Hastings Family Lawyers

Professional: Admitted to The Florida Bar on September 17, 2002 (Bar Number 0568831); licensed as a Florida Certified Public Accountant (License Number AC34985) on June 11, 2002; admitted to the Federal Bar, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, on November 13, 2002; United States Tax Court. on July 29, 2008. Personal: Born Lakeland, Florida, on February 8, 1967. Married to Melody A. Shipley nee Cottingham of New Port Richey, Florida on January 29, 1994. Three sons and two daughters. Education: B.S. in Management, The Florida State University, 1994 B.S. in Accounting, The...

I have been practicing law for more than 35 years, including a five year stint as a circuit judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
As an experienced litigator, in both state and federal court, I have aggressively represented clients at all levels of trial courts from criminal traffic matters to first degree murder charges. In the civil courts, I have represented clients in a range of cases involving contracts, business litigation, family matters, personal injury case, professional negligence matters (Medical Malpractice), defamation and cases involving fraud.
I have also had the pleasure of being the City Attorney for the...

Marital & Family Law Litigation Attorney with 29 years experience. Ann Marie Gilden was an Assistant State Attorney in Lake County from 1987 to 1990, and in Orange County from 1990 to 1995. She obtained a great amount of trial experience as an Assistant State Attorney doing an extensive number of jury trials. She tried a wide variety of criminal cases, including murder cases. She left the State Attorney’s Office in 1995 and started her own law practice. Initially her areas of practice included Marital & Family Law and Criminal Law. She represented clients in trials including...

Gil Alba was born and raised in Central Florida and has subscribed to a hard-work ethic his entire life. While pursuing his undergraduate degree at the University of Central Florida (UCF), he worked as a legal assistant for one of Florida’s largest and oldest Intellectual Property law firms. Despite his status as both a full-time student and full-time employee, Gil’s dedication and perseverance enabled him to graduate with honors in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. After graduating from UCF, Gil moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida (UF) Frederic G. Levin College of...

Brian P. Byrd Brian has worked in two of the State Attorney's Offices in the State of Florida: first as a Certified Legal Intern in Tallahassee, Florida from 2011-2012, and second, as an Assistant State Attorney in Orange County, Florida from 2012-2015. This extensive experience provided Brian with the experience of handling several thousand criminal cases. This invaluable experience provides Brian the opportunity to evaluate the facts of a criminal rationally and with neutrality. Brian has prosecuted a variety of criminal cases, and has taken many cases to trial and through to a verdict....

Jennifer C. Frank is a Board Certified Marital and Family Law attorney.The experience and competency of Certified lawyers have been rigorously evaluated, and they are the only Florida lawyers allowed to refer to themselves as “specialists” or “experts” in their particular field. Only 6% of licensed attorneys are Board Certified by The Florida Bar. Jennifer has an excellent reputation and is known as an expert in her practice area of Family and Marital Law.
Jennifer has been handling family law matters since 1994 and, while she is a fully seasoned...

This Florida native attended University of Florida Law School after graduating from Duke University. She is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell peer review rating system. This is their highest rating. Avvo national ratings gave her an excellent rating. The office practice includes bankruptcy, landlord tenant, foreclosure, family law, estate planning including wills and trusts, and probate and guardianship matters.

Originally from the great State of Texas, Mr. Archer has sought the practice of law as his second career. After graduating high school in 1992, Mr. Archer enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist and a Training Manager/Instructor until he discharged in 2000. Upon completion of his bachelors degrees at McMurry University (Science) and University of Central Oklahoma (Business Admin.), he attended Barry University School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate in 2005. Mr. Archer began his practice in 2006 and has continued in the areas of Family Law and...

As a former prosecutor, I understand the complexities of working a case inside and outside a courtroom. Having experience working in cases involving investigators, law enforcement, civilian witnesses, evidence departments, parenting coordinators, guardian ad litem coordinators and attorneys, Department of Children and Families’ case managers and attorneys, as well as counsel for other parties, I have been able to understand and have the ability to work towards the resolution of any situation, in my covered areas of law. As a current Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, as well as, an attorney for children (Attorney ad...

At the Law Office of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers, we are a dedicated family law firm serving Orlando, Florida. We understand that every case is unique, and we pride ourselves on taking a client-centered approach. While some cases may share similarities, each family’s situation is distinct. That’s why we don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all method when handling family law matters. Building strong, long-term relationships with our clients is a priority, and we tailor our legal strategies to meet each individual’s specific needs and goals. Our commitment to personalized service is backed by a drive to achieve the best possible outcomes...

Paige L. Carlos devotes the majority of her practice to Real Estate Law. She also has ample experience practicing Family Law and handling dissolutions of marriage, child support issues, child custody disputes and mediations. She takes her work very seriously and enjoys being able to help her clients through difficult times. Paige has a real passion for people and she strives to put forth her best effort to serve those who cannot serve themselves. Paige grew up in Southern Connecticut. In 2009 Paige received her Bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York where she majored in Africana...

