Best Divorce Lawyers Miami
DORI FOSTER-MORALES
Divorce Lawyers
Dori Foster-Morales exclusively practices in the area of marital and family law. She is both Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar and by the National Board of Trial Advocacy as a Family Law Trial Advocate. Additionally, she is also a Fellow in the American and International Academies of Matrimonial Lawyers, a Fellow and Member of the Florida Bar Foundation, a Fellow in the American Bar Foundation and a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation. In 2017, Dori was awarded the Legal Luminaries award by the Dade County Bar Association as the Top Matrimonial and Family Lawyer in Miami-Dade County.
Dori has been designated a top family lawyer by a variety of publications including Martindale Hubbell (AV Preeminent Rated), Super Lawyers, South Florida Legal Guide, Best Lawyers in America; and Florida Trend’s Legal Elite. She was also designated Women Extraordinaire Winner from Business Leader Magazine.Dori’s accolades are based on her vast experience in complex and high-profile family law matters. Moreover, her diverse legal background has contributed to her capacity as a family lawyer. She began her career at the United States Environmental Protection Agency where she worked both in Washington, DC and New York City. When she returned to her hometown, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney for the Miami Dade State Attorney’s Office where she tried 65 cases to verdict.
Dori is also highly involved in the leadership of the Florida Bar where she is the acting President for 2020-2021. She has served on the Board of Governors since 2008, serving on the Executive Committee for the past 4 years and having chaired a variety of important committees, including the inaugural year of the Special Committee on Mental Health and Wellness of Florida lawyers, the Standing Committee on Mental Health and Wellness of Florida Lawyers, the Budget Committee, the Special Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and the Annual Convention. Dori also believes in the importance of serving those less fortunate and is a Lifetime Member of both the Florida Bar Foundation (and is a Member of the Board) and the American Bar Association.
Catherine M. Rodriguez
Divorce Lawyers
Catherine M. Rodriguez is a founding partner of Filler Rodriguez, LLP in Miami Beach, Florida. Ms. Rodriguez practices exclusively in the areas of marital and family law. Prior to dedicating her practice to family law Ms. Rodriguez acquired extensive trial experience as a commercial litigator representing numerous businesses and parties in complex business lawsuits. She has tried numerous jury trials and bench trials.
Ms. Rodriguez understands that family cases require consideration of the ongoing relationship and she encourages amicable settlements between litigants whenever possible. She is fluent in Spanish and she handles international divorces and regularly represents litigants from around the world with diverse finances, business interests and cultural differences. She also has received a commendation from the United States State Department for her dedication to representing parents under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
Ms. Rodriguez has become a legal expert in marital and family law by becoming Board Certified in Marital and Family Law in 2018. Only a small portion of Florida family law practitioners are Board Certified which requires rigorous testing and vetting by lawyers and judges.
Carlos M. Funes
Divorce Lawyers
Carlos M. Funes, Esq. graduated from University of Florida, Levin College of Law in May of 2014. Prior to attending law school, Mr. Funes spent time working for a law firm in Los Angeles, California that represented low income families fight unlawful eviction. This experience harbored in Mr. Funes a desire to aid those less fortunate and those dealing with a difficult time in their lives. He learned to work diligently toward attaining justice and equity for his clients.
After passing the Florida Bar Exam, Mr. Funes began working in the field of Family Law where he discovered that his drive to attain just and equitable results fit perfectly with the field. Mr. Funes still strives to obtain fair results for his clients while attempting to maintain civility between the parties during a difficult phase of their lives.
Mr. Funes believes that compromise and negotiation are the best approaches for making the difficult process of divorce run more smoothly. However he has and will continue to litigate when necessary to protect the rights and interests of his clients.
Robert Stone Jeffrey
Divorce Lawyers
Robert Stone Jeffrey, Esquire, focuses his practice on litigation, including domestic and international divorce, marital and family law disputes, as well as civil and family law appeals. Robert has also represented clients relative to a wide array of civil and business disputes, including residential and commercial foreclosures, non-compete and non-solicitation litigation, competition law, shareholder derivative actions, and disputes between business owners.
Robert is admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, as well as the United States District Courts in and for the Middle and Southern districts of Florida. Robert prides himself on offering his clients straight-forward, comprehensive and personalized solutions, and in giving each and every client his complete and undivided attention. Robert was peer rated “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell for the “Highest Level of Professional Excellence,” and has achieved a perfect 10/10 rating on Avvo.
