Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
139 Client Reviews
PRO
Carlos M. Lastra
Virtual Consultation Available
About Carlos
Biography
[Si Hablo Espanol]
“My singular focus is to achieve the client's goals in a professional, cost-effective and strategic manner, to ensure that the results accomplished for my client will remain long-lasting and provide them with peace of mind.”
Carlos M. Lastra is a Partner and Co-chair of Cipriani & Werner’s Washington DC Metropolitan area Family Law practice group, Chair of the Florida Litigation and Family Law practice groups, and a member of its Litigation practice group. Mr. Lastra is an elite lawyer who provides clients with diligent, strategic, thoughtful and effective representation, addressing both their immediate concerns and securing long-term solutions, in arguably the toughest times imaginable.
Mr. Lastra has represented clients in all aspects of family law - from complex high net worth divorces, with closely held businesses and property spanning multiple jurisdictions including foreign countries, to celebrity and highly sensitive divorces, involving hidden assets, and cases involving the acquirement of digital computer forensic evidence, as well as child custody relocation matters, to prenuptial agreements, all with the focus of preserving his clients’ ability to maintain their familial relationships, as well as their financial well-being. Mr. Lastra’s range of family law litigation experience also includes divorce, alimony, custody, child support, paternity, and property distribution cases. He also handles matters involving guardianships over property and individuals, including both minors and vulnerable adults, as well as contempt/enforcement actions, modifications actions, and domestic violence cases in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Florida.
Applying skills honed over thirty years of recurrent civil and criminal trials before judges and juries in federal and state courtrooms in multiple jurisdictions, Mr. Lastra employs his rich trial experience to create a strategy custom-made to meet the client’s objectives, anticipate the opposing party’s tactics, and ultimately achieve his client’s goals. In addition to Family Law, Mr. Lastra has also represented individuals and small businesses, in numerous jury trials, in a wide diversity of cases ranging from criminal conspiracy, fraud, R.I.C.O., and white-collar criminal cases, to contract claims, shareholder’s derivative actions, construction disputes, professional malpractice defense, and other commercial litigation matters.
As a result, Carlos Lastra is a highly accomplished trial lawyer who is sought after and regularly appears on television as a legal commentator, including Court TV, Fox, ABC and CBS, and who has been honored throughout his career with numerous awards and distinctions, including Legal Elite - Washington’s Top Attorneys, Smart CEO Magazine, top “Divorce Attorney” by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazine, Best Lawyers in America, Superlawyers, as well as Family Law Practitioner of the Year. Mr. Lastra’s intricate knowledge of complex domestic-relations cases and his ability to anticipate the opposition to develop effective case strategies, has earned him an “AV” rating, the highest rating possible from clients, peers and judges, by Martindale Hubbell. He is a Top-rated attorney.
In addition to his legal acumen, Mr. Lastra is fluent in Spanish and is an active member in Hispanic civil and professional organizations. While in law school, he was a Certified Legal Intern, prosecuting felony cases for the Law Offices of Janet Reno, Miami-Dade State’s Attorney. He also served as a law clerk to the Hon. Leonard M. Rivikind.
My focus is to achieve the client's goals in a professional, cost-efficient and strategic manner.
Divorce & Separation is unique for each individual and family. Create a plan that is right for you.
Its all about the kids! And about the significant impact each parent might or should have on them.
Learn the strategies and tactics designed to reach this goal and have an amicable resolution.
How much money does it really take to raise a child? The amount depends on how your case is handled.
Victim of Abuse? Falsely Accused? This is about being Heard, being Believed and the correct result.
Alimony or Spousal Support. How much? How long? Whether you are grappling with having to pay it or seeking it, a tailor-made strategic plan is a must.
What is more important than family? The agreements or court orders that will define the nature of how that family functions financially and with time-sharing.
Whether your family member is not capable of handling their affairs or themselves due to age, infirmity or disability, we are here to assist you during these most difficult of circumstances
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
30%
Alimony
20%
Child Custody
15%
Child Support
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2022 2021 2020
...
