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graduate of the University of Illinois - BS 1989. graduate of Loyola University of Chicago School of Law - JD 1992. Worked in the Edgar County State's Attorney's Office from 1992 to 1997.  Worked in the Lake County State's Attorney's Office from 1997 to 2007.  Went into private practice focusing in family law, criminal defense, juvenile and appellate law in 1997.  Joined the firm of Noonan, Perillo & Polenzani in 1997.  Became partner in the firm Fox, Lunardi, Zeit & Polenzani in 2013.  As a partner I continue to focus in the areas of family, criminal defense, juvenile and appellate law.. I have been married to my Husband since 1992.  We have two beautiful daughters and two wonderful son-in-laws.

I was born and raised in Cookeville. One of the perks to being a hometown girl is that I have the opportunity to help those in my community. I have a background in mediation, where I assisted families in finding successful ways to co-parent, despite the fact that their relationships with one another had deteriorated. I continue to conduct mediations, and I practice family law, as well as criminal and other areas of civil law. My office serves the entire Upper Cumberland region. I offer free initial consultations, and I welcome any questions that you may have.

All of my life experiences prepared me to be a lawyer and help people.   I grew up in a family with an extremely high work ethic, which led to my own personal conviction to strive for excellence in all I do.   In high school, I volunteered at a nursing home, where the values I already knew from my family and faith, those of having a deep sense of care and compassion for people, was reinforced.. In college, I continued volunteer work in mental health centers as I pursued my major in Psychology.  It was at the mental health centers that I gained an understanding and empathy for those who suffer from mental health and addictions issues, as well as the impact it has on the entire family.. Also in college, I served as President of our Senior Class and Vice-President of our Junior Class, which helped develop confidence and leadership skills that make a difference in the type of attorney that I am today.  Serving as a Resident Assistant in the dorms also helped strengthen my leadership abilities and my abilities to be responsible for many things at once.. Surprisingly, and having no idea of what the future would hold, the experiences that probably most prepared me for the courtroom was serving in lead roles in two college theatrical productions and one college musical production.  In addition, writing several articles that were published in the College Literary Arts Magazine allowed me to learn and utilize writing skills that would also help me to be the best attorney that I could be.. After college, I worked in a community mental health center, first in an addictions recovery program, and then doing initial assessments of patients in the intake unit.  There, I learned the skills of questioning, listening, assessing, demonstrating empathy, and problem-solving, all helpful skills to have as a lawyer. Additionally, my core belief in the worth and value of every person was reinforced, as was my belief in showing compassion to hurting people.. Although many of my experiences demonstrate the number one reason I do what I do, which is to HELP people, these experiences in and of themselves are not the only things that formed me into the lawyer that I am.  It is true that I have a compassionate heart, but I also have the intellect and the relational abilities that combine and complement one another.   I have been blessed with a work ethic wherein I strive for excellence in all I do.  Additionally, I have been blessed with the intellectual ability that helps me serve others, graduating magna cum laude and scoring in the top 4% in the country on the Law School Admission Test.. Before going into private practice, I worked in a local small firm, and then for 8 years as the Attorney for the Elkhart County Department of Child Services.   The experiences and knowledge that I took from that job alone could fill a book!  Suffice it to say that the experience of working in the area of child abuse and neglect was yet another life experience that had a huge impact on me and the type of lawyer I am today.. Now in private practice, I have been blessed to work with the most awesome “team” of attorneys, paralegals, and support staff, who share my belief in the value of people and in the belief that our purpose is to help those who need our help with their legal matters.  That is why we are here, and that is why we do what we do.  Together, we have strength and synergy to help people in a way that none of us could do alone.

I am dedicated to solving problems for clients in the most effective and efficient manner possible.  I take a creative approach to each case based on the facts and unique needs of each client.  I am a strong negotiator and am well repected by the courts and colleagues alike.  I make every effort to solve problems for clients before involving the courts in order to reduce the costs of litigation.  When court is necessary I perform well in the courtroom and under pressure.  I provide my clients with an honest assessment of their case, even if that means telling them something that they may not want to hear.  I am accustomed to delivering successful results for my clients.

