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Deborah Lynne Greene

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Avvo Rating10
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Licensed for 28 years

Legal guides written by Deborah Greene

Deborah Lynne Greene
Deborah Lynne Greene
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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

OtherChild supportChild custodyFamilyDivorce and separation
  1. Divorce and separation: 35%

  2. Family: 25%

  3. Child custody: 25%

  4. Child support: 10%

  1. Adoption: 5%

    Our firm handles step-parent adoptions and consented to family member adoptions.

Languages spoken

English

Client's Choice 2015
Client's Choice 2013
Client's Choice 2012

Contact

3217 Atlantic Boulevard
address map

Combs Greene

3217 Atlantic Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL, 32207

Website
https://www.flalaw.pro/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
FLMember in Good Standing199212/20/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers4
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Client's Choice - FamilyAVVO2013
The 2013 Bar Register of Preeminent AttorneysMartinedale-Hubbell2013
Client's Choice - FamilyAVVO2012
Top Lawyers in JacksonvilleJacksonville Magazine's 9042012
The 2012 Bar Register of Preeminent AttorneysMartindale-Hubbell2012
Legal Eagles - Top River City LawyersJacksonville Magazine's 9042011
5th Anniversary - AV Rated for 5 years 2004 - 2009Martindale-Hubbell2009
AV RatedMartindale-Hubbell2004
Book Award - Civil Rights SurveyFlorida State University College of Law1990
Book Award - Law & GroupsFlorida State University College of Law1989
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Member/ShareholderCombs Greene f/k/a Smith Greene & Combs2004 - Present
Adjunct ProfessorFlorida Coastal School of Law2003 - 2004
Member/ShareholderBarlett Heekin Smith Greene & Malin2000 - 2004
Member/ShareholderCombs & Greene, P.A.1998 - 2000
AssociateTromberg & Safer1996 - 1998
AssociateKirschner, Main, Graham, Tanner & Demont1992 - 1996
AssociateBoyer, Tanzler & Boyer1991 - 1992
InternFlorida Supreme Court1991 - 1991
Certified Legal InternJacksonville Area Legal Aid1990 - 1990
InternFlorida House of Representatives1989 - 1990
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
The Florida Bar Rules of Judicial Administration CommitteeMember2009 - Present
American Inn of Court - Florida Family Law Inn of CourtMaster of the Inn2002 - Present
Jacksonville Women's Lawyer's AssociationMember2000 - Present
Jacksonville Bar AssociationMembers - Previously Served on Professionalism CommitteeN/A
The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C"Chair2008 - 2008
The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C"Vice-Chair2007 - 2007
The Florida Bar Local Grievance Committee "C"Member2006 - 2008
Jacksonville Women's Lawyer's AssociationPresident2005 - 2006
Phi Alpha Delta - Florida State UniversityVice-Justice1990 - 1991
The Women's Law Symposium - Florida State UniversityPresident1990 - 1991
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
FlaLawBlogAlimony Continues Unchanged in Florida — For Now… (Part One)2013
FlaLawBlogAlimony Continues Unchanged in Florida — For Now… (Part Two)2013
FlaLawBlogTimesharing in the Summer Months2013
FlaLawBlogMurdoch Divorce Highlights the Importance of Prenuptial Agreements2013
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
The Florida State University College of LawJuris Doctor - With HIgh Honors - Top 10% of Class1991
Florida State UniversityBachelor of Science - GPA 3.291985
Lynchburg CollegeN/AN/A
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of CourtDiscovery and Depositions2009
Jacksonville Women Lawyers ASsociationInvestiture Presentation to Judge Dan Wilensky2007
The Women's Law Students AssociationMember of Panel for Panel Discussion2006
Mandarin Newcomers ClubJudicial Races2006
Jacksonville Women Lawyers AssociationInvestiture Presentation to Judge Kevin Blazs2006
Jacksonville Women Lawyers AssociationPresenter of Woman Lawyers of the Year Award to Judge Eleni Derke2006
Jacksonville Women Lawyers AssociationModerator - Judicial Candidate Forum2006
Jacksonville Women Lawyers AssociationModerator - Annual Judicial Panel2006
The Women's Law Students Association Florida Coastal School of LawMember of Panel for Panel Discussion Regarding Women and the Law2005
Jacksonville Women Lawyers AssociationInvestiture Presenttion to Judge Angela Cox2005
Jacksonville Women Lawyers ASsociationInvestiture Presentation to Judge Mallory D. Cooper2005
The Women's Law Students Association Florida Coastal School of LawMember of Panel for Panel Discussion Regarding Practicing Law2004
Rotary International - Baker County, Florida ChapterSpeaker2004
Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of CourtProgram Creator/Participant Regarding Family Law Issues2004
Florida Family Law Inn of Court - American Inns of CourtEvidence Tips and Tricks2003
Jacksonville Bar AssociationPracticing With Professionalism2000
Jacksonville Bar AssociationPracticing with Professionalism1999
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
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