+
8
Licenses
Licensed in Maryland for 25 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 32 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 33 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1992
No misconduct found
Location
Cipriani & Werner PC
(202) 470-5401
Fax
3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 700, Bethesda, MD, 20814
c-wlaw.com/attorneys/carlos-m-lastraCipriani & Werner PC
(202) 470-5401
Fax
100 M Street SE, Suite 600, Washington, DC, 20003
c-wlaw.com/attorneys/carlos-m-lastraCipriani & Werner PC
(202) 470-5401
Fax
6411 Ivy Lane Suite 600, Greenbelt, MD, 20770
c-wlaw.com/attorneys/carlos-m-lastraCipriani & Werner PC
(202) 470-5401
Fax
603 E. Fort King Street, Ocala, FL, 34471
c-wlaw.com/attorneys/carlos-m-lastraGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Carlos online.
Carlos M. Lastra's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (109)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (55)
Family (35)
Child Custody (31)
Lawsuits & Disputes (20)
Litigation (12)
Alimony (4)
Domestic Violence (4)
Mediation (4)
Child Support (3)
Business (2)
Uncontested Divorce (2)
Appeals (1)
Arbitration (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Criminal Defense (1)
Employment & Labor (1)
Immigration (1)
Marriage & Prenuptials (1)
Probate (1)
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (61)
Professionalism (56)
Practice Area Knowledge (51)
Case Results (50)
Recommendation (49)
General Knowledge (44)
Character & Conduct (28)
Communication Style (28)
Compassion (21)
Trustworthiness (20)
Cost of Services (16)
Responsiveness (13)
Staff & Support (4)
Free Consultations (1)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 31 - 35 of 51 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Roberto | January 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Knowledgeable, Approachable, and Good Sense of Humor
Carlos helped me a great deal as I was going through a divorce at later stage in my life. Being so knowledgeable about divorce law in Maryland helped me understand my legal rights and what my options were to either mediate, settle, or go to court. The best thing about Carlos was his emphasis on pre...
Carlos Lastra
Replied last January 13, 2019Roberto, thank you for your review. Developing a plan and approach unique to each individual case is an absolute must. I am very glad that our approach was successful in your case. Thank you for letting me and others know we accomplished your goals.
Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Exceptional lawyer
After my divorce M. Lastra recovered my attorney’s fees and made it happen in record time, Mr. Lastra, he is bright, clever, a truly strategist, responsive, extremely proactive, and aggressive when is appropriate, he handle my case in the best interest of me, financially and emotionaly, he never crea...
Carlos Lastra
Replied last January 13, 2019Obviously, Attorneys' fees are what a client spends to secure a result and/or defend against someone else allegations. I am glad that I was able to secure the amounts you paid from the opposing party. Thank you for your review.
Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2019 | Divorce & Separation
BRILLIANT ATTORNEY WHO DELIVERS
Carlos Lastra recently handled my custody and divorce case. I feel that I am lucky to have him on my side. His knowledge of the law and of my case, attention to detail, preparedness, hard work and presence in the courtroom easily won the case for me. I am impressed by his excellent professionalism...
Carlos Lastra
Replied last January 12, 2019Thank you for having taken the time to leave this review. I hope all the best for you and your children.
Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2019 | Divorce & Separation
An excellent family law, divorce lawyer in the Rockville Area
Mr Lastra has helped me get through a process of divorce, child care and custody and alimony with wonderful results. He is thorough, caring and does his best for the client. I have had favaorable outcomes in my case each step of the way due to his work. He has seen to it that my children have been p...
Carlos Lastra
Replied last January 12, 2019So good to know that you received the outcome you deserved. Thank you for the review.
Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2019 | Divorce & Separation
Excellent Attorney
If you're reading this, it's because you are, unfortunately, in need of an attorney for a family matter, most likely divorce. Therefore, I'll try to be a little more comprehensive than, "He's great, blah blah blah, got me what I wanted, blah blah blah, I would recommend him." Mr. Lastra helped me...
