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Best Family Lawyers in St. Petersburg

Our Recommended Top 19

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored St. Petersburg Family Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

166Reviewed

107Curated

19Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1211 1st Ave N Suite 203, St. Petersburg, FL 33705

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Emerson Valentine is a St. Petersburg-based law firm that serves individuals and families. It offers legal counsel in matters involving family law, such as child support and custody, adoption, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, divorce, alimony, and domestic violence and abuse. It also assists commercial and residential landlords in drafting and reviewing new lease agreements and other legal documents. Founding partner Robert M. Valentine has over 10 years of legal experience. He is also licensed to practice law in Massachusetts.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Valentine - PartnerActive16 yrs

146 2nd St N Ste 310, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (30)
Avvo
5.0 (29)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Jerome C. Williams Jr. is a civil litigation law firm serving the community of Saint Petersburg. The firm files paternity actions to determine parenthood, claim child support, and enforce parental responsibility. It also handles cases involving divorce and matters stemming from it, such as child custody and visitation, spousal support, and asset distribution. Founding attorney Jerome Williams Jr. is a member of the Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jerome Williams - PrincipalActive12 yrs

1177 Main St Ste A, Dunedin, FL 34698

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (40)
Facebook
4.2 (15)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

George & French Attorneys at Law provide legal counsel to those dealing with family law matters in the Saint Petersburg area. The firm's legal team is experienced in handling cases that involve issues such as divorce, paternity, mediation, and child support. Partner Kathy C. George has been practicing family law for almost 20 years. She was voted one of the 10 best attorneys by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys in 2019.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kathy George - PartnerActive24 yrs

4437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (61)
Google
4.8 (48)
Avvo
5.0 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Hancock Law Firm represents clients throughout St. Petersburg. It manages family law cases and assists individuals on various issues, from divorce and annulment to child support and alimony. The firm works to resolve disputes through litigation and mediation. Its other practice area is estate planning, and it drafts various documents, including powers of attorney and revocable trusts. The firm's founder, Autumn Hancock, is the Women in Law Award recipient in 2017 from the Lawyer Monthly Magazine. She volunteers for the Wills for Heroes Foundation.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Autumn Hancock - Founder, Managing AttorneyActive14 yrs

BB&T Building, 360 Central Avenue, 8th Floor, St Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

FindLaw
4.0 (3)
Avvo
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Harris, Hunt, & Derr PA's attorneys practice marital and family law in the Saint Petersburg area. The firm, which keeps an additional office in Tampa, aims to help its clients achieve amicable resolutions in matters such as divorce, alimony, and child custody. It also handles sensitive cases that involve domestic violence injunctions. Managing partner Nancy Harris received an AV-preeminent peer rating from Martindale Hubbell and has been recognized by several professional associations, including Super Lawyers and The National Advocates.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Nancy Harris - Founding Partner / MemberActive39 yrs
Christine Derr - PartnerActive19 yrs

1968 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Scott E. Schiltz PL Marital and Family Law provides assistance to clients in Saint Petersburg and throughout its surrounding areas. The firm handles a broad range of family law cases, including collaborative divorce, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and child custody planning. Attorney Scott E. Schiltz has been practicing family law for more than 20 years. He has been given an AV-Preeminent peer rating by Martindale-Hubbell and is a member of the Clearwater Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Scott Schiltz - PrincipalActive39 yrs

475 Central Ave. #205, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (13)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Family Diplomacy is a law firm based in St. Petersburg and Sarasota that provides legal services to clients involved in family law and divorce cases. It is among the first family law firms in the Tampa Bay area that focuses on collaborative divorce, a holistic family process to negotiate resolutions for divorce. Its founder, Adam Cordover, is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and leading Collaborative Divorce Attorney. He also authored the book, Building a Successful Collaborative Family Law Practice.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Adoption

757 Arlington Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (16)

Why choose this provider?

Meros, Smith, Lazzara Brennan & Brennan, P.A., has been serving clients in St. Petersburg since 1954. It represents clients in all aspects of family law, including divorce, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and domestic violence. Peter N. Meros is a board-certified civil trial law specialist who leads the family law practice area of the firm. Its attorneys, who have more than 100 years of legal experience, also handle cases in the areas of personal injury, commercial law, and real estate law.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Peter Meros - PartnerActive52 yrs

5625 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (32)
Facebook
4.6 (13)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Kerya Koeut provides families in St. Petersburg and nearby communities with different legal solutions to resolve their conflicts. It handles divorce, child custody and support, paternity law, adoption, and domestic violence. The firm's attorneys have handled numerous family law cases. They are committed to helping families understand the legal process and possible outcomes of their cases by laying down all options and explaining the potential results of every action.