Reviews

(27)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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Review Deborah Greene

By far the best attorney in Jacksonville

Posted by

I had the pleasure of meeting Deborah about nine years ago through a litigious child custody case. She was instrumental in getting me 50-50 custody of my child. Mind you, during that time frame it was extremely rare to have 50-50. From day one she asked important questions and took the time to understand my case. I can’t thank Deborah enough for helping me through that time and I needed someone to guide me and help me with my son. I referred several friends and colleagues to her and all have had wonderful things to say about her. She is a excellent attorney and I would give her 6 Stars if I could.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Awesome Attorney

Posted by

Deborah is one of the best attorney's that I have witnessed. She is very detailed and knowledgeable. She is not afraid of hard work or taking difficult cases. She does exactly what she says she will do. She is amazing, I would highly recommend her.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Outstanding From Consult to Closure

Posted by

From my first conversation with Ms. Green, right up until the final hearing she was thorough, professional (which was understandably difficult at times given communication from the opposing counsel), and well thought out. Always well prepared, I was kept well informed of what the process would be and what I should expect. Ms. Green made a difficult process as easy as possible and worked hard to get the best possible outcome. I also found her to be mindful of costs, and help weigh the value, versus the return of various legal options. Highly recommended.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Family Law Attorney

Posted by

Deborah Greene has represented me for several years in a post divorce litigation filed with complexity. I can say with complete confidence that Deborah and her team have represented me with the upmost integrity and have fought diligently on behalf. I have worked with several different lawyers over the course of the past 7 years and I can say that Deborah takes the time to understand what her clients are going through and does an excellent job of balancing the emotional aspect while thoroughly explaining the law in a manner that her clients can understand. There are not many things in life that compare to the stress of going through a divorce that continues for years, but Deborah and her team make it much easier. If you are looking for a lawyer that practices with integrity and will have your back no matter the fight then Deborah Greene is the lawyer for you.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Attorney and Great Staff

Posted by

Deb and her staff did a great job with my divorce. She is a great attorney and extremely knowledgeable. Her staff is very professional and always responded to my phone calls and emails immediately. Deb is without a doubt one of the top two or three Family lawyers in Northeast Florida.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

The Best - consummate professional - Divorce

Posted by

Deborah and her Team did an outstanding job getting me through a very complicated divorce proceeding. I got exactly the outcome that I had asked for from day #1. Fair, honest, deliberate, tough, but also compassionate. she's a WINNER!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Lawyer

