2024
Last updated:
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Sarasota Divorce Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.
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Providers
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Featured Provider
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (6)
- Yelp
- 3.0 (6)
(6)Why choose this provider?
Loftus Law is a legal office in Sarasota that represents families in divorce and other family law matters. Established in 2013, the firm handles cases involving child custody, child support modifications, collaborative or mediated settlements, and time-sharing issues. Lead attorney Leslie Loftus assists clients in navigating the family law court system and advocates for their rights in negotiations, collaborations, mediations, or trials. She has been a legal practitioner for over 30 years. She established Loftus Law after working with Kirk-Pinkerton.
- Asset Distribution
- Child Custody
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Leslie Loftus - Principal | Active | 30 yrs |
| Leslie Loftus - Principal | Active | 30 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Boeller Law offers comprehensive solutions for divorcing spouses in the Sarasota metro and surrounding areas. It represents clients in different aspects of divorce including timesharing, equitable distribution of property, alimony, and child support. The law firm helps in resolving divorce conflicts through mediation, litigation, and collaborative divorce proceedings. Its founder, Sara Sawyer Boeller, holds a Master's degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and is also a family law mediator certified by the Florida Supreme Court.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
Tobaygo Law is a family law firm assisting families in Sarasota. It represents clients in contested and uncontested divorce cases, aiming to help in contentious disputes including distribution of properties and assets, child custody and support, and alimony. Its process includes client preparation and education on how the law affects their specific case. Angela Tobaygo previously worked as an assistant state attorney in Sarasota County. She is also a board member at the Florida Association For Women Lawyers Sarasota chapter, and Sean Tobaygo is a former prosecuting attorney for the State of Florida and former co-chair of the family law section of the Sarasota County Bar Association.
- Uncontested
- Contested
- Alimony
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Yelp
- 3.5 (3)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell PA is a husband-and-wife law firm that specializes in family law. Active for over two decades, it has handled both uncontested and contested divorce cases in Sarasota. This includes conflicts between high net worth individuals, business partners, medical experts, and legal professionals. The firm guides its clients through negotiations regarding marital property division, spousal support, and child custody. In 2019, the firm's founder, Matthew Martell, was isted among the National Advocates' Top 30 Matrimonial & Family Law Attorneys.
- Child Support
- Mediation
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew Martell - Managing Partner | Active | 26 yrs |
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 4.5 (17)
- Yelp
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Founded in 1993, the Family Law Office of Lisa Kleinberg has been serving individuals and families in the community of Sarasota and surrounding areas. The law firm handles various legal issues involving marital and family law, such as divorce, financial arrangements, mediations, child custody and visitation rights, adoptions, and prenuptial agreements. It also represents victims of child abuse and domestic violence. Lead practitioner Lisa Kleinberg guides clients throughout the entire legal process, as part of her protection of their rights.
- Alimony
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Lisa Kleinberg - Principal | Active | 32 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Benson Trial Group offers personalized legal representation to clients in Sarasota and its surrounding areas. Since 2003, the family law firm has been helping couples navigate the divorce process. Its lawyer, Joe Benson, handles matters such as alimony, child custody and support, property division, and visitation. He also assists clients who need help enforcing a court order or want to modify the judgment. Before pursuing his legal career, he served as a hospital corpsman in the US Navy.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
Michael Fayard, Attorney at Law represents individuals in divorce cases in Sarasota. His legal services cover simplified, contested and uncontested, and collaborative divorces. He assists clients with issues that involve divorce such as property distribution, spousal maintenance, child custody, and child support. Former Sarasota assistant state attorney and former Maui deputy prosecuting attorney, Michael Fayard, is also admitted to practice law in the states of Colorado, Hawaii, and Kentucky. He is a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Contested
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- Avvo
- 5.0 (1)
Why choose this provider?
Sarasota-based firm, Cole & Cole Law, P.A., serves clients across Florida. With almost five decades of combined legal field experience, its lawyers provide legal assistance in divorce proceedings and assist with related matters including property division, paternity issues, alimony, and child support and custody. The firm’s estate planning and probate department handles foreclosures and loan modifications. Other areas of practice include business and bankruptcy laws. R. John Cole II and Richard J. Cole, III are members of the Federal Bar Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute.
- Alimony
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| R. John Cole - Partner | Active | 49 yrs |
| Richard Cole - Partner | Active | 16 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Debra M. Salisbury, P.A., offers legal counsel for clients in and around Sarasota who are pursuing a formal dissolution of marriage. The firm handles both contested and uncontested divorce cases, helping clients arrive at mutually beneficial solutions for related family law matters such as parenting, division of marital assets and liabilities, child support, and alimony. Likewise, it assists with the modification or enforcement of marital settlement agreements. One of the firm's attorneys, Debra M. Salisbury, is a Board Certified Specialist in Juvenile Law.
