Lawrence Joseph Marraffino

Lawrence Joseph Marraffino

also known as The Marraffino Law Firm, Lawrence J. Marraffino, P.A.

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 41 years

Bankruptcy and debt Lawyer at Gainesville, FL
Practice Areas: Bankruptcy & Debt, Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody

3312 West University Avenue, Gainesville, FL

About Lawrence

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Bankruptcy and Debt 25%

We offer a free initial consultation to tell you how bankruptcy can get you a fresh start in life. Chapter 7 bankruptcy can actually rebuild your credit and give you a fresh start!

42 years

25%
Child Custody 25%

Child Custody is the most important aspect of a Family Law Case. Mr. Marraffino has 35 years of experience to put on your side. Call for a consultation.

42 years

25%
Divorce and Separation 25%

All issues related to family law and paternity and child custody cases. Mr. Marraffino has 35 years of experience. Call and have your questions answered.

42 years

25%
Family 25%

All family law matters handled including child support, child custody, divorce, paternity and alimony. All cases handled with compassion and the benefit of 35 years experience.

42 years

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Contingency

33%-40%

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 41 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1984

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Lawrence J. Marraffino, PA

3312 West University Avenue, Gainesville, FL, 32607-2551

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Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

88 Client Reviews

Posted by Dani and Drew | September 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding Family Lawyer!

First, the most paramount part of a case is not the lawyer but being honest with your story and having the evidence to support it. If you go in wanting any lawyer to fight for something based off anger and vengeance, don’t get mad at them if they don’t win. Mr. Marraffino and his team are ethical a...nd compassionate. They will be straight forward with you and can assist you better if you are straight forward with them. I would suggest them to anyone I know in the area going through a family case, custody battle or divorce. After researching many other lawyers in the area we chose him based off of his years of experience in family law and his great reviews. After our first meeting with him and his team we felt confident in our choice. During the 16 month arduous Custody and Divorce case they spent countless hours listening to our story, keeping notes and records, following up with us, taking tearful phone calls and they never backed down from the challenges presented to them. Overall, we felt seen, heard and supported by the team and never like it was just about a paycheck. They truly cared about the well being of the children and it was of much comfort knowing we all were fighting for the same thing. As long as Mr. Marraffino is in law, he will be who we hire and will want by our side supporting us.

Posted by Jhinuk | April 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent lawyer, highly recommended

I took the help of Mr. Marraffino to fight my divorce case. Half the battle was already won when my husband came to know that I have hired such a reputed lawyer, and hence I did get an easy mutual divorce. Mr. Marraffino was not just a lawyer but also did a lot of counseling for me during these tough... times, listening patiently despite being so busy. He is knowledgeable not only in divorce related issues, but I found him to have good knowledge in tax related matters as well. He also recommended me a women's shelter when I wanted to leave my husband's house. Above all, he does not try to prolong the case and keeps it as simple and finishes a case as fast as possible, in the best interest of the client. I found the farm to be client friendly, with a homely cozy environment rather than being too professional. Just the comfort and ease I needed at that moment. Mr. Marraffino, Mrs. Marraffino and Ms. Lashanda treated me not like a client but as a friend. Due to them, despite being completely alone in the country, I found the strength to file a divorce case and go through with it till completion. I do not have enough words to thank the Marraffino law firm. I highly recommend it.

Lawrence Marraffino

Replied last May 11, 2021

Thank you so much. We are glad that you felt comfortable working with us. Larry Marraffino

Posted by Megan | March 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

He's David to Goliath!

Marraffino came in to clean up a colossal mess my first attorney made in what is, according to our judge, the "Most contentious divorce" she'd ever seen. He along with his team are focused on presenting the best case, and strategy to win. This man saved my kids, there is no better review I could writ...e. If you want someone dedicated to protecting your family, this is your firm.

Posted by Rinky | February 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

international Custody Case

In a time and age when we have millions of so called degrees hanging on the walls of offices. It is a delight to meet a person who depicts the value of this degree. I am an Indian citizen who got caught up in domestic difficulty leading to a child custody case when I was in Gainesville, Florida. US...A. I found myself in a very helpless situation where the land and language was foreign to me. As I struggled to get my baby back from my husband who had kidnapped her from our house when I was in the shower. The government of India, came to my rescue and hired Mr. Lawrence Marafino to represent me in my child custody case. Marraffino Law Firm is one of the Best Family attorney. This was a gift of God to me. Mr Lawrence Marafino did an excellent job in representing me in court. He and his law team also encouraged me and gave moral support as every day was a such a challenge for me. By the Grace of God with their hard work, we won the case and I have my baby girl back with me. As I faced this terrible challenge I learnt that has many Angels in this world. They walk the earth in human forms. One of them is Mr. Lawrence Marafino. Now my little baby is with me in my country India May God bless him and his very precious wife Ellen Mr. Lawrence Marraffino is extremely knowledgeable and thorough in evaluating the case details. He provided me with valuable suggestions and approaches on how to go about my case. He is very quick in response to all your questions and concerns. He is highly dedicated to his clients throughout the journey and makes sure that there is positive outcome, even with very complicated cases like mine. Ms Ellen his dear wife works very diligently on behalf of her client and knows the law. Her personality helps because she is also realistic and is concerned about the emotional issues of the case. Lashanda another very valuable team member helped me a lot because it was very difficult for me to understand the Law system of the different Country. She helped me in making the right decisions when related to the matters of my country. It was very difficult time for me because I was away without my daughter for 345 days but when I arrived in the US. I was able to meet my daughter and she was able to stay with me as per visitation agreement, they knew the best way to approach each situation. They were very thorough and made sure I was comfortable with the end result. If you choose Mr. Marafino, you will be amazed with his professionalism and positive attitude. I would highly recommend Mr. Lawrence Marraffino and his firm to anyone who is looking for the an outstanding with great human values that practices Family Law. Larry, Ellen, & Lashanda did an awesome work for my International Case.

