Top best Separation Lawyers in Fort Lauderdale | 38 available

Rather than talking about our firm, we prefer to have you read about what other clients are saying about us.. "Best divorce attorney out there.". "Fantastic advice and reliable.". "Excellent attorney with precise execution.". "All I can say is WOW!!!". "Absolutely one of the Best Divorce Attorneys". "She was a thorough professional from the first call."

Quentin Ballot-Lena is a family law attorney at Trachman & Ballot-Lena, PA, practicing in the areas of divorce, child custody, domestic violence, paternity, prenuptial agreements and more in Fort Lauderdale. Admitted to The Florida Bar in 2009, Mr. Ballot-Lena has been recognized as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers (2018, 2019, 2020) and has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020), the highest rating awarded by this prestigious legal services company.Mr. Ballot-Lena earned his juris doctorate law degree from George Mason University School of Law in Virginia, during which time he gained experience in the law as an intern with the Arlington County Public Defender’s Office and the Virginia Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. Upon graduation, Mr. Ballot-Lena took a position with the Florida State Attorney Office for the 17th Judicial Circuit, serving as Assistant State Attorney for Broward County. In this capacity he served as lead counsel in hundreds of cases, many of which involved DNA testing and other highly technical scientific evidentiary issues.Upon leaving the State Attorney’s Office, Mr. Ballot-Lena joined the Law Offices of Robert H. Trachman, where he focused almost exclusively on family law. Mr. Ballot-Lena continues this family law focus in his present practice at Trachman & Ballot-Lena, PA., representing clients in divorces, relocations, post-divorce modifications, paternity cases and other family law matters in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas. The firm opened its Fort Lauderdale office in 2018, devoted primarily to the practice of family law.Mr. Ballot-Lena is a member of the Air Line Pilots Association (alpa) and a member of the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar, serving on the Section’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee. He is also a member of the Family Law Section of the Broward County Bar Association. Mr. Ballot-Lena is a trained Chapter 61 guardian ad litem, available to represent the interests of children in family law matters when requested by the Florida courts.Mr. Ballot-Lena’s commitment to his profession is further bolstered by his involvement with the Collaborative Family Law Professionals of South Florida, the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. A devoted member of the community, Mr. Ballot-Lena is active in the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club and Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and he additionally volunteers his time with Habitat for Humanity. He has given numerous presentations to area business groups on various family law subjects and collaborative family law. Mr. Ballot-Lena is fully fluent in French.

Professionally I am a self-employed accountant, attorney, and mediator with over 45 years of  combined experience. I am a graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, and Albany Law School.  I moved to South Florida in 1995.  I am most proud of my family, Verenice my wife,  and my two children David and Lindsey. Verenice earned her law degree in Peru and is my spiritual partner. David is an Afghanistan war veteran, has earned his master’s degree, and is currently teaching social studies. Lindsey speaks several languages and is currently attending law school.. I am a  successful and proactive business professional with highly effective communications and people skills.  I have a  proven ability to produce and contribute to the success of an organization, minimizing expenses and risk exposure, while maximizing profits and quality control affording me the time and energy to give back to the community.. Here are some of my qualifications:. I  developed a 501(c) (3) not for profit organization, in 2007 to answer the common question regarding South Florida. Why is Florida usually ranked in the top five of all the negative social challenges in our country? From divorce to Aids, perhaps the common denominator is the one thing that we all do not like about our area. The fact that we are accustomed to the lack of cohesiveness in our neighborhoods. While this may not be the only reason why we are in the negative top five, but it is perhaps the most cost effective; with the biggest bang for the buck to fix.. It is a lot harder to hurt someone that you know and have to look in the eye than a total stranger. Once you meet your neighbor, and give time to develop friendships, then a network of support begins and the cohesive community is grown, and we all the better for it.. The organization offers a three pronged approach to answering this question. First, we provide the tools necessary to develop or to improve employable job skills. By increasing those in need to increase their self-sufficiency they become more prosperous, achieve good paying jobs, and be more likely to stay in their neighborhood long-term. The transient nature of Florida is a true challenge to overcome in resolving our social issues.. Secondly, we organize and manage many unique community events as a means to bring people together in their own local neighborhood. Too many community events are just that an event to display services, but nothing about developing relationships. For example, we feed thousands of people during our Thanksgiving Holiday Orphan Meal (THOM). Served in multiple locations throughout South Florida simultaneously as a sit down meal. THOM is not a feeding event alone. It is a true exercise in building friendships and in developing our surrounding communities.. Admitted in both Southern & Middle district Federal Court, Tax Court. member of the Bars of the State of Florida, Palm Beach., Miami-Dade., and Broward.. I am the former President of Lauderhill Chamber of Commerce, Sister Cities, Treasurer of Lauderdale by the Sea Chamber of Commerce,, and Broward Coalition of Homeowners and condo Associations, Board member of LBTS Planning and Zoning board.. Finally, we work with other not for profits and civic organizations in supporting their missions and efforts in assisting our community. By building partnerships we do not need to reinvent the wheel, working smarter rather than harder, increases efficiency and effectiveness.. We are always in need for volunteers and seeking community partnerships.. Thank you for your support.Eric Yankwitt