  • Divorce

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kerya Koeut - PrincipalActive22 yrs

1247 1st Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33705

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Sarah M. Chaves Law Office serves clients in the St. Petersburg metro and its surrounding areas. It practices marital and family law and represents clients who are dealing with matters on divorce, paternity, relocation, child custody and parental responsibility, and alimony. The firm also assists clients in property and asset division and the modification of orders and judgments. One of the firm's attorneys, Sarah Chaves, is a member of the Pinellas County Chapter of Florida Association of Women Lawyers.

  • Divorce

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Sarah Chaves - FounderActive42 yrs

2348 Sunset Point Rd Ste E, Clearwater, FL 33765

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (11)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 1983, the Law Office of Peacock, Gaffney, & Damianakis PA provides assistance in family law matters to clients in the St. Petersburg area. It handles a broad range of cases, including divorce, equitable distribution of property, and spousal support. Partner Patrick F. Gaffney is board certified in marital and family law by the Florida Bar Association. Other areas of practice at this law firm include probate and real estate law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Patrick Gaffney - PartnerActive41 yrs

275 96th Ave. North, Ste. 2, St. Petersburg, FL 33702

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (12)
Avvo
5.0 (6)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

For over 25 years, William B. Bennett, P.A., Attorney at Law, has been representing clients in St. Petersburg. He practices family law and advises individuals on a wide range of areas, from divorce and child support to alimony and child custody. Bennett offers mediation services for couples looking to avoid litigation. He also deals with criminal defense law and advocates for clients accused of drug trafficking and child abuse crimes. Bennett served as a prosecutor for the City of Orlando.

  • Divorce
  • Alimony
  • Postnuptial Agreements

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
William Bennett - PrincipalActive37 yrs

260 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (18)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Logan Legal, PA., represents residents of St. Peterburg with family law concerns. The firm's services include drafting prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements and pursuing divorce, post-judgment modifications, and paternity cases. It covers litigation processes from filing initial complaints to appeals. Firm lawyer Kathleen V. Logan has experience in trial practice covering family relations, personal injury, and criminal defense matters. She was formerly a clerk for public defender offices in Chicago and Florida. She writes about topics including custody, parenting, and timesharing.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Postnuptial Agreements

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Kathleen Logan - PrincipalActive7 yrs

2300 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (16)
Avvo
2.3 (3)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Philip A. McLeod, P.A., helps families in St. Petersburg settle their legal problems. The firm assists spouses in filing a petition for dissolution of marriage and works towards collaborative legal solutions. It helps parents modify child support conditions for practical arrangements. It also defends individuals who get stuck in the rut of domestic violence. Sole practitioner Philip A. McLeod has lent his hands to families during their struggling times for over 40 years.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody
  • Prenuptial Agreements

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Philip Mcleod - PrincipalActive45 yrs

7011 Central Ave, Ste B, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.9 (15)

Why choose this provider?

Marc A. Tenney, P.A. Attorney At Law, is a law firm located in St. Petersburg, providing representation for family law matters. Its primary attorney, Marc Tenney, has been in the industry for over 35 years. He resolves cases related to divorce, paternity, alimony, timesharing, and child support. Tenney understands the emotional distress that clients go through during the process and assists them in obtaining an equitable resolution for their cases. He also serves as a member of the Canakaris Inns of Court.

  • Divorce

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Marc Tenney - PrincipalActive48 yrs

250 Mirror Lake Drive North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (6)
Facebook
4.0 (6)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of James R. Kennedy Jr. has been guiding St. Petersburg clients through all legal matters pertaining to their individual needs for more than 30 years. The firm handles family law, including child support and custody, domestic violence, guardianship, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements. It also covers other areas such as probate, personal injury, civil litigation, and wills, trusts, and estate. The solo practitioner aims for quality service at a reasonable amount.

  • Divorce

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Kennedy - PrincipalActive42 yrs

360 Central Ave, Suite 800, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (22)
Avvo
5.0 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

Fortuno Law PLLC serves clients in the St. Petersburg metro and the surrounding areas. It handles family law cases, including contested, uncontested, and collaborative divorce. It also takes on cases that involve alimony, child custody, and support. In addition, the firm helps clients settle pre- and postnuptial agreements and acts as a mediator for family disputes. The firm's owner, Brandon Fortuno, has been practicing law since 2014. He is a member of the National Association of Legal Investigators.