Lawrence Marraffino

Replied last February 27, 2020

Thank you so much Rinky! I am so glad you were reunited with your daughter.

Posted by Maria Nina | January 30, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Divorce

He helped me with my divorce case and now it is finalized and i am now moving forward to fix my life and strive to make it better someday.

Lawrence Marraffino

Replied last January 31, 2020

Best wishes to you and thank you for your kind words.

See All Client Reviews

Lawrence Joseph Marraffino's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Lawrence
Thomas Gerard Pye headshot
Thomas Pye

Unknown lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I confidently endorse Lawrence Marraffino. I have known Larry for many years and have always known him to be of the highest ethical standards. I have on many occasions referred clients to him based on this trust and confidence, knowing that he handles his clients and their legal matters with the utmost care and professionalism."

Tee Hoa Lee headshot
Tee Lee

Family lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Larry Marraffino is a great opponent. He is professional and works hard for his client. Larry is experienced in family law and a skilled litigator."

Dan Weisman headshot
Dan Weisman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Marraffino is board certified, and handles every matter with diligence, thoroughness, professionalism, and compassion. We have worked on cases together and I have personally seen the high quality of his work."

John Joseph Kelly headshot
John Kelly

Family lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer in the area of Family law. I needed to confer with a lawyer on how best to advise a client in a family law matter and Mr. Marrafino's advice was sound and to the point. Within moments, he had reviewed the documentation I submitted to him and was prepared to discuss the issues at length. I would recommend Mr. Marrafino to anyone seeking a family law lawyer."

Sergio Cabanas headshot
Sergio Cabanas

Unknown lawyer | Jan 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is extremely knowledgeable and seeks to serve his clients interests at all times."

Nicholas S Hamm headshot
Nicholas Hamm

Family lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Lawrence. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Jonathan Phillips headshot
Jonathan Phillips

General practice lawyer | Jun 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Marraffino is a dedicated lawyer and an excellent adjunct professor at the University of Florida."

Keith Patrick Ligori headshot
Keith Ligori

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Marraffino is one of the finest attorneys in his state. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services."

Herbert Ira Ellis headshot
Herbert Ellis

General practice lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Chris Matthew Limberopoulos headshot
Chris Limberopoulos

Family lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Marraffino. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos."

Sherry Gale Ivey Jones headshot
Sherry Jones

Unknown lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. As a professor at U.F. Law, Mr. Marraffino is a great resource of information to his students, and continues to provide information and help to students long after graduation. I have recommended clients to Mr. Marraffino in the Gainesville area, and have always received positive responses from those client's who retained Mr. Marraffino's Law Firm."

Rafal Strzalkowski headshot
Rafal Strzalkowski

Unknown lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Nicholas David Russo headshot
Nicholas Russo

Personal injury lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Marrafino is one of the few attorneys who cares more about his clients then making money. He gives back to his community through bro bono work and teaching."

Darren Adam Heitner headshot
Darren Heitner

Unknown lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Lawrence Marraffino is an excellent advocate for his clients. He also provides outstanding service to his students at the University of Florida Levin College of Law, which has undoubtedly resulted in an advancement in the practice of law in Florida."

Margery Ellen Golant headshot
Margery Golant

Foreclosure lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have encountered Atty. Marraffino's advice on Avvo frequently as it relates to foreclosure and bankruptcy. Since these are fields in which I am extremely involved, I am able to say with confidence that his advice is consistently excellent."

Eric Chase Roberson headshot
Eric Roberson

Personal injury lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Marraffino is a great advocate and teacher. I highly recommend him for your personal injury and bankruptcy needs."

