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Questions answered by Deborah Greene
Legal guides written by Deborah Greene
- Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in FloridaLast updated at: February 27, 2016
About Deborah
Intelligent Representation | Individual Attention | Innovative Solutions
Deborah was born in 1963, in DeLand, Florida. Deborah has also lived in Jacksonville, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Virginia; Alabama; and Tallahassee, Florida. Deborah's family has lived in Jacksonville, and the Northeast Florida area since before the civil war. Deborah is married to her law partner, Steven P. Combs and they have two children.
Deborah graduated from Wolfson High School in Jacksonville in 1981, after which she attended her first year of college at Lynchburg College in Virginia, where she was a Montgomery Scholar and was inducted into the Phi Eta Sigma Academic Honor Society. After graduating with a degree in Studio Art from Florida State University in 1985, Deborah worked in advertising and as a graphic artist until she began attending law school in 1988. In 1991, Deborah received her Juris Doctor, with high honors, from the Florida State University College of Law (graduating in the top 10% of her class).
While obtaining her education (from high school all the way through law school), Deborah always worked, including waiting tables at the famous Beach Road Chicken Dinners in Jacksonville, Florida, teaching piano lessons, working as a secretary, and playing the piano in the piano bar at the Tallahassee Hilton Hotel.
Deborah grew up as a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) when it was still downtown and she participated (as a youth board member) in the historic debate and vote which ultimately led to its relocation to Mandarin, where it is still located. Deborah was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she lived between attending college and law school. Deborah was also a member of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she served on the Board and Diaconate and as an adult Sunday School teacher. Deborah and Steve were on the Board of Central Christian Church when it merged with Eastside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (a predominantly African American congregation), and when its name was changed to Springfield Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Deborah has also been a youth sponsor, youth Sunday School teacher, church camp counselor, and the pianist for Sunday services. Deborah and her husband, Steve, are currently members and serve as Deacons at Riverside Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), in Jacksonville, Florida.
Deborah still enjoys playing the piano and composing music (both the melodies and lyrics), and she also enjoys interior decorating. She has not only decorated her own home, but she also helps her friends decorate their homes, as well. Deborah and her husband, and law partner, Steven, also enjoy reading books together, attending movies together, and traveling (both at home and abroad).
Practice areas
- Divorce and separation: 35%
- Child custody: 25%
- Family: 25%
- Child support: 10%
- Adoption: 5%
Our firm handles step-parent adoptions and consented to family member adoptions.
Languages spoken
English
Client's Choice 2015Client's Choice 2013Client's Choice 2012Contact
Combs Greene
3217 Atlantic Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL, 32207
- Office (904) 359-5505
- Fax (904) 359-5506
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL | Member in Good Standing | 1992 | 02/28/2022 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
|---|---|---|
| Client's Choice - Family | AVVO | 2013 |
| The 2013 Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys | Martinedale-Hubbell | 2013 |
| The 2012 Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys | Martindale-Hubbell | 2012 |
| Top Lawyers in Jacksonville | Jacksonville Magazine's 904 | 2012 |
| Client's Choice - Family | AVVO | 2012 |
| Legal Eagles - Top River City Lawyers | Jacksonville Magazine's 904 | 2011 |
| 5th Anniversary - AV Rated for 5 years 2004 - 2009 | Martindale-Hubbell | 2009 |
| AV Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2004 |
| Book Award - Civil Rights Survey | Florida State University College of Law | 1990 |
| Book Award - Law & Groups | Florida State University College of Law | 1989 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Member/Shareholder | Combs Greene f/k/a Smith Greene & Combs | 2004 - Present |
| Adjunct Professor | Florida Coastal School of Law | 2003 - 2004 |
| Member/Shareholder | Barlett Heekin Smith Greene & Malin | 2000 - 2004 |
| Member/Shareholder | Combs & Greene, P.A. | 1998 - 2000 |
| Associate | Tromberg & Safer | 1996 - 1998 |
| Associate | Kirschner, Main, Graham, Tanner & Demont | 1992 - 1996 |
