each other unconditionally.
Download our Free Estate Planning Worksheet
There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, and you may not always have access to an estate attorney in Fort Lauderdale. However, with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Map
Our Client's
The Steede Family got their Estate Plan done at Menéndez Law Firm right on time for the holiday season.
The Navarro Family got their Estate Plan done at Menéndez Law Firm before the end of 2020.
Download our Free Estate Planning Worksheet
There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Map
Firm News
During the past year, the Menéndez Law Firm team has been working hard to provide additional services to help you learn about Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning. This information can help you preserve your legacy and provide clarity to your loved ones when they need it most.
YouTube Videos
Click here to visit our YouTube channel. There you’ll find interesting stories about the estates of famous people like Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, Prince, and others. Plus our Estate Planning 101 series which will answer many of your questions about how to plan ahead. And if you think a Will is all you need, be sure to watch the Why Wills Won’t Work series.
Free Educational Webinars
Like the rest of the world, we’ve gone virtual. Attorney Nydia Menendez now presents educational webinars via Zoom, in both English and Spanish. For the date of our next webinar, visit our website –www.menendezlawfirm.com – and click on “Attend a Free Webinar” or “Únase a Seminario Web GRATIS” in the upper right corner of the page
Could You Give Us A Review Or A Referral?
Thank you for the privilege of serving your legal needs. Many clients find us online. Please click here to leave a review. Your comments may help someone feel comfortable enough to call and schedule an appointment. And if you know anyone we can help, just as we helped you, please give them our contact information or reach out to us so that we can be in touch with your friend, family member, colleague, etc. We will be deeply grateful.
Expanded Staff And Fun Times
Check out the “Our Firm” tab on our website, for photos and bios of new team members, and to see some of the fun times we’ve had internally and with clients. One of our greatest joys is hearing from past clients. Feel free to reply to this email and let us know how you’re doing.
All the best,
Menéndez Law Firm
Download our Free Estate Planning Worksheet
There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Map
Community Involvement
The firm’s founding partner, Nydia Menéndez, serves the south Florida and national communities in many ways, including those listed below. The common thread in these organizations is their commitment to public service and giving back, principles deeply rooted in the firm’s beliefs.
A Commitment To Public Service
Legal Aid Service of Broward County’s mission is to provide high-quality free civil legal advice, representation and education to the disadvantaged of Broward County so as to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of the low-income community and encourage self-sufficiency. Board member for seven years with extensive committee involvement, including Executive Committee including Past Board chair.
Hispanic Unity of Florida’s mission is empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive and civically engaged. Involved since 2003 and Board Member for 11 years including Past Board Chair as well as multiple committee memberships.
Hispanic Unity of Florida’s mission is empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive and civically engaged. Involved since 2003 and Board Member for 11 years including Past Board Chair as well as multiple committee memberships.
National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW)
NACOPRW provides training, mentorship and leadership development at the local and national level through workshops and institutes during the annual convention, and through chapter programs. We preserve our Puerto Rican and Latino heritage through cultural activities and events. Involved since 2004, earned the Woman of the Year, Miami Chapter award in 2009.
Firm’s Membership & Affiliations
Member since 1999. Areas of practice include Estate Planning, Tax and Commercial and Residential Real Estate. Member of the Speakers Bureau and Voluntary Bar Association Member
PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
Founded in 2003. Founding member and Past Board President. Created and developed the scholarship fund to promote diversity in the Legal profession by providing financial awards to Puerto Rican & Latinos.
PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
Created more than 45 years ago to foster Biblical standards of conduct among attorneys in Broward. Member since 2012 and Board President since 2018.
Established in 2016, the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar takes an active role in informing Florida Bar members and the public of developments in case law, proposed legislative changes, and other relevant issues in animal law. Member since 2021.
The Estate Planning Council of Broward County is an organization of qualified professionals from Broward County and the surrounding region who work in the area of estate planning. Member since 2018 and current Board member.
The Broward County Bar Association, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1925 to foster courtesy, ethics, and professionalism among Broward County lawyers, to educate the citizens of Broward County on their legal rights, and to provide necessary legal services to Broward County’s residents. Member since 1999.
The Estate Planning Council of Broward County is an organization of qualified professionals from Broward County and the surrounding region who work in the area of estate planning. Member since 2018 and current Board member.
The mission of BNI is to help Members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals. Member since 2020.
Our mission is to be a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders to implement positive change, and a champion for a strong community. Member since 2020.
Download our Free Estate Planning Worksheet
There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Map
Community Involvement
The firm’s founding partner, Nydia Menéndez, serves the south Florida and national communities in many ways, including those listed below. The common thread in these organizations is their commitment to public service and giving back, principles deeply rooted in the firm’s beliefs.
A Commitment To Public Service
Legal Aid Service of Broward County’s mission is to provide high-quality free civil legal advice, representation and education to the disadvantaged of Broward County so as to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of the low-income community and encourage self-sufficiency. Board member for seven years with extensive committee involvement, including Executive Committee including Past Board chair.
