Best Family Lawyer in Orlando
David T. Roberts
Family Lawyer
Orlando Family Law Attorney David Roberts handles a variety of Family Law cases. By restricting his practice solely to this dynamic area of law, he has developed a level of expertise that is conducive to achieving results.
After graduating with honors from the University of Florida in May of 1992 with a degree in Finance (4.0 GPA), Mr. Roberts attended law school at the University of Florida’s College of Law. An avid student of business even before starting his own firm, Mr. Roberts utilizes his understanding of this area in complex divorce litigation. A long time resident of Florida and a man committed to his own family, Mr. Roberts takes pride in handling difficult family law cases involving the custody and support of minor children.
David Roberts is a strong and successful trial attorney known for dominating the opposition in court. This record of success at trial encourages opponents to agree to reasonable settlements outside of the courtroom. However, when a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation, Mr. Roberts is unafraid to take the matter to trial.
Mr. Roberts has helped hundreds of clients in the past. He treats each case as though it is the most important case he has. During his 20 years of practice he has been involved in over 1000 family law cases, and has won 119 out of 126 trials.
Attorney David Roberts is involved in the following organizations and affiliations:
- American Bar Association (Family Law Section)
- The Florida Bar (Family Law Section)
- The Orange County Bar Association (Family Law Committee).
Mr. Roberts was featured in Orlando Magazine, July 2002, “Among the Best,” and on Fox 35 News as a legal expert in Seminole County, May 2004. Read his comments in the front page Orlando Sentinel newspaper article titled “Who’s a Parent? Ocoee Woman Sues Over 2 Girls,” December 30, 2005. In 2017 and 2019 he was awarded “10 BestLaw Firm in Florida For Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys in recognition for his exceptional performance.
Donna C. Hung
Family Lawyer
Donna C. Hung focuses her work on family law and criminal defense. She is a litigator, certified mediator, and a dispute resolution professional. She is AV Preeminent-rated by her peers since 2015, an award given to a select group of lawyers recognized for their legal ability and ethical standards. Since 2013, she was and still is recognized as a Florida Rising Star and now Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers Magazine.
She practices traditional family law as well as collaborative law, featuring a process that seeks settlement without going to court. In the traditional sense, her family law work includes divorce, alimony, property division, prenuptial/postnuptial agreements, relocation, child custody and visitation, parental responsibility, child support, contempt and enforcement, domestic violence, and paternity. Ms. Hung also handles uncontested divorces, complex contested divorces, Department of Revenue child support enforcement defense, modifications, domestication of foreign decrees, emergency motions, and father’s rights.
In her collaborative practice, she works to achieve voluntary dispute resolution in all family law matters.
She is also a Supreme Court-Certified Family Law Mediator. She serves as a neutral third party, helping to mediate settlement agreements to resolve family disputes, a process that puts the parties in a control situation. Not only that, but the procedure saves time and is less expensive than traditional legal processes.
Her criminal defense law practice is where she cut her teeth. Formerly, she worked as an Assistant State Attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Orange and Osceola counties. As a former prosecutor in Orlando and Kissimmee, she conducted criminal jury trials, a majority of which resulted in guilty verdicts. She prosecuted and handled over a thousand criminal cases.
Nikie N. Lomax
Family Lawyer
Even at the tender age of 8, a young girl from a small town in Mississippi knew she was destined to be Attorney Lomax. She took that knowing, stayed focused, and graduated from Crystal Springs High School with honors. Then, as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Leadership Class Scholarship and the Vice Chancellor’s Housing Scholarship, Attorney Lomax earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a minor in art from the University of Mississippi in 1998.
After graduating from University of Mississippi, Attorney Lomax received the Virgil Hawkins Law Fellowship to attend the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law, where she received her Juris Doctorate in 2001.
Attorney Lomax has been private practice since December 2002. Prior to going into private practice, Attorney Lomax was a Senior Attorney with the Department of Children and Families, Child Welfare Legal Services, in Lake County Florida, working in the area of juvenile dependency. While her current primary areas of practice are estate planning, probate, and guardianship law, she brings 20+ years of family law and dependency law litigation experience to the firm.
That experience, coupled with her calm demeanor, and the skills she honed while working as a certified family law mediator, make her an excellent addition to the firm. While she doesn’t carry a caseload, she uses her legal expertise and family law knowledge to assist the firm’s attorneys with case strategy, trial preparation, deposition preparation, and legal drafting.
Attorney Lomax has taught Legal Methods at Florida A&M University College of Law and Business Law at Belhaven University. She enjoys using her experience as a practicing attorney to train the future lawyers and scholars of tomorrow. Ms. Lomax is trained in Collaborative Law and has also worked as a certified family law mediator, Attorney ad Litem, and Guardian ad Litem in family law cases.