Prior to establishing his own law practice in April of 2017, Robert was a partner at a boutique commercial and family law litigation firm in Miami, Florida, which represented clients in high-profile, complex, and celebrity litigation. Robert graduated from law school magna cum laude, in the top 4% of his class, and was awarded a Dean’s Merit Scholarship. Robert’s academic achievements allowed him to become an editor of the Florida Coastal Law Review, where he was named Editor of the Year in 2010, as well as Best Editor for a number of individual volumes. While completing his studies, Robert also worked for numerous professors, either as a teaching or research assistant, and interned for a United States District Court Judge.
Aimee Garces
Divorce Lawyers
Aimee Garces is an Attorney in the Miami office of Davis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLC., where her practice focuses on child support modifications, dissolution of marriage proceedings, adoptions, and family law-related matters.
Ms. Garces received her Juris Doctorate with honors from St. Thomas University College of Law.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Florida International University. Ms. Garces also received a Paralegal Certification from the Florida International University College of Law.
While in law school, Ms. Garces served as the President of the Moot Court Board. Ms. Garces represented St. Thomas University in the American Bar Association National Moot Court Competition, the Florida Robert Orseck Competition, where she was a quarter-finalist, and the National Moot Court Competition, where she scored one of the top brief scores.
In addition, Ms. Garces was a Senior Articles Editor of the prestigious St. Thomas Law Review Honors Organization.
As a law student, Ms. Garces worked for a prestigious Family law firm and was part of the St. Thomas Appellate Litigation Clinic. Furthermore, Ms. Garces was presented with a Pro Bono Commendation Award from St. Thomas University for providing more than 100 hours of legal pro bono work during law school.
Kira E. Willig
Divorce Lawyers
Kira E. Willig is in her eighteenth year of practicing marital and family law in Miami-Dade County. An adjunct faculty member of the University of Miami School of Law since 2007, Kira teaches Family Law and team-taught a Family Law Litigation Workshop.
She has lectured on various legal topics throughout Florida and internationally, and served as a Florida Family Law Instructor for Kaplan PMBR. She has been quoted in the Miami Herald regarding family law, contributed to The Law School Decision Game: A Playbook for Prospective Lawyers, and was a Content Editor for Kaplan PMBR Florida Family Law Bar Preparation Materials and Multi-State Family Law Bar Preparation Materials.
Kira assists parties to amicably resolve their family law issues as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and member of the Collaborative Family Law Institute. She is frequently court-appointed to serve as a Guardian ad Litem for children whose parents are involved in family or domestic violence proceedings. Kira has extensively testified in circuit court, county court, and arbitration proceedings as an expert witness on the issue of attorney fees in marital and family law proceedings and served as an expert on Florida Family Law for Hague Convention proceedings in South Africa.
Kira has been selected four times for inclusion in Super Lawyers – Rising Stars Edition and was honored as a stand out attorney by her selection to the coveted “Top 40 Lawyers under 40 in Miami-Dade County” by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Kira graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University with a degree in Women’s Studies, and attended the University of Miami School of Law. Upon graduating magna cum laude in 2000, Kira was named to the Order of the Coif, a national honor society that recognizes outstanding academic achievement in the study of the law. Kira practices in the areas of divorce and family law.
JESSICA SERRANO
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Jessica Serrano is Partner at Serrano, Farah Law, LP committed to protecting the best interest of her clients. Ms. Serrano was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. She graduated Cum Laude from Northern Kentucky University in 2004 where she earned her Bachelor’s degree. After completing her studies in Northern Kentucky, Attorney Serrano went off to attend Florida Atlantic University where she obtained a Master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Administration in 2005. She earned her Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University, with a 23% class rank with honors. Jessica Serrano was also the executive editor for the ILSA Journal of International Comparative Law.
While in law school Jessica Serrano was a member of the Operational Committee for the Criminal Law Society where she dedicated 402 pro bono hours for her passion and respect to the law. She completed her first internship in the Federal Prosecutors Office for the U.S. Attorney responsible for research in major crimes, mortgage fraud, and narcotics division. Then, completed her second internship at the Law Office of Kevin A. Raudt where she later served as an Attorney after graduation.
Prior to joining Serrano, Farah Law, LP Jessica Serrano was a Managing Attorney at Gladstone Law Group responsible for a large caseload in representing Creditors of contested and complex cases in both Civil and Federal court as well as handling the firm’s complex trials.