| Associate | Boyer, Tanzler & Boyer | 1991 - 1992 |
| Intern | Florida Supreme Court | 1991 - 1991 |
| Certified Legal Intern | Jacksonville Area Legal Aid | 1990 - 1990 |
| Intern | Florida House of Representatives | 1989 - 1990 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| The Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration Committee | Member | 2009 - Present |
| American Inn of Court - Florida Family Law Inn of Court | Master of the Inn | 2002 - Present |
| Jacksonville Women's Lawyer's Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
| Jacksonville Bar Association | Members - Previously Served on Professionalism Committee | N/A |
| The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C" | Chair | 2008 - 2008 |
| The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C" | Vice-Chair | 2007 - 2007 |
| The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C" | Member | 2006 - 2008 |
| Jacksonville Women's Lawyer's Association | President | 2005 - 2006 |
| Phi Alpha Delta - Florida State University | Vice-Justice | 1990 - 1991 |
| The Women's Law Symposium - Florida State University | President | 1990 - 1991 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| FlaLawBlog | Alimony Continues Unchanged in Florida — For Now… (Part One) | 2013 |
| FlaLawBlog | Alimony Continues Unchanged in Florida — For Now… (Part Two) | 2013 |
| FlaLawBlog | Timesharing in the Summer Months | 2013 |
| FlaLawBlog | Murdoch Divorce Highlights the Importance of Prenuptial Agreements | 2013 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| The Florida State University College of Law | Juris Doctor - With HIgh Honors - Top 10% of Class | 1991 |
| Florida State University | Bachelor of Science - GPA 3.29 | 1985 |
| Lynchburg College | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of Court | Discovery and Depositions | 2009 |
| Jacksonville Women Lawyers ASsociation | Investiture Presentation to Judge Dan Wilensky | 2007 |
| Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association | Moderator - Annual Judicial Panel | 2006 |
| Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association | Moderator - Judicial Candidate Forum | 2006 |
| Mandarin Newcomers Club | Judicial Races | 2006 |
| Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association | Presenter of Woman Lawyers of the Year Award to Judge Eleni Derke | 2006 |
| Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association | Investiture Presentation to Judge Kevin Blazs | 2006 |
| The Women's Law Students Association | Member of Panel for Panel Discussion | 2006 |
| Jacksonville Women Lawyers ASsociation | Investiture Presentation to Judge Mallory D. Cooper | 2005 |
| Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association | Investiture Presenttion to Judge Angela Cox | 2005 |
| The Women's Law Students Association Florida Coastal School of Law | Member of Panel for Panel Discussion Regarding Women and the Law | 2005 |
| The Women's Law Students Association Florida Coastal School of Law | Member of Panel for Panel Discussion Regarding Practicing Law | 2004 |
| Rotary International - Baker County, Florida Chapter | Speaker | 2004 |
| Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of Court | Program Creator/Participant Regarding Family Law Issues | 2004 |
| Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of Court | Evidence Tips and Tricks | 2003 |
| Jacksonville Bar Association | Practicing With Professionalism | 2000 |
| Jacksonville Bar Association | Practicing with Professionalism | 1999 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Adoption of Baby James Doe, 572 So.2d 986 (Fla.1st DCA 1990) | Appeal was won for the client. |
| General Commercial Packaging, Inc. v. T.P.S. Package Engineering, Inc., 126 F.3d 1131 (9th Cir. 1997) | Appeal was won for the client. |
| Lahodik v. Lahodik, 969 So.2d 533 (Fla. 1st DCA 2007) | The appeal was won for the client. |
| Leonard v. Leonard, 971 So.2d 263 (Fla. 1st DCA 2008) | Case was won for the client. |
| J.F. v. M.H., 35 Fla. Law Weekly D 824 (Fla. 1st DCA April 13, 2010) | Case was won for the client |
By far the best attorney in Jacksonville
5.0 stars
Posted by Alexis vazquez
July 25, 2019
Awesome Attorney
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
March 13, 2019
Deborah saved my case
5.0 stars
Posted by James
September 30, 2021
Outstanding From Consult to Closure
5.0 stars
Posted by Steven
December 10, 2019
Excellent Family Law Attorney
5.0 stars
Posted by Michele
August 20, 2019
Great Attorney and Great Staff
5.0 stars
Posted by Len
January 26, 2018
The Best - consummate professional - Divorce
5.0 stars
Posted by Craig
January 23, 2017
Excellent Lawyer
5.0 stars
Posted by Stephen
August 18, 2016
Highly, highly qualified, competent and experienced attorney. I recommend her unconditionally.