Mr. Persad has worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his Juris Doctor degree and his Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Akron in 1993 and 1994, respectively. He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a diploma in paralegal studies from New York University. Mr. Persad's experience in the legal field...

Mr. Hancock is the Managing Partner at Hancock & Associates, P.A. He graduated from undergraduate school at the University of Central Florida in 2003, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Psychology. He attended and graduated from Florida A&M College of Law, in Orlando, FL, and received his Juris Doctor in 2010. He has been a member of the Florida Bar and a practicing attorney since September, 2010. During law school, he was a summer associate at McCreary & Hancock, P.A., in Orlando, Florida, and later was a clerk for the Judge of Compensation Claims in Orlando, FL....

Zuhair D. Fanash Founding Partner Attorney Zuhair D. Fanash has been practicing law for more than 13 years. Attorney Fanash has focused his career in the area of Family Law exclusively. During law school, at the University of Denver School of Law, Attorney Fanash had internships with the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Denver district attorney’s office, and with two litigation firms. After graduating from the University of Denver law school, Attorney Fanash accepted a position as fellow with the Eighteenth Judicial District. The internships and fellowship experience allowed Attorney Fanash to see the judges’ perspective and how judges dealt with...

For 25 years, Russell Hershkowitz has continuously served his community in Altamonte Springs as the founding family law attorney for Russell S. Hershkowitz, L.L.C. He is a proud graduate of the University of Florida and Western Michigan Cooley Law School. Attorney Hershkowitz is a member of the Family Law Section of Florida Bar Association and the Bankruptcy Committee of the Orange County Bar Association. He focuses his practice on divorce cases with complex asset and financial matters. The Altamonte Springs divorce lawyer is committed to protecting his client’s best interest. Set up a free consultation with Russell S. Hershkowitz, L.L.C....

Attorney Lakeena “Keena” Gillion is a skilled family law attorney specializing in divorce, child custody, timesharing, modifications, injunctions, and other family law matters. With a deep commitment to helping families navigate challenging legal situations, she offers a compassionate yet assertive approach to securing her clients’ best interests. Attorney Gillion brings a comprehensive understanding of family dynamics and legal complexities, combining her legal expertise with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families in need of resolution and closure during emotional and difficult times. Having practiced in various areas of law, Attorney Gillion has developed a strong reputation for her work in...

Thomas B. Luka, Esq. is a native Central Floridian who has provided clients with exceptional courtroom representation and guidance for over 16 years. As a partner at the law firm of Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A., Mr. Luka has an extensive background in litigation, and has been lead counsel on more than 150 criminal and civil trials. Mr. Luka has appeared as a legal analyst on local and national talk shows such as CNN, CNBC, Fox News, Nancy Grace, Geraldo Rivera, Jane Velez Mitchell and Court TV. Thomas Luka began his law career as an Assistant State Attorney in...

McNeal Legal, LLC is committed to providing legal services to businesses and individuals in a professional, timely and cost efficient manner. This is a time when you need the assistance of a professional attorney who can guide you to make the best of a less than ideal situation, and protect your rights along the way.

Jennifer Benton joined Adams, Luka, & Benton, P.A. as an associate attorney in 2014. She has developed a reputation as someone who is willing to work hard to obtain quality results for her clients. She is handling numerous family law cases including divorce, spousal support, child custody, child support, adoption, pre-nuptial agreements and child relocation and work on each case with a senior attorney. She was a Guardian Ad Litem in Orange County, Florida and involved in several organizations which included membership in the Toastmaster's Club and Treasurer of the American Association for Justice.

Attorney Pichardo-Riestra is the Owner and Managing Attorney of Pichardo-Riestra Law. She is a former psychologist who has worked with children, juveniles, and adults. As a Psychologist Specialist working for the Department of Corrections, Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra provided Mental Health services to incarcerated females housed in General Population, Closed Management, and Death Row.

After years in psychology, Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra decided to pursue a career in Law. She attended Florida A&M University where she concentrated on Criminal Defense while participating at the FAMU Criminal Defense Clinic. Mrs. Pichardo-Riestra also interned with the Public Defender's Office for the Fifth Circuit in...

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....

George Chandler was a born in the Central Florida area and has practiced here his entire career. From taking on the Florida Attorney General to guiding families through difficult times; George has always practiced with the best interests of his clients in mind. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Finance from Stetson University and his Juris Doctorate from the Florida A & M University College of Law.

George has spent his entire career helping individuals prepare for and navigate the intricacies of the legal system. He has had success in trials throughout multiple disciplines of law and...