Emily Laz joined the firm of Mano, Paroutaud, Groberg & Ricks in 2020 focusing her practice on family law matters, including divorce, child support, establishing parenting plans, adoption and domestic violence matters. Prior to joining the firm, Emily has been practicing family law in Lewis and Thurston Counties for the last six years.Emily is a native of the Northwest having grown up in Oregon and attended the University of Oregon where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy and Sociology. Emily graduated from Vermont Law School with both a Juris Doctor and a Master’s in Environmental Law in 2008 and has been a member of the Washington State Bar Association since 2008.Emily loves living in Lewis County and when not at work enjoys spending time with her husband and dog either enjoying the outdoors or binge-watching their favorite television shows.

Ravi V. Mohan is an attorney who provides high quality and compassionate representation for Family Law matters. Specifically, he represents clients in matters from basic and simple to complex Divorce and property distribution matters, basic and simple to complex Child Custody matters, basic and simple to complex Support matters, and Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial matters.. Ravi V. Mohan brings an array of experience ranging from involvement in litigation of a multimillion-dollar securities case against the Securities Exchange Commission, litigation in Criminal Court matters, and litigation before the Board of Immigration Appeals. With his litigation experience and his background focusing in Family Law, Ravi V. Mohan brings a complete skill set, understanding and know-how to your Family Law matter.

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 worked in the areas of products liability, commercial litigation, insurance defense, government defense and charter schools.   In 2001, a yoga teacher approached Mercedes about helping her with a divorce.  Although she did not practice in that area, with the assistance of another attorney, she took the case.  Through that experience, Mercedes realized that family law was what she wanted to practice.  She went out on her own full-time in 2002 and never looked back!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.

At The Law Offices of Aubrey Harry Ducker, Jr., P.L.C., we pride ourselves on taking a team approach to each client’s concerns. Please contact us today for an appointment with a lawyer if you have a question about family law, divorce, elder law, fathers’ and mothers’ rights, individual education plans or adult guardianships. You can reach our lawyers by phone at or by submitting the intake form on our contact us page.   Accomplishments Aubrey Harry Ducker Jr., is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, the Florida Bar Association and the American Bar Association, . He has received an “AV Preeminent” Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the Highest Rating Available. As a member of Collaborative Family Law of Central Florida, , Mr. Ducker works through the Collaborative Process to assist families in making their own decisions rather than leaving the courts to decide between competing views of the future. Mr. Ducker also serves by court appointment as a guardian ad litem — advocating for children in contested custody and abuse or neglect cases, and is a member of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, , and the Florida Association of Family and Conciliation Court . After serving six years in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Ducker attended Valencia Community College, where he served as Treasurer of the Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter of the International Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa. He then attended the University of Central Florida, serving as President of the Society of Professional Journalists and the President’s Leadership Council. Mr. Ducker then obtained his law degree from the Levin College of Law at the University of Floridain Gainesville, where he served as the Law College Council President. Affiliations Mr. Ducker serves as Chair of the board of directors of Christian Ethics Today, .  He also serves on the Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Joint Committee on Religious Liberty, . Locally, Mr. Ducker serves on the Board of Directors of the MustardSeed of Central Florida, , and Sunday School Director at Church on the Drive, a Cooperative Baptist Fellowship,  . - See more at: #

Established in 1985, Sasser and Weber, P.A. is dedicated to resolving family disputes with compassion and fairness, outside of the courtroom. Both attorneys are certified family law and appellate mediators and are trained in the practice of Collaborative Law.

Brian Cantrell is a Daytona Beach native and a seasoned trial attorney who takes pride in his client-centered approach to practicing law. He focuses on building trust and communication with each client while preparing cases diligently and meticulously. After graduating with his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law, he worked at the Public Defender’s office in Daytona Beach and passionately defended a broad range of misdemeanor and felonies, from DUI to serious crimes punishable by life in prison. He compassionately guides each client through the criminal process while vigorously advocating for their rights.