Hispanic Unity of Florida’s mission is empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive and civically engaged. Involved since 2003 and Board Member for 11 years including Past Board Chair as well as multiple committee memberships.
Hispanic Unity of Florida’s mission is empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive and civically engaged. Involved since 2003 and Board Member for 11 years including Past Board Chair as well as multiple committee memberships.
National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW)
NACOPRW provides training, mentorship and leadership development at the local and national level through workshops and institutes during the annual convention, and through chapter programs. We preserve our Puerto Rican and Latino heritage through cultural activities and events. Involved since 2004, earned the Woman of the Year, Miami Chapter award in 2009.
Firm’s Membership & Affiliations
Member since 1999. Areas of practice include Estate Planning, Tax and Commercial and Residential Real Estate. Member of the Speakers Bureau and Voluntary Bar Association Member
PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
Founded in 2003. Founding member and Past Board President. Created and developed the scholarship fund to promote diversity in the Legal profession by providing financial awards to Puerto Rican & Latinos.
PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
Created more than 45 years ago to foster Biblical standards of conduct among attorneys in Broward. Member since 2012 and Board President since 2018.
Established in 2016, the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar takes an active role in informing Florida Bar members and the public of developments in case law, proposed legislative changes, and other relevant issues in animal law. Member since 2021.
The Estate Planning Council of Broward County is an organization of qualified professionals from Broward County and the surrounding region who work in the area of estate planning. Member since 2018 and current Board member.
The Broward County Bar Association, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1925 to foster courtesy, ethics, and professionalism among Broward County lawyers, to educate the citizens of Broward County on their legal rights, and to provide necessary legal services to Broward County’s residents. Member since 1999.
The Estate Planning Council of Broward County is an organization of qualified professionals from Broward County and the surrounding region who work in the area of estate planning. Member since 2018 and current Board member.
The mission of BNI is to help Members increase their business through a structured, positive and professional referral marketing program that enables them to develop long term, meaningful relationships with quality business professionals. Member since 2020.
Our mission is to be a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders to implement positive change, and a champion for a strong community. Member since 2020.
Download our Free Estate Planning Worksheet
There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, but with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Map
Community Involvement
A Commitment To Public Service
The firm’s founding partner, Nydia Menéndez, serves the south Florida and national communities in many ways, including those listed below. The common thread in these organizations is their commitment to public service and giving back, principles deeply rooted in the firm’s beliefs.
Legal Aid Service of Broward County’s mission is to provide high-quality free civil legal advice, representation and education to the disadvantaged of Broward County so as to improve the lifestyle and living conditions of the low-income community and encourage self-sufficiency. Board member for seven years with extensive committee involvement, including Executive Committee including Past Board chair.
Hispanic Unity of Florida’s mission is empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive and civically engaged. Involved since 2003 and Board Member for 11 years including Past Board Chair as well as multiple committee memberships.
Hispanic Unity of Florida’s mission is empowering immigrants and others to become self-sufficient, productive and civically engaged. Involved since 2003 and Board Member for 11 years including Past Board Chair as well as multiple committee memberships.
National Conference of Puerto Rican Women (NACOPRW)
NACOPRW provides training, mentorship and leadership development at the local and national level through workshops and institutes during the annual convention, and through chapter programs. We preserve our Puerto Rican and Latino heritage through cultural activities and events. Involved since 2004, earned the Woman of the Year, Miami Chapter award in 2009.
Firm’s Membership & Affiliations
Member since 1999. Areas of practice include Estate Planning, Tax and Commercial and Residential Real Estate. Member of the Speakers Bureau and Voluntary Bar Association Member
PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
Founded in 2003. Founding member and Past Board President. Created and developed the scholarship fund to promote diversity in the Legal profession by providing financial awards to Puerto Rican & Latinos.
PUERTO RICAN BAR ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
Created more than 45 years ago to foster Biblical standards of conduct among attorneys in Broward. Member since 2012 and Board President since 2018.
Established in 2016, the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar takes an active role in informing Florida Bar members and the public of developments in case law, proposed legislative changes, and other relevant issues in animal law. Member since 2021.
The Estate Planning Council of Broward County is an organization of qualified professionals from Broward County and the surrounding region who work in the area of estate planning. Member since 2018 and current Board member.
The Broward County Bar Association, a not-for-profit organization, was founded in 1925 to foster courtesy, ethics, and professionalism among Broward County lawyers, to educate the citizens of Broward County on their legal rights, and to provide necessary legal services to Broward County’s residents. Member since 1999.
Download our Free Estate Planning Worksheet
There's a lot that goes into setting up a comprehensive estate plan, and you may not always have access to an estate attorney in Fort Lauderdale. However, with our FREE worksheet, you'll be one step closer to getting yourself and your family on the path to a secure and happy future.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Office Hours
Monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
