Your Advocates

Name: Your Advocates | Fort Myers Lawyer | Fort Myers Attorney
Uploaded: 2026-02-13T15:26:50+00:00
Description: At Your Advocates, we provide the skilled leadership, commitment, and dedication you deserve in order to work toward a satisfactory result to your case.

Helping You Navigate the Complexities of the Law

Experienced Fort Myers Attorneys

Real Estate, Estate Planning, Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Lee County

When you need legal assistance in Florida, you want a firm you can rely on. Your Advocates is not intimidated by any roadblocks which might present themselves in your case. We are focused on each client’s happiness. As Your Advocates, we understand the unique demographics of Southwest Florida and can best serve individuals here. If you choose to work with us, we will do all that we can to get you the outcome you are seeking. We don’t just want to meet your expectations, we want to exceed them. We focus on serving our clients with honor and integrity. We don’t just want to skim the surface of your case.

We can provide solid legal counsel and advocacy in a range of matters, including:

You Deserve Guidance From A Skilled Fort Myers Lawyer

We are dedicated advocates who will dive in and become your personal adviser and partner throughout the duration of your legal endeavor, whether you have suffered an injury or are facing the probate process. Contact us today at
(239) 970-6844 to schedule a free consultation today. Se habla español.

Practice Areas

Helping You Successfully Navigate Your Legal Case

Malpractice

Personal Injury

Wills, Trusts & Estates

Real Estate Law

Workers' Compensation

Family Law

A Firm You Can Rely On

What to Expect With Our Firm on Your Side?

Over 70 Years of Combined Legal Experience

For more than 70 years, we have been providing our clients with trustworthy and knowledgeable legal counsel for a wide variety of legal matters.

24/7 Availability

Our attorneys understand the emotional turmoil that an injury matter can have on someone. For this reason, we make ourselves available when you need us most.

Dedicated & Caring Service

At Your Advocates, you will never be treated as just a number. Whether your case is monetarily small or large - you will receive the customized and personalized attention that you deserve.

One-On-One Attention

As Your Advocates, we ensure that we are actively involved in communicating with you from start to finish. This communication allows us to come up with a customized solution that best fits your goals.

Meet Your Guides

With You Every Step of The Way

William M. Powell, Esq.

Partner

Rita M. Jackman

Partner

Richard M. Ricciardi, Jr.

Partner

Mellany Marquez-Kelly

Partner

Diana Castrillon

Partner

Megan Hickey

Attorney

Combining Our Efforts To Produce The Best Results

At Your Advocates, we provide the skilled leadership, commitment, and dedication you deserve in order to work toward a satisfactory result to your case. We will put in the hours and effort it takes to arrive at your desired destination. Our team has over 70 years of combined experience and has developed a unique strategy to accomplish your goals. Each attorney at our firm has a niche area of law upon which we place our focus. When you call our firm, we will set you up with an experienced attorney in Ft. Myers who has detailed knowledge in the area of law with which you need assistance. This way, you can rest assured that you are working with an educated attorney who truly understands the nature of your case.

Our team won't rest until you are satisfied with the results of your case.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Reviews & Testimonials

At Your Advocates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

“I found her to be very professional, easy to work with and will definitely recommend her to others.”

I have consulted with Rita on two separate occasions for guidance and advice as an employee who has had to navigate corporate non-compete agreements in order to maintain a clear path for future endeavors. Rita was able to answer my questions, educate me on my options and provide solid feedback and revisions to relevant documents. I found her to be very professional, easy to work with and will definitely recommend her to others.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I gather before acting on a real estate issue?

Notices, contracts, messages, payment records, photos, and a short timeline usually help most.

?Why do real estate topics connect to several other pages?

Property issues often overlap with contracts, title questions, possession problems, deadlines, and money exposure.

?What is the most useful next step after reading this page?

Continue into the page that best matches the notice, dispute, timing issue, or property question involved.

?What should I review after this page?

Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.

?Why are related pages important here?

Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.

- Greg

“I absolutely would recommend this practice to anyone needing help and support legally.”

What a wonderful group of people. Rita Jackman is amazing and helpful. My divorce was quick and easy. I absolutely would recommend this practice to anyone needing help and support legally. Thank you.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I gather before acting on a real estate issue?

Notices, contracts, messages, payment records, photos, and a short timeline usually help most.

?Why do real estate topics connect to several other pages?

Property issues often overlap with contracts, title questions, possession problems, deadlines, and money exposure.

?What is the most useful next step after reading this page?

Continue into the page that best matches the notice, dispute, timing issue, or property question involved.

?What should I review after this page?

Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.

?Why are related pages important here?

Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.

- Bobbi T.

“Great price, very professional.”
Great price, very professional.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I gather before acting on a real estate issue?

Notices, contracts, messages, payment records, photos, and a short timeline usually help most.

?Why do real estate topics connect to several other pages?

Property issues often overlap with contracts, title questions, possession problems, deadlines, and money exposure.

?What is the most useful next step after reading this page?

Continue into the page that best matches the notice, dispute, timing issue, or property question involved.

?What should I review after this page?

Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.

?Why are related pages important here?

Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.

- Former Client

“He helped make a very stressful situation manageable.”

I had to find an attorney to help me navigate the legal issues involved in selling my Mom’s house without a realtor. Mr. Riccardi was knowledgeable, helpful, available, and reasonable. He helped make a very stressful situation manageable. I appreciate all the help he and his staff gave me. Thanks, guys!!!

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I gather before acting on a real estate issue?

Notices, contracts, messages, payment records, photos, and a short timeline usually help most.

?Why do real estate topics connect to several other pages?

Property issues often overlap with contracts, title questions, possession problems, deadlines, and money exposure.

?What is the most useful next step after reading this page?

Continue into the page that best matches the notice, dispute, timing issue, or property question involved.

?What should I review after this page?

Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.

?Why are related pages important here?

Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.

- Lori T.

“All about the client.”

The best as well as the smartest decision I ever made. Rita Jackman and her team took on big insurance and got results. All about the client. Always available for me, any questions I needed answers. Did what was best for me, not themselves. Treated me with respect always had my family’s best interest in mind at all times. Never gave up and fought for my family. I recommend them to any family or friends.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I gather before acting on a real estate issue?

Notices, contracts, messages, payment records, photos, and a short timeline usually help most.

?Why do real estate topics connect to several other pages?

Property issues often overlap with contracts, title questions, possession problems, deadlines, and money exposure.

?What is the most useful next step after reading this page?

Continue into the page that best matches the notice, dispute, timing issue, or property question involved.

?What should I review after this page?

Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.

?Why are related pages important here?

Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.

- Michael B.

“Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did.”

Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did. Thanks for making a nervous process easier to handle!! Take care!

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I gather before acting on a real estate issue?

Notices, contracts, messages, payment records, photos, and a short timeline usually help most.

?Why do real estate topics connect to several other pages?

Property issues often overlap with contracts, title questions, possession problems, deadlines, and money exposure.

?What is the most useful next step after reading this page?

Continue into the page that best matches the notice, dispute, timing issue, or property question involved.

?What should I review after this page?

Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.

?Why are related pages important here?

Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.

- Mark Z.

“I placed my full trust in Rita and she delivered above and beyond.”

Highly recommend Rita Jackman! She was extremely helpful during one of the most stressful and confusing times. Never once did I have to worry about how to handle the next steps as she and her team kept proactive and helpful communication throughout the entire post-accident process. I placed my full trust in Rita and she delivered above and beyond. I will always be grateful for her and her team. Having the representation of Rita means that you are in fully capable hands. I was able to take care of my injuries, relax, and let her focus on the hard part! THANK YOU x1000! You will not go wrong with her representation.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I gather before acting on a real estate issue?

Notices, contracts, messages, payment records, photos, and a short timeline usually help most.

?Why do real estate topics connect to several other pages?

Property issues often overlap with contracts, title questions, possession problems, deadlines, and money exposure.

?What is the most useful next step after reading this page?

Continue into the page that best matches the notice, dispute, timing issue, or property question involved.

?What should I review after this page?

Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.

?Why are related pages important here?

Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.

- Emily

“She has earned our loyal business.”

We were introduced to Rita Jackman by a friend over one year ago and she has represented us now 4-5 times. We just went through a lengthy litigation and I could not tell you how pleased I am that we chose her. She has earned our loyal business.

Common questions

Here are a few practical questions related to this page.

?What should I gather before acting on a real estate issue?

Notices, contracts, messages, payment records, photos, and a short timeline usually help most.

?Why do real estate topics connect to several other pages?

Property issues often overlap with contracts, title questions, possession problems, deadlines, and money exposure.

?What is the most useful next step after reading this page?

Continue into the page that best matches the notice, dispute, timing issue, or property question involved.

?What should I review after this page?

Continue into the most relevant guide, support page, or related service page based on your next question.

?Why are related pages important here?

Because they help narrow the issue and make the next step more practical.

- Williamson Brothers

CUSTOMIZED ATTENTION & GUIDANCE FOR EACH CLIENT

Your Advocates wants you to feel valued and appreciated. If we take on your case, you will work directly with your assigned attorney. All of our lawyers are easily accessible and we put an extreme emphasis on satisfactory client experience. We want you to know that we are here to address your specific needs. We won’t push you into a one-size-fits-all case solution. We’ll talk with you and develop a course of action that works best for your situation.