Keersten Heskin Martinez has over 20 years experience and is one of the few attorneys that is board certified in Marital and Family Law. A partner at a civil litigation firm for many years, she recently started The Heskin Martinez Law Group to focus solely on family law. Keersten tries to resolve cases amicably if possible. However, if not possible, she has the experience necessary to aggressively represent her client's interests in Court.

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...

Lee Karina Dani received her B.A. in psychology from Florida State University in 2000 and is a 2003 graduate of the University Of Florida College Of Law. Ms. Dani was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2004 and has been an associate with Korshak & Associates, P.A., since her admittance. Since joining the firm, Ms. Dani has handled hundreds of cases including civil litigation, probate, guardianships, divorces, child support, child custody, stepparent adoption, landlord/tenant, disputes with homeowners' associations, personal injury, and commercial and residential closings. Ms. Dani is the managing attorney for the probate, family law and guardianship sections of...

Experienced divorce attorney located in the Clermont, Florida area and practicing only Family Law, including, but not limited to, divorce, child support, parenting plans and timesharing arrangements (custody and visitation issues), alimony, paternity, parental relocations, step-parent adoptions, modifications and other Family Law matters. Our firm is dedicated to aggressive, successful and honest representation of our clients. As your lawyers, we believe that communication is key to a positive outcome. Therefore, we strive to always be as accessible as possible to our clients through direct, personal contact, prompt returning of phone calls and via cutting edge technology, such as instant notification...

Charles R. Maxwell II is a Florida native. He attended the University of Florida from 1991 through 1999 where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance with Honors, a Masters in Business Administration, and a Juris Doctorate degree. Upon completion of his studies, Mr. Maxwell was admitted into the Florida Bar and immediately began practicing law in 1999. He started his career working with the law firm of Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A, where his practice primarily focused in the areas of debtor in possession financing in Chapter 11 corporate bankruptcies, affordable housing, and municipal bond law. Next,...

Robert A. Morris, Jr. has been practicing law in Hernando County since 1991 when he started his career as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit . While working at the State Attorneys Office he prosecuted a variety of crimes including DUI’s, misdemeanors and felony offenses. Born in Indiana Robert graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1984 and then continued on to received his undergraduate degree from Ball State University located in Muncie, Indiana in 1988. Robert graduated Law School from Valparaiso University School of Law, which is located a short distance from Chicago Illinois, in...

Those facing criminal charges in the area of Brooksville, Florida can turn to attorney Ashley Aulls for personal attention to their individual case. At The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, Ashley uses his more than 25 years of legal experience to guide his clients through the stressful and tough issues they are facing. Ashley is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and studied law at Thomas Cooley Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1997. For his whole life, Ashley has been surrounded by respected legal professionals. His father has served as an attorney for more than 40 years....

AnnMarie Jenkinson is an attorney and sole owner of Jenkinson Legal PLLC. She graduated from Rollins College Cum Laude in 2005. AnnMarie began the journey to her legal career in 2006 when she commenced her legal education at Barry University – Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. During her education at Barry University, AnnMarie was President of the St. Thomas More Society. An organization whose purpose is to promote high ethical and moral standards in the legal profession. She also earned high honors in Healthcare Law and Trial Advocacy. In addition, AnnMarie also participated in a clinical internship at Barry...

I have represented hundreds of clients in Orlando and Central Florida for more than 16 years, handling all types of family law cases, including divorce, paternity, custody, modifications and step-parent adoption, as well as all types of criminal defense cases. We look forward to putting that experience to work for you and your family. We treat our firm like family, and treat our clients as members of that family. This is more than a business. We know dealing with Divorce/Custody issues, and Criminal allegations can be the most painful and difficult times for our clients. We will take the time to...

Melissa K. Hancock was born and raised in Panama City, Florida. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Florida State University in 1997. Ms. Hancock taught fourth grade for two years and assisted with writing the curriculum for a conflict resolution program for grades K-5.

Ms. Hancock returned to Florida State University in 2000 where she obtained her Juris Doctor in 2003. She was employed at a prestigious local law firm in Ocala as an associate attorney from 2003 until 2015. Ms. Hancock established Melissa K. Hancock, P.A. in 2015. She obtained her board...

EXPERIENCE: President, University of Miami School of Law Family Law Society 1999-2000, Criminal Law Society, Author: Drugs a Process of Death Florida Police Chiefs Association, Computer Animation Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Will it Become Tomorrow's New Form of Substantive Evidence? If so, Should it Be? University of Miami School of Law. CALI Award for RICO University of Miami School of Law, Member Golden Key National Honors Society University of Central Florida; Chief of Police City Of Oak Hill Florida 1988-1991Youngest Police Chief In Florida; Lake County Sheriff's Office, Investigator in Charge of Intelligence and Organized Crime 1985-1988; Lead Investigator 5th...