Balm Family Lawyers

Kristi grew up in the Midwest and graduated from Manchester University in 2010 with a degree in political science and peace studies. Before attending Whittier Law School, she moved to Florida and began working as a paralegal in a Brandon, Florida firm practicing in estate planning and probate. During law school, Kristi was an extern for the Honorable Scott C. Clarkson of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Central District of California. She also worked in the Law School’s Children’s Rights Clinic and represented the interests of parents and special needs students exposed to unique legal issues regarding the Individuals with...

In January 1997, I founded the law firm of Lynette Silon-Laguna, P.A., now known as All Family Law Group, P.A. We are experienced and responsive attorneys concentrating in the areas of divorce, child custody/visitation/child support, stepparent and relative adoptions and name changes, as well as criminal defense, and consumer, personal bankruptcy.

Our objective is to provide professional and informed representation in the most expeditious and economical manner possible in consideration of each client's circumstances. Amicable settlement is the ultimate goal, if it is possible, to avoid the financial and emotional cost of litigation. Although we strive for an amicable resolution...

Ginger L. Dugan practices Family Law Litigation including: Adoption, Divorce, Child Custody, Time-sharing, Parental Responsibility, Child Support Modifications, Custody Modifications, Contempt, and all other aspects of family law.

Ms. Dugan earned her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature at Florida State University in 2003. In college she received numerous honors including Student of the Year, Literature Award, Campus Leadership Award, Student Government Award, STRIKE Award, and Who's Who Among American College Students.

Ms. Dugan received her Law Degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In law school, Ms. Dugan participated in the Summer Study Abroad program where she studied International...

Laurel A. Tesmer, Esq., provides quality representation to residents in the Tampa Bay area. Focusing primarily on family law, probate, bankruptcy and estate planning, Ms. Tesmer was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2007. She has been serving clients in Florida ever since. For her undergraduate degree, Laurel attended the University of Florida in Gainesville. After graduation, she followed with Stetson University College of Law where she earned her juris doctor. Thoroughly involved during law school, Laurel was a member in a leadership development committee and the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honors Society. She also participated in mediation, arbitration...

Jonathan May, Esq., M.A. studied communications at the University of Illinois, the University of Miami and Law at Nova Southeastern University. Attorney May developed skills in leadership, teaching, coaching and physical training as a collegiate football coach with the University of Miami, University of Illinois and Florida International University.
Attorney May then became a communications professor and has taught at over sixteen schools in the area. This is a unique background that has helped contribute to his success in the legal field. Most people are not aware that a communications background involves education and the development of...

Shiobhan Olivero was born in Plant City, Florida, and as a native Floridian, has lived in the Tampa Bay area her entire life. She enjoys spending time with her family. She is an active scuba diver, and enjoys traveling to local and distant sites to dive. Shiobhan earned as Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Hillsborough Community College. She worked for approximately ten years as a paralegal for criminal attorneys in the Tampa Bay area prior to, and during law school. She then earned her undergraduate degree from St. Leo University receiving a B.A. degree in Criminal...

Gary Jodat enjoys living in Sarasota with his wife, 2 younger children and their dog Drake, a Yorkshire Terrier. During leisure time, his family enjoys swimming, boating and the beach. The 3 older children attended Manatee County schools and are no longer at home. Gary R. Jodat is the founding attorney of Jodat Law Group, P.A. started in 1994. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1993 and his undergraduate degree from Roger Williams University. Fresh out of law school he was an Assistant Public Defender trying criminal, Juvenile...

Christopher G. Frey is an accomplished lawyer with vast experience in representing clients in a wide range of cases. He has interned with State Attorney Mark Ober and clerked for the U.S. Supreme court. Chris was media consultant for numerous national media outlets and lectured on the law. He is a former Vice President of the Hernando County Bar Association and is actively involved in the community. Chris has tried over 250 jury trials to verdict and is currently practicing at Frey Law, P.A. in Tampa, Florida.

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...

Providing quality legal representation and mediations for family law clients and offers fair, flat fee pricing in addition to hourly billing options. Attorney Nicole P. Vette is a trial lawyer who focuses her work exclusively on family related legal issues including complex divorce litigation. Vette received her Juris Doctor (summa cum laude) from Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University, where she was ranked in the top three percent of her class. Vette is licensed to practice law in Colorado and Florida. Vette has represented numerous clients in dissolutions of marriage, custody disputes, paternity matters and domestic...

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

Sarah is a trial-tested litigator Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar who also is experienced in collaborative divorce. She is a Certified Family Law Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and serves as a Guardian ad Litem. Sarah is passionate about supporting her community by helping families resolve, reduce and perhaps even prevent family conflicts in positive, effective, efficient, and dignified ways. Because Sarah is experienced in both private dispute resolution and litigation, her family law and special needs law clients can choose from options that are the most beneficial to their cases....

Laura Anne Olson is the founder and principal attorney at The Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A., a Tampa law practice focused on marital and family law and civil litigation in South Tampa and the greater Tampa area.