- Contested
- Child Support
- Uncontested
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Erin Speyer, P.A., represents individuals and families throughout the Sarasota metro. It guides clients wishing to file for a divorce to dissolve their marriage while protecting their rights, assets, and children. It also provides legal assistance in drafting and enforcing child custody, visitation, support, and alimony agreements. Founding attorney Erin Speyer brings more than 15 years of experience in the legal field. She extends her services to clients in DeSoto and Manatee counties.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
The Law Offices of Tinley M. Rudd, Esq., offers legal advice and representation for contested and uncontested divorce matters in Sarasota and the surrounding areas. It handles various aspects of pursuing the formal dissolution of marriage, including child custody, spousal support, division of marital debts and assets, and prenuptial agreements. Its attorney has also completed training in collaborative law, an alternate means of resolving conflicts outside of court. She has more than two decades of legal expertise as a lawyer and a paralegal.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
Attorney Allan Baily is among the long-time divorce lawyers representing clients in Sarasota and the nearby metros. Baily handles family law cases such as divorce, paternity, child support, and custody. He also practices criminal law where he handles cases like domestic violence, traffic offenses, firearm charges, theft crimes, and drug charges. This attorney is also knowledgeable on other practices such as aviation, juvenile, and probate law. Baily started his practice as an attorney back in January 1998.
- Alimony
- Mediation
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Alan Baily - Principal | Active | 26 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Bragg Law Firm, PLLC, handles family law matters across Sarasota and the neighboring cities. It represents individuals wishing to file or going through a divorce to help end their marriage while protecting their families and their rights. It guides clients in establishing agreements for their property division, child custody and visitation, and alimony. Its team is also available to resolve same-sex divorce cases. With more than 15 years of legal experience, the law firm's team has done over 850 court appearances.
- Alimony
Expertise.com Rating
Review Sources
- 5.0 (5)
Why choose this provider?
The Law Office of Wyndel G. Darville provides legal services to clients in Sarasota. The firm handles divorce cases and related areas, including child custody, alimony, child support, and property distribution. It likewise offers legal services in other family law cases like paternity, relocation, and post-dissolution disputes. The firm also represents individuals charged with criminal offenses, including theft, drug, and domestic violence. Wyndel Darville, the firm's primary attorney, has over 20 years of litigation experience and is a Sarasota County Bar Association member.
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Alimony
Attorney Information
| Attorney Name | Bar Status | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Wyndel Darville - Principal | Active | 27 yrs |
Why choose this provider?
Law Office of Kelly A. Rodenas, PA, assists individuals and families in Sarasota. The family law firm handles divorce, child custody, paternity, premarital agreements, and adoptions. Kelly A. Rodenas provides compassionate representation through each aspect of divorce, from dividing property and putting together a parenting plan to negotiating alimony and child support. She works to resolve divorces amicably and is prepared to go to court if needed to fight for the client's interests. Rodenas has 10 years of legal experience. She speaks Spanish and English.
- Alimony
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
The Murphy Law Group handles divorce matters for individuals and families throughout the Sarasota metro. The firm takes on various forms of marriage dissolution, including contested and uncontested, military, and out-of-state divorces. While the firm encourages the use of a collaborative process to settle divorce matters amicably, its legal team can also represent clients in court trials if necessary. Stephanie L. Murphy, one of the firm's attorneys, previously served as a Guardian ad Litem and is a frequent speaker at the Women's Resource Center.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
Melinda Delpech is a Sarasota-based family lawyer who has been in practice for over three decades. Focusing exclusively on family and marital law, she helps spouses resolve divorce issues through the collaborative process or litigation. Delpech handles conflicts involving child support, parenting plans, property division, and relocation requests. Her firm also accommodates the concerns of same-sex couples and assists in establishing paternity rights. In addition, she caters to individuals seeking to modify or enforce an existing court order.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
O’Day Resolutions is a private practice offering divorce counsel and representation to clients in and around the Sarasota metro. The firm was founded in 2012 and focuses on helping estranged couples settle their disputes without going to court or resorting to traditional contested divorce proceedings. Sharon O'Day, the firm's attorney, is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and Board Certified in Marital and Family Law. She is also a Parenting Coordinator and has been trained in collaborative law.
- Mediation
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Why choose this provider?
McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, assists clients throughout Sarasota and the adjoining communities in their pursuit of divorce. The firm assists divorcing couples in establishing amicable agreements and remedies to relevant family law issues such as timesharing, alimony, property division, and child support. Its attorney, Paul M. McDermott, is trained in Collaborative Law, a method of resolving family law problems with the assistance of financial and mental health professionals. He also received professional pastoral training in order to provide spiritual counsel to his clients.