Carlos Lastra
Replied last January 12, 2019I remember having to step in-between my client and the opposing party's lawyer as he approached my client in an aggressive manner and firmly, but professionally, reminded the other lawyer of the impropriety of his conduct. I also wanted to prevent my client from feeling afraid and/or being compelled to retaliate. The situation deescalated quickly. This incident further reinforced what I learned a long time ago, which is keep your team focused on the ultimate goal, not side distractions, and that I am both figuratively, and in this case was literally, my client's champion. Thank you for sharing your story.
Carlos M. Lastra's Lawyer Endorsements
"Carlos is a formidable attorney in divorce litigation (and associated negotiation) in the State of Maryland. I have worked with Carlos on cases and have made a great number of referrals of clients to him with absolute confidence he will do all that he can to achieve a favorable outcome for the client."
Jennifer Forquer
Family lawyer
William Blackford
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Washington DC Super Lawyer, Washington DC Super Lawyers
2023
Maryland Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2022
Washington DC Super Lawyer, Washington DC Super Lawyers
2022
Best Lawyer, Family Law, Best Lawyers in America
2022
Maryland Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Maryland Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2021
Washington DC Super Lawyer, Washington DC Super Lawyers
2020
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2019
Top Divorce Lawyers, Washingtonian Magazine
2019
Top Attorneys, Bethesda Magazine
2019
Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2019
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2018
Top Lawyers, Washingtonian Magazine
2018
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2017
Maryland Super Lawyer, Maryland SuperLawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Top Divorce Lawyers, Bethesda Magazine
2017
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2016
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2016
Maryland Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Maryland Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2015
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2013
Top Divorce Lawyers, Bethesda Magazine
2013
Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2013
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2012
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2011
DC Super Lawyer, District of Columbia Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Maryland Super Lawyers
2010
Legal Elite, Washington's Top Attorneys, Reader's Poll, Smart CEO Magazine
2010
Family Law Practitioner of the Year, Bar Association of Montgomery County
2010
Community Service Award - Domestic Violence Project, Montgomery County Bar Foundation
2009
Top Divorce Attorneys, Washingtonian Magazine
2007
Who's Who in Law, Marquis Who's Who in American Law
2006
Section Co-Chair of the Year, Montgomery County Bar Association
2006
Bar Leaders, Montgomery County Bar Association
2004
BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review
Work Experience
2021 - Present
Partner, Cipriani & Werner, P.C.
2014 - 2021
Principal, Paley Rothman Goldstein Rosenberg Eig & Cooper, Chartered
2010 - 2014
Partner, Brodsky Renehan Pearlstein Lastra & Bouquet, Chartered
2007 - 2010
Partner, Brodsky, Greenblatt, Renehan & Pearlstein, Chartered
2000 - 2007
Associate, Brodsky, Greenblatt & Renehan, Chtd
1997 - 2000
Of Counsel, Law Offices of James R.C. Dickey
1996 - 2000
Special Assistant Public Defender, Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office
1993 - 1995
Of Counsel, Ferro & Dickey
1993 - 2000
Attorney, Law Offices of Carlos M. Lastra, P.A.
