Areas of Practice

Divorce

If you have tried everything to save your marriage, I can assist you in obtaining a dissolution of your marriage. I will advise you of the issues involved and the likely outcome of your case if tried before the Court. It is important to know that for most dissolution matters, there is no jury trial and the cases are instead decided by Judges who hear the facts and then apply the law to those facts and render decisions. The divorce process will divide the couple’s assets and debts; determine the future care and custody of their children; and give each person the legal right to marry someone else. Divorce is one of the most emotional experiences you will ever face. The decision to end a marriage is not an easy one, and often it is accompanied by anger, fear and resentment. The negative emotions associated with divorce are responsible for more than hurt feelings; they affect the legal process and its outcome. Most importantly, if children are involved, they can be deeply distressed. It is in your family's interest to approach divorce from an amicable perspective; this can spare you a great deal of time, money and heartache. I can help you deal with your situation clearly and objectively.

In many cases outstanding issues may be resolved by way of agreement. I will work closely with you during your divorce to establish a Marital Settlement Agreement. This settlement agreement includes decisions about property, children, and other issues. Most couples are divorced soon after a Marital Settlement Agreement is signed and approved by the Court.

To assist in reaching a marital settlement agreement the Courts require couples to mediate the issues through the services of a trained neutral and impartial mediator. I am a trained mediator and have been certified by the Supreme Court of Florida to serve as a mediator in Family Law cases. I thus have a unique perspective in representing clients through negotiations. I will serve as your counsel through this process and give you advice throughout the course of the mediation.

For divorces involving children, workable time sharing arrangements are often made easier to achieve through the use of mediation. In fashioning agreements it is my goal to create long-term solutions to minimize conflict on the parties and their children. I encourage negotiation to achieve amicable resolutions of divorce issues such as division of property, child custody, child and spousal support and modifications. I am experienced in litigation, however, and will vigorously protect your interests in court when negotiations fail.

Modification and Enforcement of Divorce Judgments and Relocation Actions

I help parents with child support enforcement and child support modification. I will provide you with advice related pursuing a change in custody of your children, or your request to relocate with the minor children if you are the custodial parent.

Domestic Violence

If you are the victim of domestic violence or fear you are about to be, you need to do everything in your power to protect yourself and your children. I provide effective legal assistance to victims of domestic violence through protection orders and other court ordered actions. False accusations of domestic violence can present obstacles to accessing to your children through custody and visitation. I represent those accused of committing domestic violence as well.

Paternity

Paternity issues are related to child custody, support, and visitation. I represent parents and non-parents in an effort to establish and challenge paternity

Adoption

I handle step-parent adoptions and can give you advice to complete that process.

Criminal Defense

I represent people who have been accused of domestic violence, battery, violating an injunction for protection and violations of probation.