- Child Support
- Child Custody
Compare our Top Divorce Lawyers
| Name | Expertise Rating | Address | Promotions | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loftus Law | 1858 Ringling Boulevard, Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| Boeller Law | 3260 Fruitville Rd., Suite B, Sarasota, FL34237 | View More | ||
| Tobaygo Law | 1266 1st St., Suite 9, Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A. | 9040 Town Center Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, FL34202 | View More | ||
| Family Law Office of Lisa Kleinberg | 1990 Main Street, Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| Benson Trial Group | 434 S. Washington Blvd, Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| Michael Fayard Attorney at Law | 434 S Washington Blvd., Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| Cole & Cole Law, P.A. | 46 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| The Law Office of Debra M. Salisbury, P.A. | 3293 Fruitville Rd #101, Sarasota, FL34237 | View More | ||
| Law Office of Erin Speyer, P.A. | 49 N. East Avenue, Sarasota, FL34237 | View More | ||
| Law Offices of Tinley M. Rudd, Esq. | 2127 Ringling Blvd Suite 103, Sarasota, FL34237 | View More | ||
| Attorney Allan Baily | 46 North Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| Bragg Law Firm, PLLC | 2055 Wood St, Sarasota, FL34237 | View More | ||
| The Law Office of Wyndel G. Darville | 2075 Main Street, Sarasota, FL34237 | View More | ||
| Law Office of Kelly A. Rodenas, PA | 46 N. Washington Blvd. Suite 7, Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| The Murphy Law Group | 2127 Ringling Blvd. Suite #102, Sarasota, FL34237 | View More | ||
| Melinda Delpech | One South School Avenue Suite 500, Sarasota, FL34237 | View More | ||
| O’Day Resolutions | 1858 Ringling Blvd Suite, 110, Sarasota, FL34236 | View More | ||
| McDermott Law Offices, PLLC | 6151 Lake Osprey Drive Suite 300, Sarasota, FL34240 | View More |
FAQs
What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Sarasota, Florida?
Call the Sarasota Police Station at (941) 316-1199 for non-emergencies.
Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Sarasota, Florida?
You can get incident reports personally from the Records Section located on the first floor of the police station. You can also request reports through email at Records@sarasotasheriff.org and via mail addressed to: Sarasota County Sheriff's Office Attention: Records P.O. Box 4115 Sarasota, Florida 34230-4115. For more information, call the section at (941) 861-4025.
How can you know more about self-representation or the Self-Help (Pro Se) program for divorce cases in Sarasota?
You can learn more about representing yourself by visiting jud12.flcourts.org/Programs/Pro-Se-Program or going to the court clerk's office at the Historic Courthouse located at 2000 Main Street, Room 102. You can also obtain the Self-Help (Pro Se) program packets, which include forms and instructions for your divorce case. Call the Civil Law Department at (941) 861-7400 for more details.
How long do you have to be in Sarasota to file for divorce?
You can file for divorce in Sarasota if you or your spouse has been living in the city or elsewhere in the state for more than six months. This also means that the party living in the state can successfully file a divorce in Florida even if the other party is not in the state.
Is it possible to get full custody of the children following a divorce in Sarasota?
Yes. In Sarasota, one parent can get full custody of the children when the other parent has mental health problems, a prior history of substance use or physical abuse, and financial difficulties that may affect childcare. While the court prefers shared custody arrangements, it will order full custody if these justifying circ*mstances are in the children's best interest.
Does Sarasota have no-fault divorce rules?
Yes. Sarasota follows no-fault divorce rules, which means that the only reason needed in a divorce petition is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken.” The court may even dismiss petitions for reasons such as mental cruelty, adultery, and abandonment. Additionally, Florida statutes allow the mental incapacity of a party as grounds for divorce.
How can you get an annulment in Sarasota?
You can get an annulment in Sarasota if you or your spouse is unable to understand your marriage contract, was intoxicated during the contract signing, or committed serious misrepresentation before the marriage. You may also get an annulment if you did not consummate your marriage. If none of these scenarios are applicable or if you wait a long time to get an annulment, the court may order you and your spouse to file a marriage dissolution petition.
What are the basic steps to filing for divorce?