Prior to joining the Law Offices of Forrest & Forrest, PLLC, Monica was a Senior Attorney at a prominent law firm in Boca Raton, Florida where she handled Civil Litigation matters and all aspects of Matrimonial and Family Law, including representing clients in:. Monica also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem appointed by the Court in contested matters to advocate for the best interest of the child.. Family law issues can be complicated and often overwhelming to face alone. With the Family Law attorneys at teh Law Offices of Forrest & Forrest, PLLC, you will have more than 50 years of combined experience and leadership in the field of family law. Our firm routinely handles complex cases across Florida.. Ready to represent your interests in or out of the courtroom, and even for appeals. No two individuals or families are alike, that's why we'll take the time and ensure your objectives are met. If you need an attorney in any matters of family law call Monica today.

Natalie Kay is an Partner and Business Unit Leader in the Fort Lauderdale office of Kelley Kronenberg, focusing her practice on Family and Marital Law. Natalie represents clients in all areas of Family Law including Dissolution of Marriage, Alimony, Time-Sharing, Parenting, Child Support, Enforcement/Modifications, Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family services, Paternity, Distribution of Martial Assets and Liabilities, and many other issues.  Natalie also represents parties in family law appellate matters and has published opinions in the Fourth District Court of Appeal in Florida.. Prior to joining the national law firm of Kelley Kronenberg, Natalie worked as an Associate Attorney for a family law and civil litigation firm; Natalie has international experience; during law school Natalie was a legal assistant to two partners at the prestigious law firm of Reynolds, Porter and Chamberlin, LLP in London, a recognized Top 50 Largest UK based law firm. Additionally, during her final year of law school, she worked as a Certified Legal Intern for the Nova Southeastern University Children & Family Law Clinic and gained extensive litigation experience while focusing on the legal needs of individuals, with particular emphasis on the economically disadvantaged and served as a legal intern with the Public Defender’s office of Broward County, sitting second chair to the senior attorney of the murder and sex crimes division.. Natalie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Florida Atlantic University where she was a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship recipient. Natalie went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center. While attending law school, Natalie was on the Dean’s List and received the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Association Scholarship for Excellence in Matrimonial Law.

Ms. DiMaggio’s practice comprises of the representation of doctors, lawyers, business owners, professional athletes as well as those individuals who stay at home and maintain the household for their spouse and/or children. She focuses her practice in the area of family law and in addition to representing a vast array of clients over the years, she has been appointed as a special master as well as provided services as a Guardian Ad Litem in family law cases.. Julie DiMaggio is a graduate of the University of Illinois where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies. She obtained her Juris Doctorate (Cum Laude) in 1999 from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida and in the United States District, Southern District of Florida.