View All Endorsements
Tee Hoa Lee headshot
Tee Lee

Family lawyer

Dan Weisman headshot
Dan Weisman

Criminal defense lawyer

Beverly Lee Graper headshot
Beverly Graper

Mediation lawyer

Roberta Eleanor Blush headshot
Roberta Blush

Family lawyer

Thomas Gerard Pye headshot
Thomas Pye

Business lawyer

Nicholas S Hamm headshot
Nicholas Hamm

Family lawyer

Richard David Kriseman headshot
Richard Kriseman

Personal injury lawyer

Geoffrey Robert Mason headshot
Geoffrey Mason

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Lewis Edwards headshot
Thomas Edwards

Criminal defense lawyer

Sherry Gale Ivey Jones headshot
Sherry Jones

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric Chase Roberson headshot
Eric Roberson

Litigation lawyer

Darren Adam Heitner headshot
Darren Heitner

Entertainment lawyer

Margery Ellen Golant headshot
Margery Golant

Foreclosure lawyer

Michael Owen Massey headshot
Michael Massey

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Best Divorce Lawyers in Gainesville, Expertise.com

2019

Three Best Rated Divorce Attorney in Gainesville, Three Best Rated

2018

2018 Who's Who in the World, Marquis Who's Who in American Law

2018

Top 10 Attorney--Personal Injury, Attorney and Practice Magazine

2016

10 Ten% of Lawyers in USA, Lawyers of Distinction

2016

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

2016 Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Top 10% Attorneys, America's Most Honored Professionals

2015

Premier Attorney, American Academy of Trial Attorneys

2015

Top 100 Litigators in Florida, American Society of Legal Advocates

2015

Nation's Top One Percent Attorneys, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Top 100 Lawyers--Matrimonial & Family Law, The National Advocates

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Circuit Civil Mediation Training, University of South Florida

2014

Top 100 Litigators in Florida, American Society of Legal Advocates

2014

2014 Lawyer of the Year--Gainesville FL, Corporate Livewire

2013

Named finalist Board Certified Lawyer of the Year, The Florida Bar

2013

Top 20 Law Professors in Florida, Statestats.org

2012

Walter Crumbley Law Practice Management Award, The Florida Bar

2011

Appointed to the Evaluation Committee, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education

2011

Rising Star, Florida Superlawyers

2011

Board Certified Civil Trial Lawer, Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education

2011

Who's Who in Amercan Law, Marquis Who's Who in American Law

2010

Who's Who in American Law, Marquis Publication

2010

Rising Star, Superlawyers

2010

Florida Bar Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, The Florida Bar

2009

Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar

2009

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2008

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2008

Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar

2007

Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar

2007

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2006

Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar

2006

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2005

Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar

2005

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2004

Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar

2004

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2003

Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, Florida Bar

2003

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2002

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2001

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

2000

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

1999

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

1998

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

1997

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

1996

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

1995

Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

1994

Whos' Who in American Law, Who's Who in American Law -Marquis

Work Experience

2002 - Present

Adjunct Professor, University of Florida Levin College of Law

1986 - Present

Attorney, Lawrence J. Marraffino, P.A.

2004 - 2010

Trial Team Coach--AAJ National Competition, University of Florida Levin College of Law

1986 - 1986

Associate Attorney, Marchbanks & Feaman, PA

1984 - 1986

Associate, Fertig & Gramling, PA

Associations

2019 - Present

James C. Adkins, Jr. American Inn of Court

Member

2004 - Present

American Association for Justice

Member

2004 - Present

Northern District of Florida Bankruptcy Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

Florida Bar, Family Law Section

Member

2003 - Present

National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys

Member

2002 - Present

National Association of Personal Injury Lawyers

Member

1998 - Present

Florida Justice Association

Member

1997 - Present

U.S. District Court--Northern District of Florida

Member

1996 - Present

Eighth Judicial Circuit Bar Association

Member

1985 - Present

U.S. District Court--Middle District of Florida

Member

1984 - Present

The Florida Bar

Member

1997 - 2009

American Association for Justice

Member

1986 - 2009

Florida Bar Trial Lawyers Section

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Slip and fall at fast food restaurant

$825000.00 settlement

Negligent Security Car Wash

$500,000.00 settlement

See More Legal Cases

Education

1984

University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1981

University of Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2015

University of Florida College of Law Spring Boot Camp

Working In Small Firms

2015

Florida Association for Women Lawyers

Interview Etiquette

2014

University of Florida College of Law Spring Boot Camp

Working in Small Firms

2010

University of Florida Mock Trial Team

Trial Skill

2010

University of Florida Adjunct Professor of Law

Law Practice Management

2010

Going Solo Successful Practice Seminar

Law Practice Management

2009

Trial Team Coach

Litigation Skills

2009

Law Practice Management

Law Practice Management

2008

LAW PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COURSE

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND LITIGATION SKILLS

2007

Trial Team Coach

Trial Team Competition

2006

Law Practice Management

Law Practice Managment

2004

Condominium Association Law Seminar

Condominium Law

Publications

2008

The Gainesville Sun Consider the Supreme Court

2004

The Gainesville Sun Floridians Duped on Amendment 3

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

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
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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