5.0 stars
Posted by Eric
July 6, 2016
Excellent, professional, knowledgeable attorney
5.0 stars
Posted by Kathy
June 8, 2016
Attorney endorsements
(13)
La'Rae Hendrix, Appeals Attorney on Jun 26, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Deborah is a well respected attorney in the legal community, and clearly a formidable opponent in the court room. However, her appellate work is truly second to none. Deborah is always my go to attorney if a case needs to be taken to the next level.
Lisa Coplan-Gardner, Family Attorney on Jun 3, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Deborah is a highly experienced attorney. I often call her for her advise on my own cases as I value her legal opinion in the utmost regard.
Patricia Parker, Unknown Attorney on Jul 14, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Deborah is one of the best lawyers in the field. She is knowledgeable and she is extremely prepared.
Nancy Harrison, Family Attorney on Sep 23, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Ms. Greene and I were opposing counsel in a very heated dissolution and domestic violence case. Ms. Greene, while advocating for her client, was kind and courteous to me, the Court and all professionals involved in the case. Despite the contested nature of the case, Ms. Greene was professional and ethical with every step. I respect her and her staff.
La'Rae Hendrix, Appeals Attorney on Jun 26, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Deborah is a well respected attorney in the legal community, and clearly a formidable opponent in the court room. However, her appellate work is truly second to none. Deborah is always my go to attorney if a case needs to be taken to the next level.
Shane Herbert, Unknown Attorney on Feb 11, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker
I started working for Deborah and her husband/law partner soon after receiving my license to practice law in September, 2010. It took no time at all for me to realize how fortunate I was to be working for such a great legal team. After 3+ years of working for them I can say, without any reservation, that they are two of the most intelligient, kind, compassionate, and skilled attorneys I have ever met. I cannot count the number of times lawyers, judges, mediators, and other legal professionals in the community have told me how great of an attorney Deborah is and how fortunate I am to work for her. I could not agree more. In fact, I have actually told a Judge that I felt if I were to become half the attorney Deborah is that I would be doing well for msyelf, and the Judge wholeheartedly agreed!
Robert Jeffrey, Family Attorney on Jan 23, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I worked as an Associate attorney for Deborah, and her husband/law partner, Steve Combs, for several years. Deborah is an incredible attorney, and I highly endorse her, with no reservations. Deborah is as knowledgeable, aggressive, and courtroom proven, as any family law attorney that I know of in North Florida. If you are facing a family law issue (including, without limitation, divorce, time-sharing, modification, relocation adoption, dependency, domestic violence), you should definitely consult with Deborah; I would, and I would refer my closest friends and family to her as well. Whether you have a trial level or appellate issue, with Deborah, you are truly in good hands. Most importantly, Deborah is incredibly moral and ethical, and an all around good person, who will always zealously represent her clients.
Christopher Johns, Family Attorney on Apr 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Attorney Deborah Greene is one of the best family law and litigation attorneys in Jacksonville and for that reason I would highly endorse and recommend her to any potential client. She is smart, aggressive and very knowledgeable and places her client first.
Michael Freed, Family Attorney on Aug 8, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Deborah is smart, pro-active, diligent, effective, ethical and practical.
Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on Oct 11, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Diane Paull, Family Attorney on Oct 2, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Ms. Greene is a strong advocate for her clients and always well prepared. She is professional to her colleagues and responsive to the file. I have referred clients to her when conflicts arise and have not received any negative feedback.
Tracy Valente, Litigation Attorney on Jun 29, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I strongly endorse this lawyer's work. Deborah is an excellent attorney who is a very strong advocate for her clients. She is always well prepared and knowledgeable. I would not hesitate to recommend her to any potential clients.
Lynn Salvatore, Family Attorney on Jun 17, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Deborah is a dedicated advocate for her clients.
Lisa Coplan-Gardner, Family Attorney on Jun 3, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Deborah is a highly experienced attorney. I often call her for her advise on my own cases as I value her legal opinion in the utmost regard.
Ann Smith, Family Attorney on Jun 2, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Deborah is an attorney of high integrity and incredible skill.
Cost
- Hourly Rates $350-$425/hour
Cash, Check, Credit Card
Questions answered by Deborah Greene
Legal guides written by Deborah Greene
- Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in FloridaLast updated at: February 27, 2016