Best Divorce Lawyers in Orlando
VICTORIA LYN ANDERSON
Divorce Lawyers
Victoria Lyn Anderson primarily practices in the areas of domestic and family law, criminal law, and bankruptcy. Ms. Anderson’s over 12 years of experience in these areas of law has given her a unique ability to not only achieve results but to assist clients though difficult, complicated and sometimes incredibly emotional events.
Ms. Anderson has been a resident of central Florida for over 25 years. She received her Bachelors in Political Science from the University of Central Florida and a Juris Doctorate from Barry University School of Law. At Barry University Ms. Anderson received a certificate for completing a concentration in the areas of Children and Family law which has provided her the opportunity to explore these areas intricately and gain an even greater knowledge and understanding which she uses to assist her client’s through these difficult times.
Ms. Anderson has worked in the legal field since 1997 and since then has worked at all levels within private law firms. Ms. Anderson’s background has helped her develop a high level of expertise that is conducive to achieving results.
Andrew J. Chmelir
Divorce Lawyers
Andrew J. Chmelir earned his B.A. degree in 1993 from Florida State University’s School of Criminology. Andrew then attended law school at St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, where he excelled and received several academic scholarships and the prestigious Book Award in Criminal Law, Federal Income Taxation and Property Law. While in law school, Andrew interned at both the Brevard County State Attorney’s Office and the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office. At the Miami office, Andrew worked as a Certified Legal Intern and served as lead counsel in several jury trials. After law school, Andrew joined the Orange County State Attorney’s Office as a trial attorney and gained extensive experience prosecuting cases within Felony, Misdemeanor, Traffic and Juvenile Divisions.
After serving as a prosecutor in Orlando for over three years, in 1999, Andrew and his law partners formed the law firm of Jacobson, Chmelir & Ferwerda and have been providing legal representation to countless individuals in both family and criminal law related matters.
Andrew and the firm have defended numerous individuals facing state and federal criminal prosecutions. Andrew has represented clients in high-profile cases and has served as lead counsel in jury trials throughout Central Florida including federal district courts in both Tampa and Orlando. Andrew and his law partners are well known and respected within the federal judicial court system.
Andrew and the law firm are also experienced family law trial attorneys. The firm has handled hundreds of cases involving divorce, paternity, child support and time-sharing disputes. Andrew has received the requisite training in collaborative law and is a member of the Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida. Andrew is frequently retained by his peers to serve as an expert witness regarding attorney’s fees matters.
David W. Veliz
Divorce Lawyers
David is the managing partner of Veliz Katz Law located in Maitland, Florida. He has been providing a broad range of legal services to clients in the Central Florida area for over 32 years. David is a Florida native, having grown up in the Orlando area and is a graduate of Winter Park High School and the University of Central Florida. He is a graduate of John Marshall Law School located in Chicago, Illinois. David is dedicated to providing the very best representation to his clients in the areas of Family Law and Probate Law, including Estate Planning. Throughout his legal career, he has assisted many families not only in the Central Florida area but also through the State of Florida.
David’s goal is to be the premier law firm in Veliz Katz Law’s areas of practice. As part of his efforts, he has assembled a top team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff to ensure that his clients receive the highest level of legal representation possible. He and his team will work aggressively to achieve the solution and outcome that works best for you. David is an active member of the community. He volunteers his time providing pro bono services to the Legal Aid Society as a Guardian Ad Litem for children in need. He has also served as a Board Member of the Legal Aid Society and as a member of a Florida Bar Grievance Committee, as well as being the recipient of numerous prestigious awards.
N. Diane Holmes
Divorce Lawyers
N. Diane Holmes is one of the most respected family law attorneys in the state of Florida. Consistently ranked as a Florida “Super Lawyer,” Ms. Holmes is held in high regard by her peers with the coveted 5.0 Martindale-Hubbell® peer rating* for “high ethical standards and professional ability.” This is the highest peer ranking possible. She holds the impressive distinction as the first woman lawyer in Central Florida who has earned the designation as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.
Since 1984, Ms. Holmes has built a family law practice based on her firm belief in fairness, discerning strategies and results. She will represent you with the experience and tenacity that has earned her a solid reputation in the legal community. A pioneer in collaborative divorce, she is known for developing unique and creative solutions for the benefit of her clients. She has earned great admiration and respect from the bench, her clients and opposing counsel for the caliber of representation and experience she brings to the table.
ASHLEY FILIMON
Divorce Lawyers
As an adoptive parent herself, Ashley understands the emotional trials that an adoption or change in custody can bring to clients, adoptive parents and birth mothers. Ashley Filimon has an innate ability to balance the needs of the family with the requirements of the court system.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
J.D., Law
Barry University School of Law, Orlando, FLBA in Spanish & BS in Marketing
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
AFFILIATIONS & INTERESTS
Florida Bar
Families for Russian & Ukrainian Adoption
Legal Aid – Volunteer Advocate
Florida’s Adoption Council
The Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida
The Metropolitan Business Association
Circle of Champions, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Howard Phillips Center, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Mercedes R. Wechsler
Divorce Lawyers
Mercedes attended law school at the University of Florida starting in January 1995 as a single mother and finished law school in two and a half years. To her surprise, she wasn’t the only “non-traditional” law student and she rapidly became a huge Gator fan! After graduating in May 1997 from UF, Mercedes and her son returned to Central Florida. Her son, Alex, graduated Winter Park High School and is now a graduate of the fire academy. Mercedes is very involved in the arts community, and balances the stress of practicing law with running and yoga.