Posted by

Deborah has represented me personally in several cases and in each and every case she has delivered positive outcomes. The more impressive thing is how she does it. Deborah and her team show up every single day to work and they do it with highest level of professionalism. I have never reached out to Deborah and did not get a response within a hour. This includes when she was out of the Country on vacation. Deborah not only advocates on your behalf. She educates you on your case so you truly understand the decisions that you are making. She is always prepared and does her homework. There is nothing more reassuring than knowing that your lawyer actually cares about your case then them putting the time and effort in and knowing it backwards and forwards. To many times people engage lawyers and become frustrated because they do not feel like their attorney knows or understands there case. This is not Deborah or her team. They come ready to play everyday and double down on game day. Deborah and her team also uphold an ethical standard that is rarely seen in the legal profession today. She is always quick to let you know that she will not cross that line and further will not represent a client who thinks that way or wants to play that way. This is the quality that I love most about her. She values her reputation and that of her firm. She believe in the Justice System and adheres to a strict code of ethics. If you are looking for a lawyer who knows the law, communicates well and will show up everyday to advocate of your behalf then Deborah is the Attorney that you are looking for. if you are looking for a lawyer who is prepared come game day and ready to fight for your rights then Deborah is the Attorney that you are looking for. If you are looking for a lawyer with the highest level ethics and integrity then Deborah is the attorney that you seek.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly, highly qualified, competent and experienced attorney. I recommend her unconditionally.

Posted by

Deborah has helped me far more than the three previous attorneys I worked with during my divorce. I can honestly say I recommend her unconditionally to anyone that needs any legal help. I have worked with her for over three years and she is professional, incredibly knowledgable and very compassionate. Previous attorneys left me feeling nervous, scared and doubtful. Deborah is the kind of attorney that takes the time to carefully explain all the details of your legal situation and help you understand them. She was able to allay many of my fears and perceptions of divorce and help guide me through this difficult process. Other attorneys seemed unprepared and disorganized compared to Deborah. Other attorneys seemed careless and left me cold. Deborah was none of those. Throughout all our office meetings and conference calls I always felt comfortable and cared for. Additionally, Deborah is not the kind of attorney (or person) that just tells you what you want to hear. There's no bs with her, she never let me slide, lose my temper, get out of control or get angry. She kept me grounded throughout the entire process. When I was scared, she talked me through it, when I was angry she talked me through it. She answered every question I had, and some were truly ridiculous. She's a consummate professional and never spoke down to me or made me feel ignorant. She also put everything on the table, good and bad. She told me everything that could happen, might happen and probably would not happen in my case. She is unbelievably organized and methodical. She made an enormous binder for my trial that was Thesis-like, it was incredible. She has never left me feeling like she wasn't doing absolutely everything she could to help me and my case. I can absolutely, honestly and unconditionally say I recommend Deborah Greene 100%.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent, professional, knowledgeable attorney

Posted by

I highly recommend Deborah Greene and her team for exceptional work on my family law case. Deborah has worked with me for several years on ongoing matters related to my situation. She and her team are extremely responsive, professional and on the mark. She brings solutions to the table, is not afraid of a challenge and represented me with strength and conviction. When I was researching the best attorney, Deborah came to me from a reference whom I trusted - and that person was spot on. She told me, "If you need someone strong and who will get the job done, Deborah is the right choice." All I can say is my friend was 100 percent correct. Thank you Deborah, and team, for your support and for going the extra mile to represent me and bring justice. I appreciate you tremendously. Words can't say enough.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Truly Exceptional

Posted by

I came to Deborah in a very desperate situation. Not only did she take on my case but she completely turned the tables around in my favor. Her work ethic is outstanding and she was always reachable when needed. I never had any communication issues unlike with others attorneys I have used in the past. Her help in getting my children back was priceless to me. She is at the top end of the price range but for very good reason. You definitely get what you pay for and her services were worth every penny. Her research and approach to my case was very professional, hard hitting and strategic. Definitely wouldn't ever want to be on the opposing side of the table facing her. I would definitely recommend her firm to anyone especially if you have a hard case to be won. She is one that will fight to the end!
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Attorney endorsements

(13)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

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

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

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

RATES
  • Hourly Rates$350-$425/hour
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card

    Recent Posts

    Fla Lawyers - Divorce and Family Law

    Legal guides written by Deborah Greene