Attorney Lomax believes that to whom much is given, much is required. She has served as a Pro Bono teaching attorney and volunteer Guardian ad Litem with the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association (OCBA). In addition to her volunteer work with the OCBA, Ms. Lomax served on the Board of Directors for the BETA Center, the Victim Service Center of Central Florida, and for Redeeming Light Center Church. Attorney Lomax is a current member of the Florida Bar Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
In previous years, Attorney Lomax was a member of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, the Orange County Bar Association, the Central Florida Association of Women Lawyers, and the Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court. A strong work ethic and a commitment to community makes Attorney Lomax an excellent attorney and advocate and an excellent addition to the dynamic team at Conti Moore Law Divorce Lawyers, PLLC.
Sean Smallwood
Family Lawyer
Sean Smallwood is an Orlando divorce attorney for the Sean Smallwood, Orlando Divorce & Family Law P.A. where he represents clients in all areas of family law and divorce. 100% of the practice is devoted to family law. As an attorney in Orlando, he has helped many families with a wide variety of family law cases including Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, and many other issues.
He has been recognized with awards for pro bono volunteering and has been recognized by Orlando style magazine as one of Orlando’s legal elite, Superlawyers, 10 Best Attorneys in Client Satisfaction, AVVO Superb rating, and many other recognitions.
Service to the community is another area where Mr. Smallwood excels, giving regular motivational speeches to underprivileged youth in conjunction with the Florida Department of Corrections in addition to offering a college scholarship contest to help students pay for their education. Attorney Smallwood continues to represent clients in the areas of marital and family law. Call today for a no-obligation consultation.
RICHARD WEST
Family Lawyer
After litigating financially complex and high asset divorces for over 25 years, Richard was one of the first lawyers in Orlando to use collaborative law to help clients successfully move on with their lives, with as little emotional and economic harm to their families as possible. He is known for his understanding, creativity and compassion to help clients achieve the results they want for their families.
Richard is board certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar. He practices exclusive in marital and family law. Board certification is The Florida Bar’s highest level of evaluation of the competency and experience of attorneys in the 26 areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida. Board certification recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice. Board certified lawyers are evaluated for professionalism and tested for expertise. Seven percent of eligible Florida Bar members, approximately 4,800 lawyers, are board certified. For further information on Florida Bar Board Certification, click here.
Richard has extensive experience in the representation of professional athletes and other public figures with the utmost regard for protecting his clients from media exposure and overly invasive discovery practices. His experience includes cases dealing with complex financial matters, such as the valuation of closely held corporations, professional practices, trusts and incentive stock options.
A divorced father himself, he understands, from both a personal and professional perspective, what it takes to have a “successful” divorce. While his practice is primarily in Central Florida, which encompasses Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia and Lake Counties, he handles cases nationwide.
Recognized as an innovator when it comes to the combination of family law and technology, he enjoys sharing his legal knowledge with others and frequently speaks at legal seminars and conferences.
Megan Wieland Pulayya
Family Lawyer
Determined. Dedicated. Focused. As an attorney, and as a person, I am defined by these characteristics. Born in Iowa to two teachers, I relocated to Florida with my mother when I was six years old, two years after my father passed away. The daughter of a single mother, I was also an older sister, who strived to be the second set of hands my mother needed. I was determined to be the best I could be in everything I did, was dedicated to succeeding in school, and was focused on my path to a successful future.
My determination, dedication, and focus followed me when I attended Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, where I graduated with a double major in Elementary/Deaf Education in 2004. One year after this I graduated from the University of Florida with my Masters Degree in Education and proceeded to teach Deaf and Hard of Hearing students for the following three years. I will always be a teacher at heart, but something was missing. In 2008, my inner drive to do more to help others took over and I began my path to a law degree. In 2011, I graduated with my law degree from the University of Florida and passed the Florida bar that same year.
I began my career as a lawyer for Florida’s Guardian ad Litem Program advocating for the best interests of children who had been abused, abandoned, or neglected. However, again my determination, dedication and focus took over and I decided to expand my law career and took and passed the Kentucky bar. I am now a licensed lawyer in the State of Florida and the State of Kentucky. After more than five years with the Guardian ad Litem Program, I joined JMP Law, P.A.
Although I now have the words “Attorney at Law” behind my name in two states, I am so much more than this. I am a daughter, a sister, and a wife. I am a dedicated, determined, and focused individual that wants to use these characteristics to help others in need of advocacy.
Erin Morse
Family Lawyer
Erin E. Morse, Esquire is a highly knowledgeable, aggressive Orlando Divorce & Family Law Attorney that is passionate about helping families move forward through their most difficult time. Her natural talent of providing creative legal strategies, innate business acumen and prowess as a litigator combine to offer unparalleled legal protection to her clients.
Erin E. Morse, Esquire is an up and coming powerhouse in the Orlando area. It was while working under the tutelage of a distinguished Winter Park Divorce attorney that Erin honed her skills and developed the passion for helping families through their most difficult of times. Her passion continues throughout her practice today in her aggressive representation of each of her clients in seeking the best resolution to their unique situation.