Call us at (239) 970-6844 today to set up a free phone or in-person consultation! Se habla español.

Proudly Serving Clients in Fort Myers, FL

Areas We Serve

Your Advocates is proud to serve Fort Myers, Florida and other surrounding areas.

Contact Us Today

We’re Ready to Help

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

$53,000,000 Structured Settlement

Child Severe Brain Damage - Medical Malpractice

Anesthesiology and pediatric gastroenterology, brain damage. A very concerned mother scheduled her 9 year old daughter for a gastroenterology endoscopic exam.

$3,000,000 Settlement

Child Brain Injury - Medical Malpractice

Nursing care, child brain injury. A young child suffering from numerous medical problems including neurological and physical injuries with partial paralysis received home nursing care assistance.

$1,900,000 Settlement

Death of Leg from Over-Radiation

An active gentleman in his late 40’s was discovered to have a cancerous tumor in his thigh.

$750,000 Settlement

Default & Summary Judgment Urology Negligence

A young woman whose urologist advised her that she had bladder cancer after removing a small tissue sample from her bladder.

$500,000 Settlement

Semi-truck Accident - Personal Injury

A mid-age man was traveling to work when he failed to observe a semi-truck coming into his lane of travel.

Blog

Stay Updated

Want all the latest news or updates? Browse through our blog to read our most recent posts and featured articles.

Mar 15, 2026

Eviction Lawyer Fort Myers FL

Jan 28, 2026

Updating Your Estate Plan Post-Legislation Change

Jan 28, 2026

Protecting Digital Assets in Estate Planning

Estate Planning Questions

What are the benefits of using a professional estate planning service in Fort Myers?

Working with a professional estate planning attorney helps ensure that important documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are legally valid and tailored to your specific needs. An experienced attorney can guide you through complex decisions about asset distribution, tax considerations, and long-term family planning. For individuals and families in Fort Myers and throughout Florida, professional estate planning also helps prevent costly mistakes and can make the process of transferring assets to loved ones smoother and more efficient.

What is the purpose of a living trust in Florida?

Under Florida law, self-proving wills can be used for estate planning. A self-proving will is the same as a regular will, but it includes a page signed by the witnesses. The purpose of this page is to show that the witnesses attest to the soundness of mind of the testator. The page and signatures are then accepted as proof of the testator’s signature and state of mind, rather than having to obtain this testimony upon the death of the testator.

Personal Injury Questions

What qualifies as negligence in a personal injury case?

Negligence occurs when a person or business fails to exercise reasonable care, and that failure causes harm to another person. In a personal injury case, proving negligence typically requires showing that the other party had a duty to act responsibly, breached that duty, and caused injuries or financial losses as a result. Examples of negligence can include careless driving, unsafe property conditions, or professional mistakes that lead to harm.

How do I know if I have a valid personal injury case?

You may have a valid personal injury case if another person’s negligence directly caused your injury. To pursue compensation, it must generally be proven that the other party had a duty of care, failed to meet that duty, and caused damages such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can review the details of your accident and determine whether you have a strong claim under Florida law.

Real Estate Questions

Do you represent both tenants and landlords in real estate disputes?

At Your Advocates, our attorneys primarily represent landlords in real estate disputes and litigation matters. We assist property owners with a variety of issues, including evictions, boundary disputes, title transfers, and other legal matters related to rental property. Our team provides guidance and representation designed to help landlords protect their investments and resolve disputes efficiently.

Do I need an attorney to evict a tenant in Florida?

Florida law allows an individual landlord to file an eviction without an attorney. However, eviction laws can be complex, and even small procedural errors can delay the process or lead to dismissal of the case. Working with a real estate attorney can help ensure that the eviction follows Florida legal requirements, reduce the risk of disputes, and improve the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Malpractice Questions

What is malpractice?

Malpractice is a specific type of negligence that occurs when a licensed professional fails to provide the standard of care expected in their profession, resulting in harm to a client or patient. While medical malpractice is the most widely known example, malpractice can also involve attorneys, accountants, or other professionals. A valid malpractice claim typically requires proof that the professional violated established standards and that the mistake caused measurable harm or financial loss.

What is the difference between malpractice and negligence?

Negligence is a general legal concept that refers to failing to act with reasonable care, which results in harm to another person. Malpractice is a specialized form of negligence that applies specifically to licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or accountants. While negligence is measured by what a reasonable person would do, malpractice cases evaluate whether a professional failed to follow the accepted standards of their profession.

