Best Divorce Lawyers Fort lauderdale
Allison L. Bishow
Divorce Lawyers
Allison L Bishow, an Associate with the firm, is a family law attorney in Ft. Lauderdale specializing in divorce, child support, paternity, alimony, and time-sharing. As a family lawyer, Ms. Bishow listens to all client’s objectives and concerns in order to develop an individualized strategy to meet the needs of each client. She approaches every custody, divorce, and child support case with immense compassion and detail, well aware of the emotional nature of these matters. She understands the value of mediation in developing positive working relationships between individuals in stressful situations, particularly where children are involved. She enjoys advocating for her clients and is committed to effective and result-driven representation. Ms.Bishow is very knowledgeable in all facets of family law and is a warm, smart and fierce advocate for her clients.
Ms. Bishow graduated from Syracuse University/Maxwell School with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. The year following graduation she interned on Capitol Hill with Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes. Following her internship she attended Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center, where she received her Juris Doctor and has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2012.
J.D., Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad Law Center
B.A., Syracuse University/Maxwell School
Florida BarMember Since: 2012
SANDRA BONFIGLIO
Divorce Lawyers
Since establishing her own firm in 2001, Florida attorney Sandra Bonfiglio has dedicated her career to family law. A large part of her practice is helping individuals and families in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton and Broward County through the divorce process, including the resolution of issues related to child custody and support, alimony and property division. She also represents clients in guardianship litigation, paternity determinations and stepparent adoptions.
Ms. Bonfiglio received her undergraduate education from Florida Atlantic University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1994. She went on to earn her law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1999, and was admitted to practice law in Florida the same year.
In addition to managing her family law practice, Ms. Bonfiglio has taught as an adjunct professor of law at Nova Southeastern University, where she was also the supervising attorney for the school’s family and civil law clinic. She is an active member of the Family Law Sections of the Florida State Bar Association and the Broward County Bar Association.
Whether you seek to protect your legal rights as a spouse, mother, father or grandparent, Ms. Bonfiglio is committed to providing strong representation as an advocate, as well as compassionate support as a counselor. Contact her office in Ft. Lauderdale to learn more about her services during an in-person consultation.
Arnie Gruskin
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Gruskin can provide full legal representation, including Court representation on a contested or uncontested divorce in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade. And no matter where you live in Florida, he can secure for you an uncontested divorce, without you having to appear in Court.
Arnie Gruskin, Fort Lauderdale Florida divorce attorney, has been living in Florida for 38 years and practicing law for more than 30 years. The great majority of his practice is devoted to family law. (divorce, paternity matters, domestic violence cases, and the like) Arnie Gruskin has a great deal of courtroom experience and fights hard in court for his clients if a case cannot be settled.
Mr. Gruskin tries to settle cases in order to save his clients time and money. But sometimes settlement is not possible and the judge has to decide the case. It is very important that you choose a lawyer with substantial family law experience, especially for cases that are complicated or simply cannot settle. An experienced attorney makes sure that they are familiar with the most recent appellate court decisions in family law. Attorney Arnie Gruskin is very diligent about this.
Over the years clients have indicated that it is very important to them that they can have access to the attorney so as to be advised of the status of their case and to be able to ask questions. Arnie Gruskin takes special care to make sure that he responds to client inquiries and advises his clients as to what is going on in their case. It is also very important to Florida Divorce Attorney Arnie Gruskin that he give value and hard work to people for their money.
Mark E. Sawicki
Divorce Lawyers
Based on his diverse business and corporate background, family law judicial experience, and years of practicing and training solely in family law. Mark brings a unique skill set to the court room that utilizes a business approach to handle all divorce, child custody and family-related legal disputes. All while maintaining a comforting and personable relationship with all clients and parties involved.
Mark E. Sawicki earned his Bachelor’s degree from the prestigious SUNY Binghamton University with high honors. Mark then received his Juris Doctorate from Nova’s Shepard Broad Law Center. While in law school Mark E. Sawicki interned at Palm Beach County’s Staff Attorneys office. During this internship is when Mark E. Sawicki was first exposed to the courtroom, and more especially Family law. This lead Mark E. Sawicki to excel in numerous advanced Trial, Business , and Family law classes further honing his skill at focusing on Family law, and Trial work. Mark E. Sawicki was active in numerous organizations such as Jewish Law Students Association, and the most senior member of the Academic Dishonesty Panel, a distinction received for being a member for 3 years.