Laura received her undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of South Florida in Tampa and earned her Juris Doctorate law degree from Stetson University College of Law, across the bay in Gulfport. During her time in law school, Laura clerked for the Honorable Judge Dennis Alvarez (Chief judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit, retired) and the Honorable Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich (U.S....

Brett Szematowicz is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Tampa when he was in 1991. He attended high school locally at Tampa Preparatory School and graduated in 1999. Mr. Szematowicz attended college at The American University in Washington, D.C. and graduated with a B.A. in Justice. While at The American University, Mr. Szematowicz was a member of the highly selective Leadership Program in the School of Public Affairs. Mr. Szematowicz attended South Texas College of Law, located in Houston, Texas. During law school, Mr. Szematowicz interned with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office in...

Kristin Kirkner has focused her practice on family law and military family law since 2004. By limiting her practice to family law, including divorce, paternity, custody, child support, alimony and military divorces, Kristin has been able to focus on the one area that best utilizes her negotiation and litigation skills. Kristin is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law in the State of Florida, and has been accepted in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit for the State of Florida as an expert in military divorces and division of military pensions. Kristin is the Immediate Past Chair of the Marital...

Your family and your financial security are two of the most important areas of your life. At Quinn & Lynch, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience in the area of Marital & Family Law. Mary Quinn is a Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer in the area of Marital & Family Law. Board Certification recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism in ethics in practice. Mrs. Quinn is also rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell reflects an attorney’s skill, experience, integrity, and overall...

From his offices in Tampa, Adam G. Hill helps clients throughout Southwest Florida in complex marital and family law matters, including divorce, child custody and support, and property distribution.

Mr. Curry is a civil trial lawyer and has had his own firm for most of his career. He has been recognized by Judges and his colleagues as one of the preeminent lawyers in his field receiving an “AV’ rating from Martindale Hubbell. He has an active Civil Trial Practice participating in civil trials involving Commercial, Personal Injury, Family Issues and General Business Litigation. In addition to his successful Law Practice he served as a Founding Director and General Counsel of Platinum Bank from 1997 through 2012.

Mr. Curry has served as President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. He was...

Stann W. Givens is the founding partner of Givens Law Group. An accomplished family law attorney, he regularly assists clients throughout the Tampa area in all manner of complex divorce, child custody, and related matters. Stann Givens is Board Certified in Family Law by the Florida Bar, making him one of very few attorneys who can claim to be an expert in this area of law.
Stann Givens was awarded Lawyer of the Year for Tampa Family Law by The Best Lawyers in America® and has earned the highest possible peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell®: AV Preeminent®. Recently, the Family...

Attorney John DeGirolamo has experience handling high-profile cases, and the focus of his practice is in the areas of Divorce and Family Law For Men and Personal Injury. For 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 Attorney John DeGirolamo was selected by The National Trial Lawyers of America as a Top 40 under 40 in Florida! According to the National Trial Lawyers of America, “membership into the Top 40 under 40 association is by invitation only and is extended exclusively to those individuals who exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as a young trial lawyer.”

Thomas P. Gill, Jr. completed his J.D. from Stetson College of Law and has been practicing law since 1988. He began his legal career at various reputable law firms before opening his own practice in 1991. His goal is to provide a full-service law firm that focuses on providing clients with personal and compassionate services. Every phone call will be returned personally by Attorney Gill. He has extensive experience in many legal areas, including family law, bankruptcy, personal injury, foreclosure defense, wills & estate planning, probate, and criminal defense. Outside of the law, he is very active in community organizations....

Stephanie Koether is the founder and principal attorney at Koether Law, P.A., a Brandon family law firm helping families in the Bay Area with divorce, child custody and related matters as well as other important legal needs such as personal injury and estate planning. Ms. Koether completed her undergraduate studies at Fordham University in the Bronx, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. These studies have helped Ms. Koether understand the emotional and mental health challenges her clients are going through as they deal with a contested divorce or child custody dispute and other difficult matters. Upon completing her undergraduate degree,...

I am a trial attorney. I'm a member of the Florida Bar, Federal Bar Association, Hillsborough County Bar Association and George E. Edgecomb Bar Association. I'm also admitted to practice in the United States District Court of the Middle District of Florida. I practice solely in the areas of personal injury, family law, criminal law, and immigration.

Moses DeWitt is a native Floridian and has lived in Central Florida since 1985. After graduating from Winter Park High School, he went on to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia to receive his undergraduate degree in Political Science and to Florida State University College of Law to receive his Juris Doctor. Mr. DeWitt is a regular commentator for the News Junkie on Real Radio 104.1. Although Mr. DeWitt has a wide array of legal experience, today he limits his practice primarily to domestic, commercial, personal injury, and real estate litigation. Additionally, Mr. DeWitt handles appellate matters and has prevailed for...

