Castagna Law Firm Clearwater: A 50-year Commitment to Families
Our Firm’s Story & Mission
Making the Promises You Made Come True
Castagna Law Firm, P.A. was built on a simple idea: estate planning should feel like an
ongoing relationship, not a one-time transaction. Over five decades, Edward Castagna has helped Clearwater families—from Old Clearwater Bay to Sand Key—create plans that reflect their values and pass them forward. Our mission is practical and personal: bring clarity, reduce stress, and deliver steady support from your first plan through every update.
50 Years of Florida Legal Experience
Edward Castagna is a 50-year Florida Bar attorney known for meticulous drafting and calm guidance in uncertain moments. Clients and peers alike recognize the depth of experience represented by his Florida Bar 50-year member silver plate—a visible reminder of the thousands of families who’ve trusted his counsel in Clearwater and across Florida.
People You’ll Know on a First-Name Basis
From your first call with Louise to your signing meeting with our attorneys, you’ll feel the difference of a boutique practice. We explain options plainly, coordinate details carefully, and follow up as life evolves—marriage, children,
blended families, a new home near Coachman Park, or retirement by Clearwater Beach.
Ed Castagna
Head Attorney
Ed is a native to sunny Clearwater, Florida. After working as an IRS agent for two years, Edward joined the general Counsel's office for Shriners Hospital. In that role, he oversaw $750 million in construction, managed the general counsel's office, oversaw $100 million per year in estates and trust endowments, and served as lead counsel successfully representing Shriner's Hospitals in an IRS audit.
After 20 years of dutiful counsel for Shriners, Edward served as the general counsel for Heery & Heery, an architectural firm in Charlotte, NC. He was the chief litigator regarding construction and contract disputes.
In 2005, Edward opened his own practice back home in Clearwater, Florida, where he has earned an AV rating with Martindale-Hubbel consecutively every year.
Nicole Arfaras Kerr, ESQ.
Attorney, Of Counsel
Nicole, whose roots in Tarpon Springs go back four generations, is a graduate of the University of Florida where she earned her bachelor's, master's, and law degrees. She also holds a certificate from Institute International Des Droits De L'Homme in Strasbourg, France.
Nicole's practice includes estate planning, probate, business, and civil litigation. She also has substantial experience with nursing home negligence, Social Security disability, and constitutional law. She is Of Counsel to the firm.
Louise Cortese
Senior Legal Assistant
Louise, also a Florida native, is originally from Ponte Verda Beach and Jackson Ville where she worked as a lead legal assistant for over 25 years. Her attention ot detail, organizational skills, knowledge and experience in Estate Planning, Probate, Social Security Disability and Personal Injury along with her exceptional client relations, are a valuable asset to our Castagna Law Firm Team and to our clients.
Tripp Castagna
Chief Operations Manager
Tripp is an experienced business owner and has managed Castagna Law Firm, P.A. for years. While not an attorney, his knowledge of business strategy and relations is backed by personal experience and education.
Integrity, Discretion, and Service
We practice with integrity and a service mindset rooted in our faith traditions, while welcoming families of every background. We bring uncommon focus to modern needs—planning for digital assets and cryptocurrency, avoiding probate complications where possible, and preparing for life’s “what-ifs” with documents that work together.
Clearwater Roots, Generations of Trust
Our clients include long-time Pinellas families and new Floridians who chose Clearwater for its parks, schools, and coastal lifestyle. We’re honored when parents introduce us to adult children, or when a grandparent asks us to ensure education gifts or a first car promise becomes real.
"Not many times will an attorney go the extra mile in helping with legal matters. Castagna law firm seems willing , able and honest in their efforts to assist legal matters with clients. I can not find enough good things to say about this law firm."
- Lester M.
"Most friendly professional people with caring hearts and best experience I have ever had with a lawyers office I would always go back and refer anyone I know to them."
- Shannon B.
"They were awesome in helping my mom . She has been coming down here for almost 35 years. I have tried talking to other lawyers I never felt so comfortable till we met them . They truly listened and we will be eternally grateful. We just met Louise the other day after talking to her for three years she is awesome"
- Barbara R.
"Mr. Castagna helped me with two properties that were in the midst of serious litigation. Because of his expertise and knowledge of the system, he saved me quite a bit of money and better than expected outcomes. Working with him and his office staff is a joy because of their level of care, integrity and service. I really appreciate all they have done and the stress that's off my back. Thank you!"
- Robert K.
A Note From Edward
“Estate planning brings peace when it reflects who you are and what you value. We’re here to listen first, then craft documents that work in the real world.” If you’re looking for a Clearwater estate planning attorney who treats your family like our own, we’d be honored to meet you.
