Frequently Asked Questions
Clear Answers to Your Most Important Family Law Questions
What types of family law cases do you handle?
We focus on complex divorce and custody matters involving substantial assets, business interests, and high-conflict parenting disputes. Our clients often include business owners, executives, professionals, and other high-income individuals.
What makes your firm different?
We do not operate as a high-volume practice. We limit the number of cases we accept so we can provide meticulous preparation, sophisticated strategy, and direct attorney involvement at every stage of your matter.
Do you represent business owners and professionals?
Yes. We have extensive experience with closely held businesses, professional practices, and complex compensation structures such as bonuses, stock options, and deferred compensation. Protecting enterprise value and minimizing disruption to your career or business are central to our approach.
Divorce
How is a high-asset divorce different from a typical divorce?
High-asset cases require detailed financial analysis, business valuations, tracing separate and marital property, and careful tax planning. These matters often involve financial experts and valuation professionals to ensure all assets are properly identified and fairly addressed.
Can you help if I believe my spouse is hiding assets or income?
Absolutely. We use comprehensive formal discovery and, when appropriate, forensic accountants to uncover undisclosed accounts, hidden income, and improper transfers. We rely on verification, not just voluntary disclosure, when the stakes are high.
How do you protect my financial interests during divorce?
We build a complete financial picture early, engage experts when needed, and pursue discovery strategically but firmly. Our goal is to protect what you have built and position you for a fair, durable resolution that aligns with your long-term financial goals.
Children
Do you handle contested custody cases?
Yes. We regularly represent clients in cases involving children’s issues such as parental responsibility, custody and timesharing disputes, including cases involving relocation, allegations of parental alienation, and contested decision-making authority for major decisions affecting the children.
What is your approach to custody matters?
We prepare clear, evidence-driven cases that align with the “best interests of the child” factors in the Florida Statutes. We focus on both protecting your relationship with your children and presenting a thoughtful, fact-based plan for their stability and well-being. And, please make note, while it is our job to represent you to the best of our ability, we will not ever do anything that we do not believe is in your children’s best interest.
How do you address parental alienation or interference with parenting time?
We take these concerns seriously. When appropriate, we work with mental-health professionals, document patterns of interference, and present the court with a coherent narrative and supporting evidence so the judge can understand what is happening over time.
The Legal Process and Trial
Will my case go to trial?
Many cases resolve before trial, but high-asset and high-conflict custody matters are more likely to require court intervention. We prepare each case as if it will go to trial from the outset, which strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we are ready if litigation becomes necessary.
How long will my case take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the financial issues, the level of conflict, and whether experts or evaluations are required. Complex divorce and custody matters often take longer because thorough discovery and careful preparation are essential to achieving the right outcome.
Do you offer mediation and settlement options?
Yes. In addition to litigation, we frequently use mediation and structured settlement discussions. Our experience in trial practice informs our negotiation strategy, allowing us to pursue settlement from a position of strength rather than urgency.
Fees, Communication, and Privacy
How are your legal fees structured?
We typically require an initial retainer and then we bill against it based on the time and expertise required in your case. Unlike most family law firms, we do not charge the same hourly rate for everything we do for you. While we bill at our highest hourly rate for courtroom appearances, we use lower hourly rates for task that do not require as high a level of strategy, and expert involvement. We also prepare litigation budgets when appropriate so that we are transparent about anticipated costs.
And, unlike most attorneys we do not bill you for copies, scans, postage, parking or all those other nickel and dime charges other lawyers hit you with in their invoices.
Will I have direct access to my attorney?
Yes. We believe that close communication is essential in these cases. You will have meaningful access to your attorney and our team, and we will keep you informed so you can participate in strategic decisions throughout the process.
How do you handle privacy and discretion?
We understand that confidentiality is critical, particularly for professionals, athletes, celebrities and other public figures, including those in tightly knit communities. We protect your attorney client privilege at all time and we also take deliberate steps to prevent the unnecessary disclosure of sensitive financial, business, and personal information.
Getting Started
What should I do before filing for divorce or starting a custody case?
Before taking action, it is wise to understand your financial picture, gather key documents, avoid major financial moves without advice, and consult with counsel. Early planning can significantly affect your options and the eventual outcome.
Why should I choose your firm?
We combine strategic litigation experience with deep knowledge of complex financial issues and custody dynamics. Our focus is on protecting your financial future, preserving your relationship with your children, and guiding you through a difficult process with clarity and purpose.
How do I schedule a consultation?
To schedule a free consultation with our office is by calling us at 727-216-6060. During that meeting, we will review your situation, answer your questions, and outline a strategy tailored to your goals.
What is a Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is an alternative to the traditional litigation approach to divorce actions. In the collaborative format, both parties and their attorneys pledge to work as a team to negotiate an amicable resolution to the case rather than to prepare the case for a trial. The team of parties and their counsel will typically bring in other experts, such as a CPA or therapist, or children’s expert to assist in the negotiation process. The team will meet as necessary to cooperatively discuss the issues involved in the case and potential resolutions.