Michael D. Fluke, P.A. is an A.V. rated law firm low volume practice handling serious Divorce and Family Law and matters. When you are dealing with matters of Custody, Alimony or Equitable Distribution, you may need to fight for your rights. Michael D. Fluke, P.A. is always ready to help you fight. Receive the personal attention you deserve!

Family Diplomacy is dedicated to helping clients restructure their families privately and respectfully. We practice exclusively in out-of-court dispute resolution, with a focus on collaborative divorce and family law, mediation, direct negotiations, and unbundled legal services. We maintain this out-of-court practice because we strongly believe that family disputes should be resolved in a private conference room, not in a hostile and public courtroom environment. This unique perspective on family law stems back to Adam B. Cordover’s experience studying International Affairs in Washington, D.C., and abroad. Adam had the rare opportunity to work closely with...

We are a law firm based in the heart of Tampa with expertise in Family Law, Discrimination and Business Litigation. Our lawyers have collective experience of over 35 years handling cases just like yours. We are a boutique law firm focused on your rights and making sure that those rights are taken care of.

Our attorneys are able to provide the skills and expertise that may be found at larger firms without the overhead expenses many of these larger law firms typically pass on to its clients. We are passionate about helping to build our community and its businesses and work...

My goal is to bring peace and stability to the family. I care about my client's welfare and peace of mind. I manage bankruptcy proceedings and debt relief for individuals and businesses. Deal with tax issues and resolution. Handle probate proceedings. Conduct family law proceedings. Provide advice on estate planning matters, wills and trusts. Also engage in foreclosure defense and civil litigation.

Dominic J. Baccarella is a divorce and family law attorney and criminal defense lawyer. He has earned an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest rating available for attorneys for legal ability and ethical standards. Prior to opening Baccarella & Baccarella, P.A., Mr. Baccarella worked as an assistant professor for the Legal Assistance program at Hillsborough Community college and as the Assistant State Attorney for the State of Florida. In 1989–1990, he was a certified contract advisor to National Football League (NFL) players. In addition to providing clients with zealous and thorough representation in divorce, family law and...

Samantha Dammer is an attorney licensed in Florida and Illinois, concentrating her practice in general business law, bankruptcy law, real estate litigation, foreclosure solutions, family law, as well as comprehensive asset protection and debt restructuring. A tenacious, compassionate and experienced attorney in Tampa Bay, Ms. Dammer provides a holistic approach to clients who are seeking relief from real estate related financial distress, foreclosure or pre-foreclosure issues.

Board Certified Marital & Family Law attorney for Tampa Bay area.

Since 1991, I have been assisting people get out of debt and helping them rebuild their credit. This is a very enjoyable way of practicing law. I am proud to say we have helped over 8,000 families get out of debt, save their homes and cars and start over. I became Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy about 10 or so years ago to make sure I learned what I needed to properly assist my clients. Our firm has a total of 4 lawyers and 20 assistants who are all great and...

Christina Anton Garcia graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in criminology and cum laude with a B.A. in psychology from the University of Florida in 2003. She earned her J.D. from the University of Florida's Levin College of Law in 2006. After graduation from law school, Christina Anton Garcia worked for nearly four years as an attorney at the law firm of Older & Lundy, where she practiced marital and family law. In 2010, Christina joined with attorney John S. Castro to form Anton Castro Law. Her expertise in marriage dissolution, paternity, domestic violence, and other areas of family law...

David Hoffman was born and raised in Tampa, Florida, where he currently lives with his wife and three dogs. Mr. Hoffman graduated from the University of South Florida, where he received a B.A. in Spanish Literature. He earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law in Gulfport, Florida.

Mr. Hoffman spent two years working as a collections attorney for a large Tampa firm, representing banks and other lenders in lawsuits over credit cards, vehicle loans, and home equity loans, as well as representing small businesses in the collection of outstanding invoices and judgments.

He then joined a smaller,...

Prior to joining Whittel & Melton, Mr. Sheslow served as an Assistant Public Defender in Manatee County, Florida. Mr. Sheslow accumulated an impressive trial record while with the Public Defender’s Office. He was quickly promoted from a Misdemeanor to Felony case load in less than 10 months. Mr. Sheslow has tried over 20 cases ranging from DUIs and Domestic Batteries to life felonies. He has earned acquittals in serious cases such as firearms offenses and sex offenses. Additionally, Mr. Sheslow completed the National Criminal Defense Lawyers College held at Mercer College of Law in Macon, Georgia, where he learned from...

William graduated from the University of South Florida with honors in 2002 and Pace Law School in 2005, also graduating with honors.

William has always been involved with various organizations including the Florida Bar when he passed the bar and received his law license in 2006. He has been active in various committees within the Florida bar family law section.

William enjoys volunteer organizations and other fun organizations to be a part of the community, such as William’s Rotary Club of Tampa service, involvement with the Tampa Rough Rider Krewe, Lambda Chi Alpha, and volunteer work.

Collaborative Divorce law is a large...