Miss Opal P. Lee is admitted to practice law in Florida and the island of Jamaica (having offices in both jurisdictions). She founded FloJam Legal in 2006 and is one of the managing attorneys. Miss Lee earned a Juris Doctorate Degree from Florida International University College of Law, and Legal Education Certificate from the Norman Manley Law School.. Miss Lee possesses extensive experience in the areas of Immigration, Divorce and Family Law. Miss Lee is committed to providing efficient, effective, reliable and aggressive representation to her clients and will ensure she delivers only high quality representation to all clients. Miss Lee ensures that the firm remains "client-focused", as creating and maintaining excellent client relationships is her foremost priority. With this in mind, clients can be assured of receiving prompt and reliable legal advice to any questions regarding their legal issues to enable them to make important decisions regarding their affairs.. Miss Lee is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association and the Broward County Women Lawyer’s Association.. Miss Lee may be heard each Saturday at 7:00 p.m. on Florida's radio station, WAVS 1170AM, and each Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. on Nationwide 90FM Jamaica addressing various legal topics such as divorce, child custody and visitation, alimony, equitable distribution, paternity disputes, immigration and real estate.

Mark E. Sawicki is recognized for his ability to bring a business-oriented perspective to family law, effectively navigating the courtroom for clients dealing with divorce and child custody disputes. His approachable and empathetic nature ensures a supportive experience for all clients throughout their legal journey. Mark graduated with high honors from SUNY Binghamton University, later obtaining his Juris Doctorate from Nova's Shepard Broad Law Center. His interest in family law was solidified during an internship at Palm Beach County's Staff Attorneys office, leading him to excel in advanced family law and trial courses. While in law school, Mark engaged actively with the Jewish Law Students Association and served as a senior member on the Academic Dishonesty Panel. Upon admission to the Florida Bar, he was mentored by a distinguished solo practitioner in South Florida, which guided him to establish his law firm. Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. prioritizes helping young professionals in South Florida navigate difficult times, treating clients like family, not just as clients. Mark remains a devoted member of the Broward Bar and the Florida Bar Family Law section, continuing to offer personal, dedicated legal support.

Kristin Padowitz has devoted her practice of law to helping those in need of a family attorney. Kristin eagerly advocates on behalf of her clients in need of a family lawyer in the areas of divorce, child custody, responsibility and support, alimony, equitable distribution, restraining orders and domestic violence, among others. Kristin not only utilizes her abundant legal experience in the representation of her clients, but also her kindness, compassion and humanity when it is needed most. But make no mistake – Kristin Padowitz has built her reputation within the legal community as an aggressive and talented trial lawyer who is not afraid to take a case to trial. Where circumstances require, for example, in a highly-contested divorce case, Kristin Padowitz provides zealous representation and is fierce in the court room.

Karen is a Board Certified Marital and Family Law attorney and specialist and a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.  She was born in Buffalo, New York and graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She obtained her JD degree from the University of Florida and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1995. Karen is a member of the Florida Bar and of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, in good standing. Prior to joining Sidweber & Weintraub, P.A., Karen was associated with and became partner in a prominent Miami family law firm from 1996 until 2007. Karen has devoted her entire legal career exclusively to the practice of marital and family law.  Karen practices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.. Karen has been Board Certified in Martial and Family Law since June 1, 2012, having met all of the requirements of the Florida Bar to be called an expert and specialist.  She has been named as a “Super Lawyer” in Florida, for Marital and Family law, since 2015.  Karen has also achieved the highest possible “AV” peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbell, such ratings being established by other lawyers and thereby providing the opportunity for those seeking a lawyer to find the best possible lawyer. Karen is listed as a “Top Lawyer” in the prestigious South Florida Legal Guide, since 2010.   Karen was appointed to serve on the Florida Bar, Family Law Section Marital and Family Law Examining Committee for Board Certification, for the years 2018 and 2019, as well as the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Examining Committee.  Karen was a participating member of The First Family Law American Inns of Court and the Family Law section of the Florida Bar.  Karen has served as a guardian ad litem in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, has mediated family law cases, and is also a certified parent coordinator.  Karen is a member of the Broward County Bar Association.