Ronald H. Kauffman
Divorce Lawyers
Ronald H. Kauffman is a board certified lawyer in the areas of marital and family Law. He is the author of Underwater Treasure: Equitable Distribution of the Save Our Homes Limitation, The Florida Bar Journal, February 2011; A Wife’s Loss is not a Husband’s Gain: Equitable Distribution of Capital Loss Carryovers, The Commentator, Florida Bar Family Law Section Magazine, Winter 2011 and Keeping It All In The Family: Taking Financial Discovery From The New Spouse In Post-Judgment Support Cases, The Commentator, Florida Bar Family Law Section Magazine, Spring 2011.
He received his JD from Whittier College in 1991. He received his BA in 1988 from Boston University, with a major in International Relations and concentration in Economics. He was admitted to both the California Bar in 1992 and the Florida Bar in 1993.
Additionally he was admitted to the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida, and U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.
He is a member of the Family Law Section of the California Bar and the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, the Miami-Dade County Bar Association, the Miami Beach Bar Association, and the First Family Law Inns of Court. He currently serves as Chair of the Commentator for the Florida Bar Family Law Section’s Publications Committee.
Ron was awarded certificates of appreciation from the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar at their annual convention in Orlando, and a Pro Bono Service Award from the Put Something Back project in Miami
Having the best divorce lawyer in Miami can be beneficial for several reasons:
Expertise in Florida Law: The best divorce lawyers in Miami will have extensive knowledge of Florida’s specific divorce laws, including those that apply in Miami-Dade County (where Miami is located). This expertise is crucial in ensuring that your case is handled according to state regulations.
Familiarity with Miami Courts: They will be well-acquainted with the judges, court personnel, and local practices in Miami, which can help streamline proceedings and potentially lead to more favorable outcomes.
Experience in Handling Miami Cases: The best divorce lawyers in Miami will have a history of successfully handling cases in the region. This means they have a thorough understanding of the local legal landscape.
Negotiation Skills: Skilled divorce lawyers are adept at negotiation. They can advocate for your interests while seeking mutually acceptable solutions, potentially leading to a smoother and less contentious process.
Child Custody Expertise: If children are involved, a top divorce lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of child custody and visitation arrangements, always prioritizing the best interests of the child.
Property Division Guidance: They can provide guidance on the equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, ensuring that you receive a fair share of the property acquired during the marriage.
Spousal Support and Alimony: A skilled lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations regarding spousal support or alimony, if applicable.
Emotional Support and Objectivity: Divorce can be emotionally challenging. A capable lawyer can provide support and offer an objective perspective to help you make rational decisions.
Legal Document Preparation and Filing: Your lawyer will handle the preparation and filing of all necessary legal documents, ensuring that everything is done correctly and in a timely manner.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Without legal representation, individuals may make costly mistakes in the divorce process. A top divorce lawyer can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure that all aspects of your case are handled correctly.
Potential for Quicker Resolution: A skilled lawyer can help expedite the process by ensuring that all necessary paperwork is filed correctly and on time. This can lead to a quicker resolution, allowing you to move forward with your life.
Counsel for Complex Issues: If your divorce involves complex financial matters, business interests, or unique circumstances, a top lawyer will have the expertise to navigate these challenges effectively.
Difference Between Divorce and Separation:
Divorce:
Legal Status: A divorce is a legal termination of a marriage. After a divorce is finalized, both parties are legally single and can remarry if they choose to do so.
Finality: Once a divorce is granted, the marriage is considered legally dissolved, and both parties are no longer bound by the obligations and responsibilities of marriage.
Division of Assets and Debts: In a divorce, the court will typically divide marital property and debts between the spouses based on the principle of equitable distribution.
Separation:
Legal Status: Legal separation is a formal arrangement where a married couple lives apart while remaining legally married. They are still considered married in the eyes of the law.
Continued Marital Status: Even though the couple is living separately, they are not free to marry other people.
Financial Arrangements: In a legal separation, the court can address issues like spousal support, child custody, visitation, and division of assets, similar to a divorce.
Potential for Reconciliation: Separation provides couples with a period of time to assess their relationship and decide if they want to work towards reconciliation or proceed with a divorce.
Remember, legal separation is not recognized in all states, and the laws regarding separation can vary. Consulting with a family law attorney is crucial to understand the specific implications of separation in your jurisdiction.