Education
- The University of Central Florida (BS Legal Studies)
- Barry University School of Law (Received Book Award for Motions & Depositions)
Associations
- Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers
- American Bar Association
- American Institutue of Legal Advocates
- Orange Country Bar Association
Jennifer Benton
Family Lawyer
Attorney Jennifer Benton exclusively practices family law and specializes in divorce, time-sharing and custody, child support, spousal support and alimony, relocations, modifications, adoption, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, and terminating parental rights. Ms. Benton has been exclusively practicing family law for 5 years in the Central Florida area which include the counties of Orange, Lake, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Marion, Volusia, and Polk.
The purpose of Ms. Benton’s initial office conference is to listen to what the client wants to achieve and determine if it is possible. The relationship between the attorney and client must be strong and the client’s ability to have access to their attorney is essential to in the success of their case. Ms. Benton understands this is a very emotional time for her clients and she makes herself available as much as possible, which may include after 5pm and weekends. Each case and client is different and unique. Some cases may be very complex with children and high assets involved, while other cases the parties may only disagree about spousal support (alimony). Attorney Jennifer Benton is aware that each person has specific needs and goals, and it is crucial to her to set up what those goals are during the initial consultation.
Preparation is imperative to any successful case. Attorney Jennifer Benton believes not only must she be prepared, but she must also prepare the client so they have the best opportunity for the case. Prior to any hearing that involves testimony of her client, Attorney Jennifer Benton will meet and speak with her client so they are aware of some of the questions they may be asked and that they understand the status of the case and the hearing.
Sunshine State Crossroads: Why You Need the Best Family Lawyer in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, beckons with its world-famous theme parks, sparkling beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Yet, amidst the magic, life throws curveballs. When facing family law challenges in Orlando, securing the services of the best family lawyer can significantly impact your future and the well-being of your loved ones. This comprehensive guide explores the invaluable benefits of retaining a skilled legal professional to navigate the complexities of Florida family law and advocate for your interests in Orlando.
Understanding Florida Family Law: A Landscape of Complexities
Florida family law governs various aspects of family life, including:
- Divorce: Dissolution of marriage, including property division, alimony, child custody, and child support.
- Child Custody: Determining legal and physical custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and parental decision-making authority.
- Child Support: Establishing fair financial support for a child’s needs.
- Alimony (Spousal Support): Financial assistance awarded to one spouse following divorce.
- Paternity: Establishing legal fatherhood for child support and parental rights purposes.
- Prenuptial Agreements: Contracts outlining financial arrangements in case of divorce.
- Domestic Violence: Legal recourse to protect yourself and your children from domestic abuse.
Florida operates under an equitable distribution system for property division during divorce. This means assets and debts are divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. Understanding these legal nuances and navigating the complexities of family law proceedings requires expertise. Here’s how the best family lawyer in Orlando becomes your guiding light:
- Understanding Your Rights and Options: Family law can be emotionally charged, and legal terminology can be confusing. A lawyer explains your rights in detail, explores available options, and guides you towards the course of action that best addresses your unique circumstances.
- Building a Strong Case: A skilled lawyer diligently gathers evidence to support your position. This can include financial records, parenting evaluations, witness statements, and documentation of relevant circumstances.
- Effective Communication and Negotiation: Family lawyers are adept at communicating effectively with opposing counsel and judges. They can negotiate a fair resolution, saving you time, money, and emotional stress.
- Protecting Your Interests in Mediation: Mediation can be a valuable tool for reaching an amicable agreement outside of court. While it involves compromise, a lawyer ensures your interests are protected and a fair agreement is reached.
- Litigation Expertise: If a settlement isn’t possible, a lawyer provides effective representation in court, fighting for a favorable outcome that prioritizes your well-being and your children’s best interests.
Beyond Legal Expertise: Qualities of a Top-Tier Family Lawyer in Orlando
Not all family lawyers are created equal. Here are the key qualities to consider when selecting the best advocate for your situation in Orlando:
- Experience in Florida Family Law: Florida has specific family laws and court procedures. A lawyer with extensive experience handling family cases in Orlando understands the nuances of local law and can effectively navigate the legal process.
- Compassion and Understanding: Family law matters are often emotionally charged. Your lawyer should be empathetic to your situation and provide support as you navigate this challenging period.
- Client-Centered Approach: The best family lawyers prioritize understanding your unique circumstances, goals, and concerns. They work collaboratively with you to develop a legal strategy that aligns with your priorities and your loved ones’ well-being.
- Effective Communication and Accessibility: Clear and consistent communication is essential. A top-tier lawyer keeps you informed throughout the process, answers your questions promptly, and addresses your concerns with empathy and understanding.
- Competitive Fees and Flexible Payment Structures: Family lawyers offer various fee structures, including hourly rates or retainer agreements. Discuss fees upfront to ensure transparency and explore options that fit your financial situation.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Orlando
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced family law issues and inquire about their lawyers.
- Florida Bar Association: Contact the Florida Bar Association for referrals to qualified family attorneys in Orlando.
- Orlando Bar Association: The Orlando Bar Association also offers referral services for legal representation.
- Online Resources: Several online legal directories allow you to search for family lawyers in Orlando based on location, experience, client reviews, and areas of expertise in family law.