I have been practicing law in south Florida for more than 30 years. My greatest goal is to give clients value for their money. I fight hard for people both in and out of court.  I also make myself available to answer cient's questions about their case. I cannot "win" every case, but I strive to put on the best case for my clients that I can.. Areas of Concentration - Family/Divorce. Divorce (contested and uncontested divorce),. Paternity matters,and. Domestic violence cases.. I routinely handle family and divorce law matters in South Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County and Broward County). I also accept cases across Florida.

I earned my J.D. magna cum laude in 1985 from Nova Southeastern University Law School where I was Editor-In-Chief of the Nova Law Review and was the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence awarded at graduation for outstanding intellectual achievement and overall scholarship. I earned my Bachelor of Science in 1973 from Ohio State University where I was a member of the varsity swimming team.. I am a former partner in the prestigious law firm of Holland & Knight, LLP, where I spent the first 17 years of my legal career. I am a member of the Florida Bar, including the Family Law Section, the American Bar Association, including its Family Law Section, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the Broward County Bar Association.. In my community, I have been active as an Executive Board Member of the Communities in Schools of Broward County, Inc. and I am active in Broward Lawyers Care. I have been an adjunct professor of law at the Nova Southeastern Law Center, teaching Pretrial Practice to second- and third-year law students.. Prior to attending law school, I taught high school English and coached high school swimming for eight years in Broward County. In addition, I coached the 1976 Florida State Swimming Champions and I received “Swimming Coach of the Year” honors five times.

Get the agressive, yet caring, representation you deserve. I love my work and I love helping people navigate through the emotional road of marital and family issues, such as divorce and custody, etc. I have been practicing for over 26 years in marital and family law in the South Florida area. I handle everything from divorce, child support, alimony, timesharing, relocation, pre and post nuptials, modification, contempt/enforcement, domestic violence, etc. I offer a free thirty minute initial phone consultation.. When I am not practicing law, I enjoy fishing, boating, scuba diving, charity work, horseback riding, camping, travelling, etc.. Bring your troubles in and let us take the wheel...

Family Law Attorney with over 30 years of experiecne and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator.

Education

DANIEL E. FORREST specializes in all divorce and family law matters, including paternity, premarital agreements, domestic violence, enforcement, contempt, alimony, child support, custody, visitation, parenting plans, time-sharing, equitable distribution, property division, restraining orders, mediation, and post-judgment modifications.. Board Certified in Marital & Family Law from 2012 to 2025 by The Florida Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization and Education.. In 2023 and 2024, Daniel was nominated for Board Certified Lawyer of the Year for his "exemplary professionalism, excellence, character and commitment to The Florida Bar’s certification program and to the practice of law.”. He is a graduate of the University of Florida (B.A., 2002) and Nova Southeastern University School of Law (J.D., 2006).. In 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, Mr. Forrest was selected for inclusion to Super Lawyers® Magazine, an honor afforded to no more than 5% percent of lawyers in Florida who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.. He has received Martindale-Hubbell's esteemed "AV- Preeminent" rating, which recognizes lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability.. Mr. Forrest has also been chosen for inclusion in Super Lawyers® (“Rising Stars”) Magazine for 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Only 2.5% of the total lawyers in the state are selected for in including as Rising Stars.. Mr. Forrest is also certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator.. He was honored with the distinction of receiving 5.0 out of 5.0 Overall Peer Rating in Family Law, which is the highest possible ranking given by Martindale-Hubble and serves a testament to the fact that fellow attorneys consider Mr. Forrest at the highest level of professional excellence. Only a select group of attorneys are ever awarded with this premier distinction.. Mr. Forrest is a member of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, Broward County Bar Association, and American Bar Association.. He authored Chapter 2 (Grounds For Dissolution And Effect Of Fault) of the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th Editions of The Florida Bar’s complete guide to dissolution of marriage, entitled, Florida Dissolution of Marriage.. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida, as well as the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of the U.S. District Courts of Florida and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.. Mr. Forrest is a member of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association.. He has been a frequent guest lecturer at Nova Southeastern University Law School’s Family Law Litigation Workshop.. He has lectured in the State of Florida as Faculty at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) on Depositions Skills.. Mr. Forrest was voted by his peers for inclusion in Florida Trend Legal Elite magazine as an Up and Comer for 2016.. His practice is fully devoted to complex marital & family law cases, allowing Mr. Forrest to offer clients the in-depth legal knowledge they may require.. His clients consist of successful professionals, physicians, athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, businesspersons as well as attorneys.. Mr. Forrest prides himself in his ability to settle sophisticated cases without the need for prolonged litigation. When the input of a court is necessary, however, Mr. Forrest has the experience, special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in law to achieve maximum results for his clients.. Mr. Forrest is competitive, but compassionate, and always strives to achieve the best results for his clients.

