FAQ

It depends entirely on whether the case is contested. Truly uncontested divorces (where the spouses agree on every issue and just need help with paperwork) can resolve for a fraction of what contested cases cost. Contested divorces with significant assets, custody disputes, or alimony fights cost more because they require more attorney time. We give every client an honest assessment of likely cost at the initial consultation, and we don’t take retainers for cases that don’t warrant the expense.

It depends entirely on whether the case is contested. Truly uncontested divorces (where the spouses agree on every issue and just need help with paperwork) can resolve for a fraction of what contested cases cost. Contested divorces with significant assets, custody disputes, or alimony fights cost more because they require more attorney time. We give every client an honest assessment of likely cost at the initial consultation, and we don’t take retainers for cases that don’t warrant the expense.

Florida law imposes a 20-day waiting period between filing and final judgment. In practice, uncontested divorces with simple facts often resolve in 60–90 days. Contested divorces with custody or significant asset issues commonly take 6–18 months. Cases with complex business valuations, military pensions, or hotly disputed custody can take longer.

Florida law no longer uses the term “custody” — the relevant concepts are now “parental responsibility” (decision-making authority) and “time-sharing” (the schedule of when each parent has the child). Florida courts presume that “shared parental responsibility” — both parents involved in major decisions — is in the child’s best interest, unless there’s evidence of harm. Time-sharing is determined based on a list of statutory factors centered on the child’s best interest. There is no automatic “mother gets the kids” or “50/50” rule; every case is fact-specific.

Florida uses a guideline calculation based on both parents’ net income, the time-sharing schedule, health insurance costs, and child-care expenses. The result is generally not negotiable — the court is required to follow the guideline absent a specific reason to deviate. We can run the calculation for you at the initial consultation so you have a realistic expectation of the support number.

“Uncontested” means the spouses agree on every issue: how to divide assets, alimony (if any), parenting plan, child support. Uncontested divorces are faster, cheaper, and less stressful — but they require both parties to cooperate. “Contested” means there’s disagreement on at least one issue, which means the case proceeds through discovery, mediation, and (if necessary) trial. Most cases that start contested ultimately settle — but settling early saves a lot of money.

Some parts can be modified post-judgment if circumstances change substantially: child support amounts, time-sharing schedules, alimony (in some types), and modifications based on parental relocation. Equitable distribution (the property division) is generally final and not modifiable. We handle both initial divorces and post-judgment modifications.

We work on a contingency-fee basis — you pay no attorney’s fees up front, and we are only paid out of the settlement or verdict we recover for you. The initial consultation is always free.

Case value depends on the severity of the injuries, the strength of the evidence on what the business knew or should have known, the medical bills, lost wages, and any comparative-negligence factors. Cases involving fractures, surgery, or permanent disability tend to settle for substantially more than minor falls. We give clients an honest assessment early and update it as the evidence develops.

Not automatically defeated. The visibility, placement, and adequacy of warning signage are factors — not absolute defenses. We have handled cases where signs were placed after the fall, hidden behind displays, or where the warning didn’t actually match the condition.

Parking-lot falls can involve the property owner, the lot maintenance company, and sometimes the anchor tenant. Common defects include broken pavement, water accumulation in low spots, inadequate lighting, and unmarked wheel stops.

Public sidewalks are typically maintained by the city or county and may involve sovereign-immunity rules with short pre-suit notice deadlines — measured in months, not years. Private sidewalks owned by an adjacent business follow ordinary premises-liability rules. Identifying the responsible party is the first step.

We work on a contingency-fee basis — you pay no attorney’s fees up front, and we are only paid out of the settlement or verdict we recover for you. The initial consultation is always free.

Case value depends on the severity of the bite, the location of the injuries (face and hand bites tend to settle for more), the medical bills, lost wages, scarring, emotional impact, the dog owner’s insurance limits, and any comparative-negligence factors. We give clients an honest assessment early in the case and update it as the evidence develops.

Florida doesn’t require proof that the dog had bitten before. The owner is responsible from the first bite — that’s the core of Florida’s strict-liability rule, and it’s what makes Florida one of the most victim-friendly states for these claims.

Cases involving children are taken seriously and often produce substantial recoveries, particularly when scarring or psychological injury is involved. The “Bad Dog” sign defense doesn’t apply to children under six. We work with pediatric and plastic-surgery specialists to document the long-term cosmetic and emotional impact.

Provocation is a partial defense in Florida — but the burden is on the owner to prove it. Walking past a dog, approaching a familiar dog, or being startled does not generally count. We address comparative-negligence arguments head-on.

Most matters can be handled with an initial in-person consultation followed by remote document signing, video calls, and phone meetings. We accommodate Destin clients with flexible meeting options — including evening and weekend availability when needed.

Destin is in Okaloosa County, so most cases are heard in the Okaloosa County Courthouse (Crestview) or the satellite courthouse in Shalimar. Some cases — particularly those involving incidents that occurred east of Destin — may end up in Walton County Circuit Court (DeFuniak Springs). We handle cases in both counties regularly.

Yes. BUI is treated very similarly to DUI under Florida law and we represent clients charged with BUI in Destin Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Gulf. Like DUI, the case has both criminal and administrative (license/registration) components.

Yes. BUI is treated very similarly to DUI under Florida law and we represent clients charged with BUI in Destin Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Gulf. Like DUI, the case has both criminal and administrative (license/registration) components.

Yes. We represent active-duty service members, retired military, and their families regularly. Issues we frequently address include the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the Uniformed Services Former Spouses Protection Act (USFSPA) for military divorce, residency questions for state taxes and probate, and TRICARE and SBP coordination in family law and estate planning.

We handle residential and commercial closings throughout Okaloosa County, including Destin properties. We can coordinate with your lender, real estate agent, and title insurer, and we are available for closings at our Shalimar office or at title-company offices in Destin.

We handle residential and commercial closings throughout Okaloosa County, including Destin properties. We can coordinate with your lender, real estate agent, and title insurer, and we are available for closings at our Shalimar office or at title-company offices in Destin.

We can typically schedule a free consultation within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent matters — DUI arrests, time-sensitive injunctions, hardship-license deadlines, or out-of-time probate filings — we offer same-day or next-business-day availability when needed.

We can typically schedule a free consultation within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent matters — DUI arrests, time-sensitive injunctions, hardship-license deadlines, or out-of-time probate filings — we offer same-day or next-business-day availability when needed.

It depends on the matter. Personal injury and dog-bite cases are contingency-fee (we are paid only from any recovery). Probate, estate planning, real-estate closings, and many criminal-defense matters are flat-fee. Family-law and complex litigation are typically hourly with a clear retainer agreement. We discuss fee structure during the initial consultation.

Yes. Walton County (DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa Beach, 30A, Freeport) is part of our regular service area. We routinely appear in the Walton County Circuit Court and First Judicial Circuit.