Law is a second career for Mercedes. After growing up in Central Florida, attending high school and college here in Orlando, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from the University of Central Florida in 1985. Mercedes worked mostly in the military defense industry for the next 10 years. But going to law school was always in the back or her mind. When a dear friend died of cancer at 36 years old, Mercedes decided she could no longer ignore what she really wanted to do.
Mercedes R. Wechsler, P.A. handles all areas of family law, including dissolution of marriage, modifications, alimony, child custody, paternity, relocation, contempt and enforcement, prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements, complex asset valuation. In addition, Mercedes is a guardian ad litem and handles dependency matters. What makes her firm unique is Mercedes and her staff care about the long term future of the clients and their children. Mercedes and her staff pride themselves on maintaining a constant line of communication with the clients. Phone calls and emails are always responded to within 24 hours. Always a strong advocate, Mercedes will also look for a solution that preserves a reasonable relationship between the parties especially if they have children. When necessary, Mercedes is prepared to aggressively litigate the matter all the way through trial. Mercedes ensures her clients are apprised about “the good, the bad and the ugly” so they can make an informed decision about their future. She and her staff recognize that her clients are going through some of the most difficult emotional situations they will ever have to face. Mercedes does her very best to make sure at the end of the case, the client is in a better place than when they first walked through her door.
Dorothy J. McMichen
Divorce Lawyers
Graduated in 1979 with a B.A. in Economics and Business from Chapman College in Anaheim, California. Graduated in May of 1983 with a Juris Doctor in law from the Holland Law Center at the University of Florida. Admitted to the Florida Bar in October of 1983.
Worked as an associate with the law firm of R. Patrick Phillips from 1983 to 1992, where I practiced general practice; however, in 1990, I turned my area of focus to marital and family law. In 1992, I became a partner in the law firm of Phillips & McMichen, P.A., and practiced solely in marital and family law until September 1995.
In September 1995, Orlando Family Attorney, Dorothy J. McMichen opened her own law firm, Dorothy J. McMichen, P.A. and in 2008, became the managing partner of McMichen, Cinami and Demps, PLLC. Our family law and divorce practice is exclusively devoted to marital and family law.
JOSE A. RODRIGUEZ
Divorce Lawyers
Having the best divorce lawyer in Orlando or any location can provide several benefits and play a significant role during the difficult process of divorce. Here are some of the benefits and importance of having a top-notch divorce lawyer:
Legal Expertise: Experienced divorce lawyers are well-versed in family law and have a deep understanding of the legal processes involved in divorce. They can guide you through the complexities of the legal system, ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive a fair settlement.
Objective Advice: Emotions can run high during a divorce, and it’s easy to make impulsive decisions that might not be in your best interest. A skilled divorce lawyer can provide objective advice, helping you make informed decisions based on the legal and financial implications rather than emotions.
Negotiation Skills: Divorce often involves negotiations over property division, child custody, alimony, and other important matters. A skilled divorce lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcomes, ensuring that your rights and interests are well-represented.
Paperwork and Documentation: Divorce proceedings involve a significant amount of paperwork and documentation. A competent lawyer will handle all the necessary paperwork, ensuring that everything is filed correctly and on time. This can save you a lot of stress and potential legal complications.
Protection of Your Rights: Your divorce lawyer’s primary role is to protect your legal rights throughout the process. They will work to ensure that you receive a fair share of assets, proper child custody arrangements, and appropriate spousal support if applicable.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution: In many cases, divorce lawyers can help facilitate mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods. These approaches can lead to more amicable and faster resolutions, which can be particularly beneficial when children are involved.
Reduced Stress: Going through a divorce is emotionally taxing. Hiring a competent divorce lawyer can alleviate some of the stress by handling the legal aspects, allowing you to focus on your emotional well-being and other important matters.
Experience with Local Laws: Laws and regulations related to divorce can vary by jurisdiction. Hiring a divorce lawyer familiar with the local laws in Orlando can give you a distinct advantage when navigating the legal system.
Customized Strategy: Every divorce case is unique, and a skilled lawyer can develop a tailored legal strategy based on your specific circumstances and goals.
Avoiding Mistakes: DIY divorce or relying solely on general legal information can lead to costly mistakes. A divorce lawyer’s expertise can help you avoid making decisions that could negatively impact your financial and personal future.
In conclusion, hiring the best divorce lawyer in Orlando is important to ensure that your rights are protected, your interests are represented, and you navigate the legal process as smoothly as possible. Divorce is a significant life event, and having a knowledgeable and skilled lawyer by your side can make a substantial difference in achieving a fair and favorable outcome.