C Michael Barnette

C Michael Barnette

also known as Charles Michael Barnette

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 47 years

Family Lawyer at Daytona Beach, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Appeals ... +2 more

747 S. Ridgewood Avenue., Suite. 205, Daytona Beach, FL

About C

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 35%

I handle dissolution of marriage, paternity, custody/visitation issues (parenting plans and time-sharing schedules) and modifications of previous court orders. Injunctions and domestic violence cases are included in my family law practice.

48 years | 500 cases

35%
Appeals 10%

I am a former Assistant Attorney General for State of Florida handling criminal appeals and extraordinary writs. I have handled numerous cases in the Fifth District Court of Appeal and Supreme Court of Florida, including capital cases. I have continued to handle criminal as well as civil appeals since going into private practice in 1982.

48 years | 250 cases

10%
Criminal Defense 10%

I represent individuals charged with felonies and misdemeanors in State courts, including East Central Florida and Central Florida. Drug cases, thefts, robberies, violent crimes, domestic batteries, driving under the influence, and violations of probation are included in this practice area.

48 years | 500 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 250-350 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 47 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1978

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Colorado for 33 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 1992

Withdrawn

No misconduct found

Location

C. Michael Barnette

747 S. Ridgewood Avenue., Suite. 205, Daytona Beach, FL, 32114-4430

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

C Michael Barnette's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

5 star (24)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Roxanne | March 2, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Steady Guidance Through One of the Most Important Moments of Our Lives

I cannot say enough good things about working with Mr. Michael Barnette and his paralegal Mrs. Diane Harney on our adoption case. From start to finish, he was professional, steady, and clear about every step in the process. Adoption is emotional and deeply personal, and he handled our case with bo...th competence and care. He explained everything in plain terms, kept expectations realistic, and followed through exactly as promised. What stood out most was his consistency. He was responsive, patient, and never made us feel rushed or overlooked. We always knew where things stood. That kind of clarity matters. Because of his guidance, our family reached an incredible milestone — and we are truly grateful. If you are looking for an attorney who is experienced, direct, and genuinely invested in doing things the right way, I highly recommend Mr. Michael Barnette.

Posted by Amanda | January 26, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Happy Home

Our family is forever grateful to C. Michael Barnette and his incredible staff. From the very beginning, they treated our adoption and name change with so much care, professionalism, and compassion. This process is deeply personal, and Michael and his team made us feel supported, informed, and truly ...safe every step of the way. They were always responsive, patient with our questions, and incredibly thorough, making sure nothing was missed. What could have been an overwhelming legal process instead felt calm and reassuring because of their guidance. Thanks to them, our family now feels complete, secure, and at peace. We cannot recommend Michael Barnette and his staff enough to any family navigating adoption or sensitive family law matters. Their work changed our lives, and we will always be thankful. A.W

Posted by Alexis | April 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommend

I can’t thank Michael enough for the incredible job he did with my custody case. From day one, he was compassionate, knowledgeable, and fiercely dedicated to protecting my rights and my child’s best interests. Michael took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all my questions with ...patience, and made me feel supported through an incredibly difficult time. His professionalism and attention to detail truly made a difference in the outcome of my case. I highly recommend Michael to anyone in need of a strong, reliable, and caring family attorney.

Posted by anonymous | April 30, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Attorney

Mr. Barnette is very through and kept me informed from start to finish. I highly recommend him.

Posted by Christopher | April 27, 2024 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Top Notch Attorney

Mr. Barnette is an exceptional lawyer. He represented me during my divorce proceedings and could not have asked for a better lawyer to represent me. From my initial consultation with him until the end of my proceedings his expertise, knowledge and experience were extremely helpful in protecting my in...terest. He is very methodical and gives you best- and worst-case scenarios. Extremely talented, focused and genuinely looks out for your best interest. Shows compassion and makes you feel extremely comfortable during the entire legal process.

See All Client Reviews

C Michael Barnette's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse C
Carol Lee Peake headshot
Carol Peake

Unknown lawyer | Aug 11

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"When I began my legal career, Michael was not only my employer but my mentor. His vast knowledge of the law is amazing. That attribute is not something you are born with. It comes from a complete dedication to your career and a desire to always be on the cutting edge of your industry. Michael is one of the most knowledgeable and ethical attorneys I've ever had the pleasure to work with. He is an attorney that I have no hesitation turning to when I need advice on legal matters. I am proud to have worked with and for Michael and to have learned from the best. I would highly recommend him for your legal needs!"

Sandra Kia Ambrose headshot
Sandra Ambrose

Appeals lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Barnette is a zealous advocate for his clients and maintains professionalism, balancing the two tasks quite well."

Garrick Neal Fox headshot
Garrick Fox

Child custody lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael was one of the most aggressive attorneys I have been up against, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism."

View All Endorsements
Sheila Marie Ennis headshot
Sheila Ennis

Family lawyer

Catherine Elizabeth Harris headshot
Catherine Harris

Family lawyer

Ariel Lee Niles headshot
Ariel Niles

Family lawyer

Lori Jill Sandman headshot
Lori Sandman

Intellectual property lawyer

Sandra Kia Ambrose headshot
Sandra Ambrose

Family lawyer

Carol Lee Peake headshot
Carol Peake

Family lawyer

Garrick Neal Fox headshot
Garrick Fox

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1980 - 1983

Assistant Attorney General, State of Florida Attorney General

Associations

1982 - Present

United States Supreme Court

Admitted to Practice

1978 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

1978 - Present

Supreme Court of Florida

Admitted to Practice

2003 - 2006

Florida Bar, Grievance Committe A

Member/Chair

1988 - 1991

Florida Bar, Grievance Committe A

Member/Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

Dept. of Children and Families v. T.A.T.

State v. Dunmann

Garvin v. Jerome

See More Legal Cases

Education

1978

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor

1973

University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution