DeSoto County Family Lawyers

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

Russell Knight was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. His family moved to the United States in 1991.

Russell Knight attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois and graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Computers Systems.

After two years working as a computer programmer for a Fortune 50 company, Russell Knight decided that he’d rather work with people than machines and he enrolled in the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana, Illinois.

Upon graduating from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2006, Russell Knight began working for a small general practice law firm in Chicago,...

I am a trial attorney with more than nineteen years of courtroom experience helping individuals, couples, and families in Polk and Hardee Counties. I hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability. Due to the nature of my practice, I appear before the judges in the Family Law division practically every day of the week. Through my years of trial work I have grown to recognize which cases may ultimately have to be tried and which cases may be resolved without going to court. By focusing on solutions to my client’s problems rather than...

A native Floridian who was raised in the Tampa Bay area, Mrs. Joyner is an alumnus of Plant City High School. She continued her education at Florida Gulf Coast University, graduating summa cum laude. Thereafter, she earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Florida A&M University College of Law graduating cum laude while maintaining full-time employment, actively participating in the Cherry Chapter of the International Legal Fraternity of Phi Alpha Delta, and volunteering at her son’s elementary school and cub scout den.

Mrs. Joyner is admitted to practice in all Florida courts as well as the United States...

Sherri K. DeWitt was born and grew up in Middletown, New York. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1982 and has been authorized to practice before the U.S District Court of the Middle District of Florida since 1983 and before the U.S. Court of Appeal since 1985. She received her B.A. Cum Laude in 1973 and Ph.D. in 1977 from State University of New York at Binghamton. Dr. DeWitt received her J.D. Degree from Cornell University in 1982. She was an editor of the Cornell Law Review and is the author of a book and numerous articles. Dr....

Pi Sigma Alpha; Pi Gamma Mu. Recipient, Chester H. Ferguson Scholarship. Certified Family Law Mediator, 2000-2006. Co-Editor: "Modification of Child Support," Florida Proceedings After Dissolution of Marriage," Ninth Edition (2008). Speaker, "Working With Divorce Clients and Opposing Counsel," Half Moon Seminars, (2002). Member, Family Law Inn of Tampa, American Inns of Court, (2000-2005). Member, Board of Directors, Vetmade Industries, Inc.

Education B.A. Yale University, 1996 J.D. University of Miami School of Law, 1999 Michael has been practicing law since 1999, when he began his career in the area of complex civil litigation. In 2001, he was hired by Alston & Bird LLP, where he worked in both the Atlanta and New York offices in the areas of public and private securities transactions, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law. In 2003, Michael founded Older, Lundy, Alvarez, Koch & Martino with Ben Older and the firm has seen extraordinary growth ever since. Currently, Michael practices almost exclusively in the area of Marital and...

Attorney Jim Ippoliti graduated from the Cornell University School of Hotel Management and went on to become the class salutatorian at Barry Law School. An active member of the community, Jim regularly devotes himself to local children's charities with his brother Jeff. He has also volunteered at and managed a number of celebrity golf events, including charity tournaments. Jim brings 25 years of business experience and passion for law to the table, and he can assist you with matters involving personal injury, family law, insurance claims and business litigation. Contact Celebration Law, PA today!

I was born in the Tampa Bay area and have lived here most of my life. My office is centrally located on US 19 in Clearwater, Florida, and is convenient to Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco Counties.

After going through a divorce, practicing Family Law and Criminal Defense for 9 years, and working as a Prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office’s 6th, 12th, and 13th Judicial Circuits for 26 years, Dean’s seen his fair share of cases to handle the next challenge.

Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University, New York.

Juris Doctor from University of Florida. Handled thousands of cases.

Tried hundreds of cases. University...

Attorney Lindsey M. French is an experienced family law and divorce attorney who serves clients throughout Pinellas County. Before she became a partner at George & French, Attorneys at Law, Ms. French served as a staff attorney for Gulfcoast Legal Services. She worked in the family law unit and received specialized training in domestic violence.
Today, Ms. French is passionate about representing parents and families in tough situations through the litigation process. In addition to her private practice, Ms. French also completes family law appellate work and serves as a Guardian ad Litem for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Ms. French...

Amy concentrates 100% of her practice on Family law issues.  Amy focuses her practice on helping with divorce, alimony, time-sharing, paternity, modification of custody, modification of final judgment, child support and relocation.


If you are looking for a family attorney in Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie West, Tradition, Stuart, Jensen Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, or Sebastian (or anywhere on the Treasure Coast, including Martin County, St. Lucie County, or Indian River County), we can help.

With over a decade of experience and recognition within the legal industry, Attorney Lazaro Blanco has established himself as a dependable Kissimmee criminal defense lawyer. He serves clients throughout Osceola County who were charged with crimes such as DUI, theft, and violent offenses. As Lead Attorney at Blanco Law Center, PA, he stands ready to fight for the rights and futures of all his clients. If you face serious criminal charges, now is the time to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how you can protect yourself from the devastating consequences of a conviction. Do not fight the...

Maribel Martinez – Attorney / Former Judge
A Florida personal injury attorney, family law attorney and traffic law attorney for over 20 years. Maribel Martinez began her career in New Jersey, where she had the honor to serve the public both as a Public Defender and Judge for the City of Passaic. As a public defender, she defended misdemeanor, DWI, traffic and domestic violence cases. As a Judge, she presided over similar trials as well as TRO’s, arraignments and bail hearings for felony and misdemeanor matters. At the same time, in the private sector, Maribel helped injured parties recover money...

Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time. When you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, you need someone who cares about your recovery, both physically and financial. If you have been in a car accident and need a car accident lawyer, our personal injury firm is here to help you. We want you to know your rights and we will provide the advice and help you are searching for. You can always contact the Law Office of Jocic & Koulianos for a free case evaluation 24/7. Accidents happen. Trust our team to help.

Attorney Stephanie Modica is a native of Clermont, Florida. Stephanie attended the University of Florida (Go Gators!) graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. Subsequently, she earned her Juris Doctor, Cum Laude from Roger Williams University School of Law where she was a participant in the Honors Program and Assistant editor of the Law Review.

Stephanie began her career as a Judicial Staff Attorney in Lake County for the Honorable Don F. Briggs, Honorable Mark A. Nacke, Honorable Michael G. Takac, and Honorable James Baxley. As Staff Attorney in both Circuit & County Court, Ms. Modica developed extensive knowledge...

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, I moved to Port St. Lucie with my family in 1989. I graduated from Port St. Lucie High School, and received my Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree from Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce. I moved to Tampa where I achieved my Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Criminology, and thereafter moved to Miami and graduated with my Juris Doctor (J.D., or law degree) from St. Thomas University. In 2002, I found myself back home on the Treasure Coast when my legal career began at the State Attorney's office in Fort...

Chet Eliot Weinbaum has 25 years of experience in Marital and Family Law. He graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the University of Florida with Honors in 1993. What makes his practice so unique is that he also holds a Master's Degree in Psychology. This has proved very valuable in working with families going through their toughest times.

Maria is a native of Tarpon Springs, Florida and a graduate of Tarpon Springs High School. She also attended secondary school at the St. Nicholas Greek School where she was honored as a Lady's Philoptohos Fellowship recipient. She is bilingual in Greek. Maria received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida with a 3.86 GPA. She received her Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law in Hamden, Connecticut. Maria received honors for Academic Achievement in Juvenile Law, Service to the Community and the Connecticut Title Insurance Company. Initially, Maria was a law clerk for...

Mr. Rechel has been engaged in the practice of law in the Tampa Bay Area since 1990. After earning his B.A. degree in psychology and history from Indiana University, Bloomington, in 1986, Mr. Rechel graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1989. He is a member of the Florida and Illinois Bars and is also a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. He founded Rechel and Associates, P.A. in 1992. Since the inception of his career, divorce and family law have always been Mr. Rechel’s primary areas of practice. Over the last 25...

I grew up in northern Kentucky and that is where I learned the value of hard work and compassion. My dad is a retired steel foundry laborer, I watched him come home everyday beat up, sometimes burned, and tired. My mother also worked various jobs in Northern Kentucky to provide for me and my brother. I knew at an early age that I wanted to earn my living helping working people and families like my own. I am very proud to say that I am a first generation attorney. I graduated from Campbell County High School, Northern Kentucky...

With more than 20 years of Florida & NY City experience as an attorney, I am dedicated to fight for your legal rights. My family law practice includes divorce, adoptions and custody disputes. My personal injury experience includes complex litigation including a variety of medical malpractice cases.

My business law experience includes contracts, franchise law; commercial leases; sales of business entities; and bulk asset sales. I have further expertise in residential real estate sales.

My virtual office and traveling legal practice allow me to pass savings on to my clients. This winning combination has resulted in highly satisfied clients,...

Windy L. Wilkerson obtained her juris doctor with honors from Florida State University College of Law in 2001. Her professional legal services include the areas of personal injury, probate, family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, and workers' compensation. Her office, serving the Greater Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties, is located in Brandon, Florida 33511. There is easy parking and consultations are free!

Ms. Hooglander attended Cleveland Marshall College of Law and Cleveland State University after graduating from the University of Florida. She not only graduated with her juris doctor but also a master of public administration degree. Shortly after graduation, she began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney with the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office. During her tenure there, she progressed from a county prosecutor to a top felony prosecutor. She gained the experience of over 25 jury trials and a wide array of bench trials during this time. In 2001 Ms. Hooglander began as...

My practice has evolved over the years, based on changes in the Legislature, and other changes in the marketplace. I have always handled personal injury, and divorce matters, since 1994. I have been involved in automobile accidents as a victim, a litigant, and an attorney. Likewise, I have been a child of divorce, as well as a father of a child in a divorce. Due to these unique qualifications, I am able to navigate the waters with my clients, and understand most of what they are going through. I provide my clients an insight into...

Paul Crochet is an Associate with the firm, practicing general Commercial and Civil Litigation and Appellate Practice. Paul attended the University of Central Florida where he received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting. After completing his undergraduate degree, Paul earned his Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, where he served as a member to the Moot Court Board. Paul won numerous awards while serving on the Moot Court Board, including winning the National Workers’ Compensation Moot Court Competition. Additionally, Paul represented Stetson in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot Competition held in Vienna, and also in...

Judge Michael J. Scionti is a Circuit Court Judge with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in the State of Florida, who has served our community and country for over two decades, upholding the rule of law in and out of the courtroom, on and off the battlefield, and throughout all branches of government.

Judge Scionti is a Tampa native and lifelong resident of Hillsborough County. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Florida State University and his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law. Judge Scionti has held various positions of public trust as a...