The steps required to file for divorce depend heavily on whether the divorce is contested, if there are minor children or property issues at stake, and if there are disagreements over child support or alimony. The process may also differ from state to state, but generally parties must:
- File the divorce petition
- Hire a process server to give the other party divorce papers/respond to the original petitioner's filing
- Request temporary orders covering issues such as custody/visitation, support, and exclusive property use
- Make financial disclosures
- Request discovery from your spouse
- Propose and/or consider a possible settlement
- Go to trial if necessary
- Receive a signed judgment from the court indicating the divorce is final
- Address post-divorce tasks such as transferring property titles and closing joint bank accounts
How much does it cost to get a divorce?
The cost of a divorce differs dramatically based on a litany of criteria, such as whether the divorce is contested, where the divorce petition is filed, and whether the divorce requires a professional intermediary or other legal expert. A simple, low-frills DIY divorce can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Add in mediation and the cost may jump to the mid-four figures and can easily reach $7,000 or more. Hire a lawyer and you may pay anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000+ if there are major custodial issue or complex financial concerns.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour and billing can vary dramatically. Some attorneys in more affordable markets and/or with less experience may charge as little as $75/hour. More experienced attorney or those who have large staffs, specialize in complex cases, or hold relevant certifications may charge premium rates in excess of $400/hour. Then there are the amount of hours invested; simple cases may be over in a matter of weeks while hotly contested divorces can drag on for years leading to lawyer's fees in the tens of thousands.
How to choose a divorce lawyer/what to look for?
Divorce lawyers are not one-size-fits-all. It's important to find a lawyer whose skill set, experience, and resources align with the demands of each specific situation. For instance, some attorneys will push mediation while others are naturals in the courtroom.
- Know your budget
- Limit your search to lawyers experienced in family law
- Zero in on lawyers or firms that can handle the complexities of divorce, especially any issues that may be specific to the current case
- Read reviews and ask friends for recommendations, but remember that their situations and needs may not be the same
- Conduct interviews to see who feels trustworthy and can spell out an approach that feels appropriate
- Try to ignore ad campaigns and office décor and instead consider track record and skills
What is an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the major issues, such as custody of any minor children, child support, alimony, and how to divide any assets and/or debt. While uncontested divorces still require a judge to approve the terms of the divorcing couple's signed agreement, these relatively simple splits tend to move faster, cost less money, and are easier to execute without the help of a divorce lawyer. A divorce filing that goes unanswered by the non-petitioning party may also be considered uncontested.
Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?
It's possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially if the divorce is uncontested. Many states offer free divorce forms either online or at legal self-help centers located in or near family court. There are often dispute resolution resources available as well; mediation services can help iron out disputes over custody or financial support without involving lawyers. Still, a free consultation with a divorce lawyer can offer valuable insight, and contentious divorces, whether they go to trial or not, all but require legal representation.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
The length of a divorce is contingent on four things: each state's mandatory waiting period, whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, how quickly both sides can come to an agreement, and how quickly a judge is able to hear or review the case and sign off. The best-case scenario is an uncontested divorce in a state with a short waiting period which could see a divorce finalized in a matter of weeks. For divorces with highly combative parties, long discovery periods, and other complications, a decision could take months or even years.
How to prepare for divorce?
It's difficult to ever feel truly prepared for the rigors of divorce, but there are several steps that can make the process more bearable and allow for a more positive outcome:
- Interview attorneys
- Locate and make copies of important documents like mortgage and car titles, insurance policies, business licenses, financial records, bank statements, and income tax returns
- Take inventory of valuable household items that should be considered later while splitting assets
- Make a detailed list of monthly expenses, including utilities, rent or mortgage, childcare, kids' activities like sports or dance classes, school tuition, and insurance
- Know what the respondent's income is, including any income from self-employment, stock dividends, and interest
- Double-check credit history and evaluate both short- and long-term earning potential
- Set goals for ideal custody arrangement, support amounts, and living arrangements
- Get support from friends and family
What to do with an engagement ring after divorce?
Most courts follow state laws that consider an engagement ring to be the recipient's property once a wedding takes place, which means it remains that recipient's individual property even after a divorce. Other states categorize engagement rings as marital property and as such the ring is subject to the same division of assets as a house or art collection might be. For spouses who get to keep their jewelry, engagement rings can be sold, dismantled and repurposed, returned to the original buyer, or kept and handed down to any children the marriage may have produced.
What is divorce mediation?
When divorces get heated or even just have the potential to become messy, a neutral third party can help calm both parties and resolve issues without the need for a trial. This is called mediation. A great mediator is unbiased and invested in a balanced, fair outcome; they will ideally listen to both parties, encourage respectful discussions, and raise questions or concerns when appropriate. Once an agreement is reached, the mediator will prepare documents detailing the agreed-upon terms. Using a mediator only works if both sides are willing to meet and discuss a compromise, but doing so can save a considerable amount of time, money, emotional strain, and overall stress.
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