  • Alimony
  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

2861 Executive Drive, Suite 200, Clearwater, FL 33762

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (35)
Avvo
4.4 (7)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Yeazell and Sweet caters to clients in St. Petersburg who are involved in family law matters. Bringing over four decades of experience in the legal field, it helps spouses with their divorce proceedings involving debt settlement, property division, and child support and custody. It also handles domestic violence injections and court orders modifications. Founding attorney Christopher Yeazell has provided legal services to business leaders, NFL members, and lawyers in the community. He has been practicing law for over three decades.

  • Divorce
  • Child Custody

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Laurie Sweet - PartnerActive24 yrs

3909 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (29)
Avvo
5.0 (12)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Rosenthal Law Group PA provides counsel and representation from its office in St. Petersburg. It is headed by Alan Rosenthal, who has been protecting the rights of men in divorce cases since 1998. He also helps clients create child custody plans, pursue paternity actions, and resolve issues concerning alimony, child support, and property distribution. Additionally, the attorney represents clients in modification proceedings, catering to parents seeking to change parenting plans and child support orders. Rosenthal earned his Juris Doctor in 1997.

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce

Compare our Top Family Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Emerson Valentine
1211 1st Ave N Suite 203, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Law Office of Jerome C. Williams, Jr.
146 2nd St N Ste 310, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
George & French, Attorneys at Law
1177 Main St Ste A, Dunedin, FL 34698
Hancock Law Firm
4437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Harris, Hunt & Derr, P.A.
BB&T Building, 360 Central Avenue, 8th Floor, St Petersburg, FL 33701
Scott E. Schiltz, Attorney at Law
1968 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Family Diplomacy
475 Central Ave. #205, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Meros, Smith, Lazzara Brennan & Brennan, P.A.
757 Arlington Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The Law Office of Kerya Koeut
5625 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Sarah M. Chaves Law Office
1247 1st Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33705
Peacock, Gaffney, & Damianakis, P.A.Peacock, Gaffney, & Damianakis, P.A.
2348 Sunset Point Rd Ste E, Clearwater, FL 33765
William B. Bennett P.A. Attorney at Law
275 96th Ave. North, Ste. 2, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Logan Legal, PA
260 1st Ave. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Philip A. McLeod, P.A.
2300 Fifth Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Marc A. Tenney, P.A. Attorney At Law
7011 Central Ave, Ste B, St. Petersburg, FL 33710
JRK Law
250 Mirror Lake Drive North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Fortuno Law PLLC
360 Central Ave, Suite 800, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
The Law Offices of Yeazell and Sweet
2861 Executive Drive, Suite 200, Clearwater, FL 33762
Rosenthal Law Group PA
3909 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What kinds of cases do family lawyers handle?

    Family lawyers handle all types of family-related issues, including divorce, child support and spousal support, custody, adoption, paternity and guardianship. Family attorneys can also handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and divide marital assets based on the policies outlined in these documents. Domestic violence cases are also within the purview of family law attorneys.

  • Is family court different from district court?

    In most states, family court is a division of the district court rather than a separate court system. Family law judges primarily preside over family disputes, such as divorce and custody hearings. Most states require family law judges to receive special training on how to best address family law matters.

  • How long do custody cases last in family court?

    The duration of custody cases can differ based on the circumstances surrounding the claim. A case in which parents agree to split custody can be quick, while lawsuits in which both parents or guardians are fighting for full custody can take much longer. Most child custody cases last three to 10 days, but this can vary under more challenging circumstances.

  • Why is there no jury in family court?

    There are no juries in family court cases because the concept of innocence or guilt does not apply. While there may be some cases in which additional opinions could be helpful, most cases are based on the letter of the law versus individual circumstances. Some states, including Texas, permit jury trials for family court cases, but this is uncommon.

  • What are the most common cases in family court?

    Family law covers a variety of different cases pertaining to familial relations. The most common cases in family court include:

    • Divorce cases, including settling issues of alimony, property distribution, and child care
    • Child custody and the determination of paternity
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Name changes, including modifications due to adoption or personal preference
    • Guardianship, including who will handle the care of a child or adult should current caretakers be unable to do so
    • Adoptions and the termination of parental rights
    • Juvenile matters, including child abuse and neglect, foster placements, and criminal conduct
    • Emancipation, which is the process of declaring a minor as independent from their parents
    • Approval of underage marriages

  • Do family lawyers handle mediation?

    Mediation can be a valuable part of a divorce case, counseling spouses to work through areas of disagreement in a fair, calm, and unbiased manner. Most, but not all, family lawyers handle mediation. Anyone who believes they may need intervention services is encouraged to ask about an attorney’s experience with resolving disputes, to ensure that support is available if necessary.