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Sarasota Family Law Firm

Resolving Divorce & Other Issues in Sarasota & Manatee Counties

Family law covers many topics, such as divorce and child-related matters, financial support, property issues, paternity, domestic violence, and many others. Marital and family law attempt to apply legal solutions to these often complex domestic relations problems.

Family law is an essential field of practice since outcomes of cases, whether by judicial decision or private settlement agreements, will shape the future of our society's most fundamental building block, the family.

Families profoundly impact shaping the values and identity of the next generation in many visible and invisible ways. Parents are the most influential force on a child, whether positive or negative. For example, how parents deal with conflict in their relationship is often shaped by how they witnessed conflict resolution in their own home growing up. 

Thus, how parents resolve conflict when it arises will impact the next generation. Sadly, unresolved strife often leads to separation and divorce. 

At McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, we believe one of the essential jobs of a family lawyer is to zealously advocate for a client's goals while also keeping in mind the impact of conflict on children. With more than 20 years of experience in this field, our firm is committed to providing exceptional representation that achieves optimum results as efficiently as possible. 

Discuss your case with our family law attorney in Sarasota. You can reach us online or at (941) 837-5071 to get started. 

Experienced Legal Representation for Family Law Matters

When it comes to family law matters, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference. At McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for clients in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody issues, or other family-related legal matters, we are here to advocate for you with integrity and understanding.

Our Florida family law services include:

  • Divorce and separation
  • Child custody and support
  • Alimony and spousal support
  • Property division
  • Domestic violence protection
  • Modifications of existing orders

What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized attention and tailored legal strategies for each client. We understand that every family situation is unique, and we work diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

If you are in need of legal assistance for a family law matter, don't hesitate to get started today. Contact us for a case evaluation and let us guide you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.

Your Local Family Law Resource in Sarasota & Manatee Counties

Navigating family law matters in Sarasota and Manatee counties can be particularly challenging, especially with the unique dynamics of our local community. From divorce and child custody to alimony and property division, each case comes with its own complexities that require careful attention. Understanding the nuances of local laws and how they intersect with individual circumstances is essential to pursuing a favorable outcome for families.

Local government entities, such as the Sarasota County Clerk and the Manatee County Clerk provide resources that can assist families in understanding their rights and responsibilities. These offices offer information on filing procedures, mediation services, and access to family law forms, which can be invaluable for those navigating the legal system.

Moreover, families in our area often express concerns about the emotional toll that divorce and custody disputes can take on children. The local community is known for its strong family values, and many parents are eager to find solutions that minimize conflict and promote healthy relationships. At McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, we recognize these pain points and strive to provide compassionate guidance that prioritizes the well-being of children while addressing the legal needs of parents.

Whether you are in Sarasota or surrounding areas, our firm is dedicated to understanding the specific challenges you face. We can help you navigate the complexities of family law with a focus on pursing the best-suited outcomes for you and your family.

Contact Our Sarasota Family Law Attorneys

At McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, our team of experienced Sarasota family law attorneys is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation for families in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Whether you are facing a divorce, child custody issues, or other family law matters, we are here to advocate for you with integrity and understanding.

What sets us apart:

  • Extensive experience in family law
  • Personalized approach to each case
  • Compassionate and understanding legal representation
  • Proven track record of successful outcomes

When you choose McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and care. Get started today by contacting us for a case evaluation.

Discuss your case with our family law attorney in Sarasota, FL. You can reach us online or at (941) 837-5071 to get started with a lawyer near you. 

Florida Family Law FAQ

How do family dynamics influence the next generation?

Families profoundly impact shaping the values and identity of the next generation in many visible and invisible ways. Parents are the most influential force on a child, whether positive or negative.

What is the role of a family lawyer?

One of the essential jobs of a family lawyer is to zealously advocate for a client's goals while also keeping in mind the impact of conflict on children.

How can I prepare for my first consultation with a family law attorney?

Preparing for your first consultation with a family law attorney involves gathering relevant documents and information related to your case. This may include financial records, any existing legal documents, and a list of questions you want to ask. Be ready to discuss your situation openly, as this will help the attorney understand your needs and provide tailored advice. Additionally, consider your goals for the outcome of your case, as this will guide the attorney in developing a strategy that aligns with your objectives.

What are the common issues addressed in family law cases?

Family law cases often address a variety of issues, including divorce, child custody and support, alimony, property division, and domestic violence protection. Each of these matters can have significant emotional and financial implications for the parties involved. Understanding the specific issues relevant to your situation is essential for navigating the legal process effectively. A knowledgeable attorney can help clarify these issues and provide guidance on how to approach them, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected throughout the proceedings.

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Read More About Us
Read more about how our dedicated team can help you.

    "Honest and Responsive"

    Mr. McDermott provided me with the greatest counseling and representation that I could ask for. I really appreciate his honesty, integrity, and responsiveness.

    - Sergio A.
    "Patient and Helpful"

    Paul McDermott is very helpful and professional. He is also patient and provided excellent advice.

    - Former Client
    "Empathy, Creativity, & Integrity"

    This team demonstrated incredible empathy, creativity, integrity, wealth of knowledge, and humor when helping me with my divorce. They lead me step by step with projected timelines, options, and reality checks.

    - Eduardo L.
    "Kindess in a Legal Team"

    Paul and Louise were professional, knowledgeable, prompt in my returning my calls and above all else, kind to the situation at hand.

    - Joanne H.
    "Helpful and Professional!"

    Very helpful and professional. Returns communication in a very timely manner.

    - Madison M.
    "Excellent Counsel"

    I strongly recommend using Paul McDermott. Paul always had my best interests in mind when deciding our course of action.

    - William G.
    "They Actually Care"

    Paul & Louise were amazing!! He was patient with my case, despite all the bumps in my case and understood my situation.

    - David A.
    "A Pleasure to Work With"

    Paul was very responsive and understanding of individual situations. Was a pleasure working with him!

    - Heather L.

Our Family Law Services

We provide legal representation in all family law matters, such as:

  • Divorce. This is formally known as “dissolution of marriage.” We handle both contested and uncontested divorces.
  • Child Custody. Florida no longer uses "custody" or "visitation" to describe a parent's time with children. Instead, Florida law uses the term "timesharing" to describe this. Timesharing is more relational and eliminates the negative connotations that being "in custody" denotes.
  • Child Support. This financial support is required under Florida law to ensure that children of divorced, separated, or unmarried parents have the same economic benefits they would have had if parents lived together.
  • Alimony. The legal standard for this support is a spouse's "need" and the other spouse's "ability" to pay. Determination of need and ability is based on comparing each party's Financial Affidavit, which contains income and expense information required to be filed with the court. If your case is contested, you will need an experienced attorney to make the case for or against alimony. Many factual and legal points not considered on the face of the Financial Affidavit may need to be brought to the court's attention to render a fair decision.
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What Sets Us Apart

Advocating for You With Compassion and Integrity
  • Compassionately Aggressive
    We understand this can be a difficult process; we care for the person behind the case, while still fighting aggressively for your rights.
  • Responsive and Reachable
    You'll never wonder where your case stands; we'll return you calls and walk you through the process every step of the way.
  • Prioritizing Your Experience
    We have served thousands of clients, providing excellent customer service with the utmost integrity.
  • Serving Clients Since 2001

    Paul McDermott has been effectively advocating for clients like you for over twenty years.

Get Started Today

Contact Us for A Case Evaluation

Reach out using the contact form below or call us today at (941) 837-5071.

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