Upon admittance to the Florida Bar Mark E. Sawicki immersed himself in the practice of Family Law. Immediately learning law and court room strategy from a well-respected sole practitioner in South Florida. Mark E. Sawicki decided to open his own law firm using his skills and knowledge learned from his time spent practicing of Family Law in South Florida. Mark E. Sawicki is a member of the Broward Bar, and the Florida Bar Family Law section.
Daniel E. Forrest
Divorce Lawyers
Those in South Florida who are dealing with family law issues benefit from the beliefs of Daniel E. Forrest of the Law Office of Forrest & Forrest, PLLC.; that even complicated cases can be settled without prolonging litigation. His family law practice allows him to fulfill his passion specializing as an advocate for the rights of those who are dealing with matters of divorce, family law, paternity, child support, premarital agreements, parenting plans, visitation, custody, property division, post-judgment modifications, restraining orders, time-sharing, domestic violence, and equitable distribution.
Mr. Forrest is Board Certified in Marital & Family Law by The Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization and Education.
In 2021, Mr. Forrest was selected for inclusion to Super Lawyers® Magazine, an honor afforded to no more than 5% of lawyers in Florida who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Family Mediator and by the Board of Legal Specialization and Education of The Florida Bar in Marital & Family Law, Mr. Forrest has also received an Avvo “Superb” rating from his work with previous clients. For his commitment to legal ethics and professional accomplishments, he earned the highest peer rating possible of AV Preeminent* from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible ranking given by Martindale-Hubble and serves as a testament to the fact that fellow attorneys consider Mr. Forrest at the highest level of professional excellence. Only a select group of attorneys are ever awarded with this premier distinction.
Monica Sherman
Divorce Lawyers
The law firm of Monica L. Sherman, P.A., is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I provide legal services to individuals and business clients. I represent and advise clients in the areas of family law and criminal defense.
I am committed to the pursuit of excellence, to communicate effectively, and to demonstrate the strictest personal and professional ethics as well as the utmost concern for our clients. My approach focuses on each client’s background, needs, and goals, and I am committed to reporting on cases regularly, and to minimizing and eliminating risk by informing clients of significant changes in the law.
My dedication to quality, understanding of the law, trust, and respect are the foundation for our long-standing relationships with clients.
Education
- Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
- J.D.
- State University of New York College at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
- B.S.
Bar Admission
- Florida, 1997
ANGELA R. NEAVE
Divorce Lawyers
Angela first experienced divorce as a child and later as a parent who earned full custody of her daughter. Understanding how legal issues impacted the direction of her life, Angela switched careers and dedicated herself to family law. As a full-time single parent, Angela undertook an intensive five-year program in which she earned a Philosophy Degree from UCLA and her Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law. She moved to South Florida, and guided by a client-centered philosophy, opened Neave Family Law. Angela balances her work ethic and capacity for mastering complex legal work with large measures of empathy and respect.
Angela is a skilled trial lawyer who has litigated all varieties of family law issues. She thrives in the courtroom, where she has earned a reputation for tenacious representation. Angela specializes in high-conflict custody cases and complex property-division matters.
“Family law is rarely winner takes all. Our record in the courtroom allows us to really push for our clients in negotiating settlements. And a good settlement is usually the best outcome for all involved.”
Angela is trained in collaborative divorce and offers it as an alternative to contested divorce litigation. She has also served as a pro bono guardian ad litem for the 17th judicial circuit in dependency matters and has been appointed as a guardian ad litem in family cases. Angela shares her expertise by teaching and sitting on panels for seminars by the Broward County Bar Association
Vanessa L. Prieto
Divorce Lawyers
Vanessa Prieto has more than 25 years of experience representing clients in family law, civil litigation, and commercial litigation cases. In her dissolution (divorce) and post-dissolution cases, which often include matters involving alimony, child support, custody/timesharing, and domestic violence, she puts the welfare of children first, offering dedicated and compassionate counsel. Such matters are often times high conflict and require not only knowledge but the professionalism and determination that Ms. Prieto provides to all clients. In addition, she handles appellate cases as well as general civil litigation matters such as real estate matters, contracts, and business disputes. Believing preparation is the key to success, Ms. Prieto guides clients to the swiftest possible resolution with minimal court involvement whenever possible. She takes great pride in being able to turn her clients’ lives around while saving them both time and money.
