About Orlando Attorney Paula Ferreira Montoya

Paula offers over 15 years of comprehensive legal experience. On top of her experience, she also brings a multinational perspective on world cultures, politics, economics and business. She is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish.

Estate Planning and Probate are areas that often involve sensitive and emotional topics, and Paula truly cares about the needs and concerns of each individual and family. Paula appreciates working with and getting to know each one of her clients.

Raised and educated in Central Florida, one unique and significant strength Paula brings to clients is that she is able to represent local and international clients by offering the best of both worlds. Orlando has been her home for almost 30 years and she is familiar with all local laws and developments. With the increased population and investment growth pouring out of Latin America into Florida and other parts of the United States, clients are also benefited by Paula’s multilingual capabilities with her fluency in Portuguese and Spanish.

Paula also has hands-on experience in the involvement of legal support and advice required to support a business owner's needs and understands the real-life implications of setting up and running a business.

Realizing her passion for working with people and her interest in law, Paula pursued a Juris Doctor degree and subsequently graduated from Barry University School of Law in Orlando, Florida. Paula is a member of the Florida bar and proudly earned the highest overall bar exam score of her graduating class at Barry University.

Paula graduated with honors from Rollins College with a Bachelor's degree in International Affairs. During college, she spent time as an intern researcher for the special assistant to the president of the University of Central Florida at the Global Perspectives office. She briefed the office on a regular basis on the status of U.S. relations with South America in business development, political climates, economics, and national security.

In working with the community, she has assisted the non-profit organization 'Justice Calls' in the research of human trafficking case law for trial packets to be distributed to aid prosecutors nationwide. She was a student representative for the immigration clinic at Barry University, where she represented clients in need of legal help. Also, Paula has participated in the writing of several articles on legal matters for local magazines and bilingual publications.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Paula, and her family were frequent U.S. west coast travelers during her early years. At a young age, her family moved to Central Florida and settled in Orlando, where they continue to live today as proud U.S. citizens.

Paula enjoys spending her free time with her husband, their two boys and the family’s pudelpointer “Dominus.”

Languages:

English
Português
Español

Practice Areas:

Estate Planning and Probate
Business Law
Real Estate Law

Education:

Barry University, Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law, Juris Doctor
Rollins College, Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, Magna Cum Laude, President's Award

Member:

The Florida Bar
Middle District Court of Florida
Orange County Bar Association
Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers
American Immigration Lawyers Association - AILA
Central Florida Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (2017)
Central Florida Brazilian Chamber Board of Directors - elected Secretary (2018)

Orlando Family Magazine has recognized Paula Montoya as one of the Awesome Estate Planning/Asset Protection Attorneys for 2024! This prestigious honor is awarded yearly based on nominations from law firms and readers who appreciate attorneys dedicated to delivering exceptional results while placing their client's best interests at the heart of their practice. Paula's unparalleled expertise and commitment to her clients have truly set her apart in the field. Learn More >

Silvia Pires - Foreign Legal Consultant and Estate Planning Administrator

Silvia Pires is a distinguished Foreign Legal Consultant and Estate Planning Administrator at our firm, bringing over 30 years of experience in corporate law, estate planning, and cross-border legal matters. Certified by the Florida Bar, Silvia combines her deep expertise in international law with a unique perspective, specializing in helping foreign nationals navigate the complexities of estate planning and legal issues in both the U.S. and abroad.

Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Silvia’s career has taken her across multiple countries and industries. She previously served as Chief Legal Officer for Grupo Cheda, where she managed corporate litigation and business acquisitions and provided legal oversight for a diverse portfolio of companies. She has extensive expertise in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and estate planning, especially for international clients.

As a certified Foreign Legal Consultant by the Florida Bar, Silvia is uniquely positioned to guide foreign nationals with estate planning, probate, and business and real estate laws, particularly in Brazil. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, she provides tailored legal solutions for clients, helping them manage assets and plan for inheritance across borders.

In her role as Estate Planning Administrator, Silvia works closely with both local and international clients to craft customized estate plans that address their specific needs, particularly when it comes to owning assets in Florida.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Silvia is a dedicated competitive Masters Swimmer, balancing her demanding career with a passion for athletics. An avid traveler, she enjoys exploring new cultures and seeking new adventures around the globe. With her extensive legal expertise, multilingual skills, and dedication to client success, Silvia Pires is a key part of our team, helping our clients navigate the complex world of estate planning and cross-border legal matters with confidence and clarity.

Languages:

English
Português
Español

Practice Areas:

Brazilian Law in Business, Real Estate, Estate Planning and Probate

Education:

Mackenzie University, SP/Brazil, Bachelor Degree in Law, Alpha Chi National College Honor Society
Strayer University, Master in Business Administration, International Business, Dean’s Honor List
Belas Artes (Fine Arts) University, SP/Brazil, Bachelor of Arts in Art History

Member:

The Florida Bar, Certified Foreign Legal Consultant
Brazilian Bar Association OAB/SP

Caroline Silva – Probate Administrator and Legal Assistant

Caroline Silva is the Probate Administrator and Legal Assistant at our firm, bringing a diverse background in assisting clients with probate law, particularly in navigating the complexities of foreign nationals leaving assets in the United States upon death.

Originally from Natal, Brazil, Caroline moved to the United States with her family in 2013 in search of better opportunities. She quickly adapted to her new environment, graduating from high school in Orlando, Florida, a year ahead of schedule. She earned an Associate's Degree in General Studies and a Technical Certificate as a Homeland Security Specialist from Valencia College. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs at Rollins College and plans to attend law school in the future to specialize in immigration law.

Caroline's experience spans customer service, sales, and management, equipping her with strong interpersonal skills and a client-focused approach. She is tech-savvy and proficient in social media, allowing her to effectively communicate and engage with clients through digital platforms. Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, Caroline is dedicated to serving a diverse, international clientele, particularly those dealing with cross-border probate issues.

In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering with her church and giving back to her community. Her commitment to helping others, combined with her academic achievements, practical experience, and future aspirations, makes Caroline an invaluable asset to our firm.