Probate Questions

What is probate in Florida?

Probate is the court-supervised legal process used to identify a deceased person’s assets, pay outstanding debts, and distribute property to beneficiaries according to a valid will or Florida law. During probate, the court appoints a personal representative to manage the estate and ensure that all legal obligations are handled properly. In Florida, the probate process is governed by the Florida Probate Code, found in Chapters 731–735 of the Florida Statutes, which outlines how estates must be administered after someone passes away.

How long does probate take in Florida?

The probate process in Florida typically takes between six months and one year to complete, although more complex estates can take longer. The timeline depends on several factors, including the size of the estate, the clarity of the will, creditor claims, and whether any disputes arise among heirs or beneficiaries. Working with a probate attorney can help streamline the process and reduce unnecessary delays.

Family Law Questions

What is family law?

Family law is a legal practice area that focuses on matters involving family relationships and domestic issues. Common family law cases include divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, and property division. Because these cases often involve emotional and financial challenges, working with an experienced family law attorney can help individuals protect their rights and pursue a fair resolution.

How is child custody determined in Florida?

In Florida, child custody decisions are based on the “best interests of the child” standard. Courts evaluate several factors when determining custody arrangements, including each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of domestic violence or substance abuse. The goal is to create a parenting plan that supports the child’s safety, emotional health, and long-term well-being.

Wokers' Compensation Questions

What is a workers’ compensation claim?

A workers’ compensation claim is filed by an employee who has been injured or become ill due to a work-related accident or job conditions. Florida’s workers’ compensation system allows injured employees to receive benefits for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost wages without needing to prove that the employer was at fault. These benefits are intended to help workers recover while protecting employers from certain types of lawsuits.

What does workers’ compensation not cover?

Workers’ compensation does not cover every workplace injury. Benefits may be denied if the injury occurred while an employee was intoxicated, committing a crime, or intentionally harming themselves. Injuries that occur outside of work duties, such as during a personal errand or commute, may also be excluded. Understanding what qualifies under Florida workers’ compensation laws can help injured employees determine their eligibility for benefits.

Explore the right path for your next step

Whether you are comparing practice areas, reviewing client experiences, or trying to move from a broad question into a more practical page, the collections below are here to make that process easier and more organized.

Guides

Start with broader legal guidance, then move into the topic that best matches your situation.

Case Results

Review grouped result pages and continue into the services and resources most relevant to your next question.

Client Reviews

Browse client experiences and continue into the service pages and grouped collections that fit your needs.

Browse by legal topic

Start with the practice area that is closest to your question, then continue into the guides, support pages, and related collections that help narrow the next step.

Real Estate Law Guides

Property, title, foreclosure, landlord-tenant, and related real-estate topics.

Estate Planning Guides

Wills, trusts, updates, directives, and long-term planning guidance.

Probate Guides

Administration, probate questions, and estate-related next steps.

Family Law Guides

Divorce, custody, support, and related family-law guidance.

Personal Injury Guides

Accident, liability, malpractice, and injury-related next steps.

Criminal Defense Guides

Client Testimonials A–F

Grouped client feedback organized for easier browsing and clearer next steps.

Client Testimonials G–L

More grouped reviews and client experiences tied to relevant pages.

Client Testimonials M–R

A structured path through additional client stories and related guidance.

Client Testimonials S–Z

Continue through grouped review pages and the services most connected to them.

Notable Settlements and Verdicts

Grouped result summaries connected to broader result and service pages.

Medical Malpractice Case Results

Focused result pages for medical malpractice and treatment-related matters.

Reviews and results collections

Use grouped review and result pages to move from isolated feedback or outcome summaries into the broader pages that help explain what to read next.

Specialty and local resources

Some topics work best when they are grouped more intentionally. These pages help connect specialty questions, local planning resources, and focused guidance with the broader structure of the site.

Probate Questions and Answers

Grouped probate reading for notices, paperwork, and next-step questions.

Estate Planning Updates and Guides

A cleaner path through planning updates, trusts, wills, and practical guidance.

Property Disputes and Evictions Articles

Continue into grouped property, notice, title, and eviction-related reading.

Firm Updates and Community News

Browse grouped updates, resources, and broader firm-related reading.

Local Estate Planning Resources

Location-specific planning resources connected to broader estate topics.

Advanced Directives and Healthcare Guides

Focused reading on directives, healthcare decision-making, and related planning.

Need a more direct next step?

If you already know the topic that is closest to your situation, continue into the guide, review, or result page that fits best—or contact the firm directly to talk through the next move.