Overview
An experienced trusts and estates planning and administration lawyer and litigator with an advanced degree in taxation, Elizabeth Bowers Stoops integrates estate planning, trust and estate administration, and litigation, providing comprehensive service to high-net-worth individuals and their families across generations. She also advises trustees, personal representatives and other fiduciaries regarding their responsibilities.
Elizabeth’s practice spans the full lifecycle of asset transfers, from designing tax-efficient trust and estate plans to structuring wealth transfers during her clients’ lives and at death to resolving contested probate and trust matters in and out of court. She guides clients through complex legal and financial issues that often involve deeply personal considerations and high emotions. Throughout, she remains accessible, engaged and sensitive to their needs and goals.
Her litigation experience includes trust and will contests, construction and reformation actions, fiduciary disputes, trust modifications, and proceedings involving capacity and undue influence. Whether representing individual family members or corporate fiduciaries, Elizabeth brings a balanced perspective rooted in legal experience and sensitivity to the often emotional and high-stakes nature of these matters. She understands that many of these disputes are fraught with long-standing family dynamics, and she works closely with her clients to help ensure their goals are pursued thoughtfully and strategically.
Clients value Elizabeth’s ability to translate complex tax and estate planning issues into clear, actionable solutions. Her dual capacity as a planner and litigator sets her apart and enables her to help clients anticipate risks, resolve disputes when necessary, and maintain continuity in their wealth strategies.
Elizabeth is a graduate of the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. She serves on the Executive Council of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section (RPPTL) of the Florida Bar and participates in several of its legislative committees, contributing to the development of probate and trust-related laws. She also writes and lectures on estate planning and fiduciary litigation topics.
Honors
- The Best Lawyers in America®, "Ones to Watch," Trusts and Estates, 2021-25
- Palm Beach Illustrated, "Top Lawyers," Trusts and Estates, 2020-22
- Jupiter Magazine, "Top Lawyers," Trusts and Estates, 2021, 2023
- Florida Super Lawyers, “Rising Star,” 2017-25
- Federal Clerkship with the Honorable Donald M. Middlebrooks, Southern District of Florida, 2011-12
- Graduate of the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, 2015-16
- Order of the Coif
- Executive editor of the Florida Law Review
- Certificate in Estate Planning from the University of Florida
- Dean's List
- Fellowship with Professor Dennis Calfee, 2012-13
- Research Assistant to Professor Lee-Ford Tritt, 2010-11
- Honors in legal research and writing
- Teaching assistant for Legal Research and Writing and Appellate Advocacy
- Book Awards: Corporate Taxation, Torts, and Florida Law Review
News & Insights
- "Grantor Trust Malfunctions and Fixes," National Business Institute, August 7, 2018
- "Top Tax Consequences and Roadblocks," National Business Institute, August 7, 2018
- “Swap Now, Sue Later,” Probate and Pumpernickel Series, May 10, 2018
- "Special Tax Feature: Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Creates Unique Planning Opportunity For Wealthy Clients," ActionLine, Vol. XXXIX, No. 3, Spring 2018
- “Summary Of The Florida Tax Institute,” Leimberg.com, 2015-17
- Asset Protection Case Law Update,” presenter at the Asset Protection Committee for the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, 2016
- "Golden Years: An Overview of the Creditors' Claim Process from Pope to Golden v. Jones," Probate Law 2016 Seminar, Tampa, Florida, November 18, 2016
- "Who Watches the Watchmen: Exploring the Role of Trust Protectors in Domestic Trusts," South Palm Beach County Estate and Tax Roundtable Series, Boca Raton, Florida, November 17, 2016
- “Renunciation Of Trust Interest Before Challenge: Maybe You Can Have Your Cake And Eat it Too,” WealthManagement.com, 2016
- “Swap Now, Litigate Later,” presenter at the Probate Litigation Committee for the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, 2015
- “Saving A Charitable Deduction Through Qualified Reformation: Private Letter Ruling Provides Opportunity For Planners,” WealthManagement.com, 2015
- “Florida Homestead Rights Can Be Waived By Warranty Deed,” WealthManagement.com, 2015
- “Forging Elkins: How To Copy This Taxpayer Victory,” Probate & Property, 2015
- “For Love Or Money: Florida Appellate Court Affirms Finding of Spousal Undue Influence,” WealthManagement.com, 2015
- “Stone v. Stone: For Now, Homestead Rights Can Be Waived By Warranty Deeds,” Leimberg.com, 2014
Involvement
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of the Florida Bar, 2015-present
- Executive Council, 2016-present
- Trust Litigation Committee, 2016-present
- Probate Law and Procedure Committee, 2015-present
- Asset Protection Committee, 2015-present
- Palm Beach County Bar Association, 2011-present
- Young Lawyers Division, 2011-present
- American Bar Association, 2016-present
Civic & Community Service
- Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, Board of Directors, 2018-present
- Florida Blue Key, 2011-present
- The University of Florida's Law Alumni Council, 2011-present
- Junior League of the Palm Beaches, 2015-present
- Girls Empowerment Mentoring Sessions (GEMS), Co-Chair
Education
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, LL.M. taxation, 2013
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, J.D., magna cum laude, 2011
- Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., B.S., cum laude, 2008
Admissions
- Florida, 2011