Bar admissions
- Florida, 1997
- U.S. District Court of Appeal, Southern District of Florida
Education
- J.D., Nova Southeastern University, 1997
- B.A., Barry University, 1991
Professional associations
- Broward County Bar Association
- Member, sections on City Council and Local Government Law, Environmental and Land Use Law
- Florida Bar Association
Articles
- “The Growth Management Pendulum: The Ecological Clock Is Ticking for Florida and Other States,” Nova L. Rev., Winter 1996
- “A Survey of Florida’s Recent District Court of Appeal and Administrative Decisions Involving Bid Protests: Challenging the Government’s Conduct Regarding a Public Procurement,” Nova L. Rev., Fall 2000
Community involvement
- Ambassador to the President’s Advisory Council at Nova Southeastern University
- Served as a Volunteer on the following Florida Bar Association Committees: Domestic Violence Committee, Education Committee, Ethics Committee, and General Magistrates Liaison Committee
Hiring the best divorce lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, or any location, can have several benefits when navigating a divorce in Florida. Here are some of the advantages:
Legal Expertise: A top divorce lawyer in Fort Lauderdale will have a deep understanding of Florida’s divorce laws and procedures, ensuring that your case is handled in compliance with state regulations.
Objective Advice: Divorce can be emotionally charged, making it difficult to make rational decisions. A divorce lawyer can provide you with objective advice and help you make informed choices about important matters such as property division, alimony, child custody, and child support.
Negotiation Skills: Many divorce cases are resolved through negotiation rather than going to court. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf to reach a fair settlement with your spouse, potentially saving you time and money.
Legal Documentation: Divorce involves a significant amount of paperwork, including legal documents and court filings. A top divorce lawyer will ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared accurately and submitted on time.
Court Representation: If your divorce does go to court, having a skilled attorney by your side can be invaluable. They will present your case effectively, cross-examine witnesses, and argue for your best interests before the judge.
Asset Protection: If you have substantial assets or complex financial holdings, a divorce lawyer can help ensure that your property and financial interests are protected during the divorce process.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, a top divorce lawyer will work to secure a fair custody arrangement and child support agreement that is in the best interests of your children.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: Some divorces can be resolved through mediation or alternative dispute resolution methods. A skilled attorney can represent you during these processes and help you reach a mutually acceptable agreement with your spouse.
Post-Divorce Issues: Even after the divorce is finalized, there may be post-divorce issues that arise, such as modification of custody or support orders. Having a trusted attorney can be helpful in addressing these ongoing legal matters.
Regarding the impact of divorce on spouse mental health, divorce is a highly stressful and emotionally challenging life event that can have significant effects on mental well-being. Some of the ways divorce can impact mental health include:
Stress and Anxiety: The divorce process itself, including legal battles and negotiations, can be highly stressful and anxiety-inducing. The uncertainty about the future, financial concerns, and custody disputes can exacerbate these feelings.
Depression: Many people experience feelings of sadness, grief, and loss during and after a divorce. The dissolution of a marriage can lead to depression in some cases.
Isolation: Divorce can lead to a sense of social isolation, as individuals may lose the support network they had while married. This isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression.
Self-Esteem Issues: Divorce can often impact self-esteem and self-worth, especially if it involves issues like infidelity or blame. Individuals may question their value and attractiveness, leading to lowered self-esteem.
Parenting Stress: If children are involved, co-parenting challenges can add stress to both spouses’ lives. Disagreements over parenting decisions and custody arrangements can take a toll on mental health.
Financial Concerns: The financial strain that often accompanies divorce can lead to worries about one’s financial future, contributing to anxiety and stress.
It’s important to recognize that the impact of divorce on mental health varies from person to person. While some individuals may experience significant mental health challenges during and after a divorce, others may cope more effectively. Seeking support from friends, family, and mental health professionals can be crucial for maintaining mental well-being during this difficult time. Additionally, a skilled divorce lawyer can provide legal support, which can help alleviate some of the stress associated with the divorce process.