Kristin M. Lis has practiced exclusively divorce and family law in southern New Jersey since 2010. She represents clients in a variety of legal matters including divorce, alimony and spousal support, child support, child custody and other unique issues such as relocation, college expenses, emancipation of a child, and adoption in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem counties. Kristin is an Amicable Divorce attorney and a Collaborative Divorce attorney.. As a former special education teacher, Kristin brings a unique understanding of the needs of children in family matters. Kristin is also a trained mediator, conducting mediations conveniently by Zoom. Kristin is also available for appointment as a Guardian ad Litem.. Prior to joining Netsquire, Kristin operated her own law firm for a time and worked for a litigation firm based in Philadelphia. After her graduation from Rutgers Camden Law School, she clerked for the Hon. Max A. Baker, P.J.F.P. (Ret.) in Atlantic County, Family Part, from 2009-2010.. Kristin is Qualified Family Part Mediator pursuant to R. 1:40-12 and available for economic mediation at a reduced hourly rate.. Kristin is a panelist for the Matrimonial Early Settlement Panels in Vicinage I (Atlantic & Cape May) and Vicinage XV (Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem).. Kristin is a Collaborative Divorce Lawyer and a Member of South Jersey Collaborative Divorce Professionals and NJ Council Collaborative Practice Groups.. Kristin is a member of the American Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Atlantic County Bar Association, the Cape May County Bar Association, and the Gloucester County Bar Association.. Kristin is the first attorney in New Jersey Certified as an Amicable Divorce Professional by the Amicable Divorce Network. Kristin has a Special Designation in the area of Gray is an Amicable Ambassador and founding  member in the State of New Jersey. The ADN process is a civilized, transparent, and cost-effective alternative to adversarial divorce litigation. ADN members are vetted to ensure that they are leading, solution-oriented experts, committed to an amicable approach to divorce.. Kristin volunteers with South Jersey Legal Services, participating in their Family Assist Project.. Throughout her career Kristin has continuously received recognition for outstanding legal representation from prestigious publications and legal organizations for her dedication and success as a family law attorney.. When not lawyering, Kristin can be found practicing Yoga, crossing national parks off her bucket list one at a time with her husband, grilling steaks, visiting Key West, Jeep-ing, taste-testing all the craft brews at Narragansett Brewery with her stepson, and reading Colleen Hoover and Elin Hildebrand novels in her hammock.

Dale Ellsworth is the founder and managing member of Ellsworth Law Firm, PLLC. His practice areas include: estate planning, family law, guardianship and conservatorships, and Medicaid planning.. Dale earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University obtaining a Bachelor of Science in International Relations. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of La Verne College of Law in 2012. During law school, Dale interned with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office and the Riverside County Office of County Counsel; and served as President of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society for the University of La Verne College of Law. Since graduating law school, Dale has obtained his license to practice law in California, the District of Columbia and Utah.. Since 2014, Dale has helped numerous Utah families navigate the complexities of divorce, custody, adoption, estate planning, guardianship/conservatorship and Medicaid planning. He prides himself on building trust and communication with each and every one of his clients with the end goal of obtaining a beneficial outcome.

Anthony Lai, CFLS is an associate attorney at Feinberg Mindel Brandt & Klein LLP. He brings nearly a decade of substantial litigation experience to assist clients in their of dissolution of marriage, paternity, child custody and visitation, spousal and child support matters, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and domestic violence restraining orders.. The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization named Anthony Lai as a Certified Family Law Specialist, which requires completion of an extensive application, references from colleagues, judges, and opposing counsel, and passing a rigorous written exam administered only every two years. A Certified Specialist must have served as principal counsel in at least ten contested evidentiary hearings or trials. Anthony was selected as a Superlawyers Rising Star from 2021-2024, a distinction given to the top 2.5% of attorneys, as well as one of Pasadena Top Attorneys for 2022-2024 by Pasadena Magazine.. Anthony is an active leader in the legal community, and is honored to serve on several bar associations. Anthony serves as the secretary of the California Lawyers Association, Board of Representatives, is a Board Member on the Los Angeles County Bar Association Family Law Section Executive Committee. He is a Member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Los Angeles Board of Directors and the Loyola Law School Alumni Association – Asian Pacific American Chapter.. As a strong advocate for the unique needs and interests of new attorneys across the state of California, Anthony has previously served as Chair of the New Lawyers Section of CLA and is a member of the LACBA Barrister’s Young Lawyers Section Executive Committee. Anthony volunteers at the St. Francis Center to serve breakfast to the homeless and offers legal advice to the immigrant and underserved APA community at the APABA and SCCLA Pro Bono Legal Clinics.. Anthony Lai received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science: Law and Society at UC Riverside and his Juris Doctor at Loyola Law School. He has extensive litigation experience from prior work in the areas of personal injury and employment law, which allows him to address crossover issues. Anthony was a judicial extern in chambers of former US District Court Judge Stephen G. Larson for the Central District of California.. In his spare time, Anthony enjoys taking his family to Disneyland, is an avid follower of Tiki culture and is an unapologetic fan of the Dodgers and the Chargers.