CHRISTOPHER W. RUMBOLD, ESQ., Principal of the LAW OFFICE OF CHRISTOPHER W. RUMBOLD, PLLC was admitted to practice law in the State of Florida in 2002.  He established the LAW OFFICE OF CHRISTOPHER W. RUMBOLD, PLLC in 2015 to provide clients throughout South Florida with discrete, quality representation in matrimonial and family law matters.  As a Florida Bar Board Certified attorney, he zealously advocates for his clients recognizing that certain matters require litigation.  As a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator (2013), he advises and promotes the benefits of simultaneously seeking amicable dispute resolution.. Christopher is a former Assistant Public Defender (Palm Beach, 2002-2005) with extensive trial experience defending misdemeanor and felony cases.  Since 2005, Christopher has restricted his practice to complex, high income/high net-worth matrimonial and family law matters.  He regularly practices in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade County.  He joined the family division of Heller & Chames, P.A., (Miami) in 2005 as a senior associate.  In 2010 he joined the boutique family firm Gladstone & Weissman, P.A., (Broward/Boca Raton) as a senior associate and became a partner in the firm in 2014.. Christopher, an accomplished equestrian, international traveler, and avid reader resides in South Florida with his husband, Danial, and their French Bulldogs (Frodo and Gizmo).  They are proud uncles of ten amazing nieces and nephews.

Cary Levinson’s practice is concentrated on prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, divorce, family law, business law, and criminal defense. Cary firmly believes that each case is unique and requires a specific strategy to achieve the client’s goals. Born in Miami Beach, Florida and raised in Palm Beach, Florida, Cary obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, with Cum Laude honors. After his undergraduate studies, Cary gained valuable experience working at a business law firm, providing him with a proper foundation to effectively advise business clients as well as the ability to apply the same principles to family law related matters, including complex divorces and prenuptial agreements. Cary attended law school at Florida International University College of Law, where he was involved in multiple law school organizations, completed a Commercial Law independent study program, and volunteered for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Family Court Self-Help Center, assisting spouses and parents in the drafting and submission of various legal documents and forms. This experience opened Cary’s eyes to the difficulties that litigants face when they choose to enter the legal system without an attorney. Before co-founding Levinson & Capuano, Cary practiced family law, business law, and civil litigation at two small law firms in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In his focus on family law matters, Cary handled cases including father’s rights, paternity, custody, visitation and timesharing, divorces, modifications, child support actions, and other family law matters. Cary brings to the table a strong family law and business law background, both in study and in practice. With an understanding that the law does not remain constant, Cary believes that successfully practicing law is not only a matter of experience, but also a matter of staying on top of changes, adapting to new legal environments, and thinking on your feet.