1992 - 1993
Associate, Law Offices of Richard H. Ferro
1991 - 1992
Certified Legal Intern, Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office
1990 - 1990
Clerk, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Leonard M. Rivikind
Associations
2009 - Present
Maryland State Bar Association, Family and Juvenile Law SectionMember
2008 - Present
Maryland Hispanic Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Montgomery County Bar FoundationBar Leader
2009 - 2010
Montgomery County Bar AssociationPro Bono Initiative Committee Chair, Family Law Section
2009 - 2013
Hispanic Bar Association of the District of ColumbiaMember
2009 - 2012
Montgomery County Bar Association, Fee Dispute CommitteeCo-chair
2009 - 2011
Montgomery County Circuit CourtSettlement Facilitator
2005 - 2006
Montgomery County Bar Association, Family Law SectionCo-chair
2005 - 2011
Montgomery American Inn of CourtBarrister
2004 - 2005
Montgomery County Bar Association, Family Law SectionCo-chair, Program Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
High Profile Attempted Murder case
Negotiated work release sentence of 10 months
Innocent Impaired Client Framed by Boyfriend of 1st Degree Felonies
Acquitted of all charges by Jury
40 Years in Prison Avoided
Acquitted of all felony charges by Jury
Parent seeking legal custody, private school and support for children
Client awarded legal custody tie-breaker, private school, child support and attorney's fees
Sued Ex for damage to Client's credit
Judgment of $60,000 for breach of divorce agreement
Career parent permitted to move with child to pursue dream job
Client permitted to relocate out of state with minor child; awarded child support
Complex High-Net Worth Divorce
Acquired $16,000 monthly indefinite alimony, $2.4 M monetary award; $350,000 attorney's fees award
Represented single father fighting for custody against deceased wife's family
Client awarded sole custody
Alimony Termination based on Cohabitation
Secured $1,082,500 Judgment for my client
Education
1992
University of Miami School of Law
Juris Doctor
1989
University of Miami
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Montgomery County Commission for Women
Sus Derechos Legales en el Divorcio: Resumen y Temas Relacionados
2014
Montgomery County Commission for Women
Maryland Divorce and Custody Law
2010
Family Law Section
Immigration Issues in DV and Family Law Cases
2010
Bar Association for Montgomery County, Family Law Section, Domestic Violence Pro Bono Initiative
Volunteer Attorney Training / Orientation
2009
Montgomery County Commission for Women
Sus Derechos Legales en el Divorcio: Resumen y Temas Relacionados
2009
Montgomery County Commission for Women
Maryland Divorce and Custody Law
2007
Bar Association for Montgomery County, Family Law Section
Family Law Update
2003
Montgomery American Inn of Court
When Domestic Violence Leads to Criminal Charges - Procedures and Strategies from Arrest to Trial
Publications
2022
2022
2022
2022
Court TV
Our Justice System Worked
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
Court TV
Who is Winning? in Depp vs. Heard
2022
2022
2021
2020
Great Day Washington - WUSA 9 TV
How To Peacefully Co-Parent During COVID-19
2020
The Daily Record (Maryland)
Lawmakers, experts weigh changes to Maryland’s child custody court process
2019
Good Morning Washington, WJLA Channel ABC 7
Divorce & The Holidays: Keeping Spirits Bright
2019
Great Day Washington WUSA 9 TV
Back to School Tips for Divorced Parents
2019
Great Day Washington WUSA 9 TV
Scared of ‘What If?’ It’s Okay to Have a Prenup Before Marriage
2018
Majic 102.3 Radio with Madelyne Woods
Just Like Us: Divorce & The Holidays
2018
Great Day Washington WUSA 9 TV
Divorce and the holidays: How to keep the peace
2015
U.S. News & World Report
How to Handle Investments When You Divorce
2009
Maryland Divorce and Separation Law Manual - MICPEL
Editor, Pleading and Litigation Tactics in Domestic Cases, 9th edition
2004
Small Firm Business
Commentary, Anderson Publishing's Maryland Evidence Courtroom Manual
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can the custodial parent have the non custodial parent ordered to drug and alcohol testing before each visit?
15 Dec 2009
Q&A
Where should I file for divorce if i live in Germantown MD?
07 Nov 2009
Q&A
How to find my child support case records and case number ?
14 Dec 2009
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Cheating in the 21st Century – How Adultery Has Changed in the Digital Age and How to Prove It
22 Sep 2021
Legal Guide
Cheating in the 21st Century
25 Aug 2016
Legal Guide
HIDING ASSETS IN A DIVORCE: You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide ; Or Can You?
16 Aug 2013