Andrew Joseph Chmelir

PRO

Andrew Joseph Chmelir

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 29 years

Family Lawyer at Winter Springs, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Criminal Defense ... +2 more

351 East State Rd 434, Ste A, Winter Springs, FL

Virtual Consultation Available

About Andrew

Biography

Experienced, efficient, effective, excellence.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 38%

38%
Divorce and Separation 37%

37%
Criminal Defense 15%

15%
Appeals 5%

5%
Federal Crime 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2026 2025 2024
...
+ 9
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Missouri for 19 years

State: Missouri

Acquired: 2006

Good Standing, Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 29 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1996

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Colorado for 28 years

State: Colorado

Acquired: 1997

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Andrew J Chmelir Pa

351 East State Rd 434, Ste A, Winter Springs, FL, 32708

jmcflaw.com/andrew-j-chmelir-esq/

Andrew Joseph Chmelir's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

289 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Child Support

Posted by Bambi | March 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Exceptional attorney

Andy is an exceptional divorce attorney. He has been able to guide my son through a very difficult divorce and child support issues. He is honest and trustworthy. I highly recommend him.

Posted by JUSTIN | May 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

From the 1st phone call

Andy was the 3rd lawyer I called. He was clear and compassion, unlike the other lawyers we spoke with that, were quick to tell me how much it was going to cost me rather than listen and understand what just happen to me as I had felt like my heart was ripped from my chest. Andy represented me for a C...ustody Battle and Child Support. I knew I was hiring him on the spot before our first meeting. I had my two sons since 2 and 6months - now 6 and 8. Naively, I assumed that because I had been receiving Child Support from their mother - it was presumed I had Full Custody. Florida does not work like that for Fathers. A lesson learned a very hard way. I had recently made some positive changes for the better with my fiancee. I moved out of my mothers (Grandmother) and moved in with her and my boys. She came to visit and never returned with them. Only to drop them at the grandmother who was receiving benefits and lost the breadwinner. Nothing, I could do about it regardless that she only recently emerged and had not been our children lives for many years. I had a case of a spiteful Ex and a greedy Grandmother. My Ex and Grandmother of my children made false accusations- lied so much they couldn't even keep up. It was completely overwhelming while keeping my kids from me, refusing to cooperate, prolonging the case, making me jump through hoops; not considering that I had moved to a different county, started a new job, discovering alarming things that hurt my soul and had two major surgeries that left me feeling helpless, hopeless when all I wanted to do was be a good dad. I never thought it would have gotten so vindictive. Needless to say, I was an emotional wreck for the longest year of my life. Andy was there the whole time...always smooth, calm and collective. He was always available to me that you almost feel like your his only client. He is able to develop a strategic approach to clearly identify what will prove our point(s). My Ex and her "posse" came out with every desperate attempt to try to discredit me as a father and provider. Sadly, at my kids' expense. Andy is straightforward even if it's not what you want to hear; keeps you humble but still is confident enough you are secure with him by your side. I just got awarded primary custody with ultimate decision making. We aren't quite done yet with Child support but I am feeling secure that Andy and his team will know actually how to approach it not only to get the result I want but what is deserved. He represents you with Integrity and that you can't buy! Highly recommended.

Posted by Mary | August 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Compassionate and Competent Attorney

I am a Florida Certified Paralegal. Mr. Chmelir was referred to me by my attorney because we do not practice family law. Mr. Chmelir was hired to help me obtain a Motion for Contempt against my ex-husband for failure to pay child support (arrearage in excess of $54,000). Mr. Chmelir was able to ex...tend child support payments until my youngest graduated high school (9 months after turning 18), the judge granted my Motion for Contempt, and a Writ of Attachment in the amount of $1,500 was issued against my ex-husband. Mr. Chmelir was sympathetic to my situation, thoroughly explained to me what to expect and kept me updated throughout the entire process, and was highly competent in the court room. I have since referred Mr. Chmelir to clients and friends who need a family law attorney.

Posted by Rosi | March 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Would Strongly Recommend!

After several unsuccessful representations in Court I hired Andy and he was right from the beginning willing and able to help me get results on my alimony and child support. Andy is not only an excellent, knowledgeable, and honest attorney but very profesional yet personable and compassionate. He m...akes recommendations that make sense and will help me get the best outcome. I simply can't thank him enough.

Posted by Shelly | November 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Helpful and knowledgable

Andy was the second lawyer that I went to for a consultation. I hired him directly after the consultation to assist in my divorce and child custody/support case. He was straight to the point and gave me the information I needed. I told him exactly what I wanted in reference to both the divorce and... the child custody and he made it happen. My case was pretty straight forward and Andy did not try to make it more complicated. He was always there to answer any questions that I had. If he wasn't available he would call back as soon as he was. I would hire him again if necessary and would recommend him highly.

See All Client Reviews

Andrew Joseph Chmelir's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Andrew
Jeffrey Michael Koltun headshot
Jeffrey Koltun

Family lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have referred numerous clients to Mr. Chmelir over the years and without fail, every client has been pleased with his level of professionalism, knowledge of the law and excellent representation of their case. He is accessible to his clients which is especially important when dealing with those who are going through such a difficult and emotional time. I highly recommend and respectfully endorse Mr. Chmelir."

Michael Paul Sampson headshot
Michael Sampson

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Andrew distinguished himself over many years as excellent and ethical in family and criminal law. His expertise in criminal defense, humor, professionalism, and values make him uniquely fit to help Floridians with problems often touching intertwined systems of family and criminal law. He's been and remains at the top of my recommendations for great lawyers in Central Florida."

Richard Byron Troutman headshot
Richard Troutman

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have recommended Andrew to over a dozen clients . All have thanked me. They loved his compassion, diligence, and the results he obtained. I will continue to refer clients to him knowing that he reflects the kind of lawyer I feel proud to know."

Alec Larkin Weber headshot
Alec Weber

Family lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse Andrew Chmelir. I had the opportunity to take a highly contested custody dispute through trial with Andy on the other side. Andy was a pleasure to work with, courteous, professional, and reasonable. Andy was well prepared at trial and left know doubt he is an excellent trial attorney and is well versed in all aspects of family law. I will be referring Andy cases that I cannot handle myself due to conflicts of interest."

Nancy S. Weber headshot
Nancy Weber

Family lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am an attorney and mediator and have had the pleasure to work with Andy on many cases, primarily as a mediator. He is always well-prepared, reasonable and an advocate for his client, but also caring and compassionate about the future of the parties and their children moving forward. I highly recommend Andy in any family law matter."

George David Cranton Jr. headshot
George Cranton

Unknown lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ian L Gilden headshot
Ian Gilden

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is very professional and knowledgeable ."

Ann Marie Giordano Gilden headshot
Ann Gilden

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred many people to Mr. Chmelir on criminal matters. He has a very good reputation in the community. The people I have referred to him were happy with the services they received."

James Gabriel Vickaryous headshot
James Vickaryous

Family lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you have a family law matter such as a divorce, custody dispute, or modification of alimony, you can do no better than hiring Andy Chmelir as your attorney. You had better hire him quickly though, as the other side of your case might hire him first. Andy is respected by his peers in Central Florida and is known by the bench as a lawyer that knows the law and can try a case. He is down to earth and treats his client with care and respect."

Travis Ashley Newton headshot
Travis Newton

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

A. Jay Fowinkle headshot
A. Fowinkle

Criminal defense lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Andy Chmelir for over 6 years. He is a fantastic attorney and is very knowledgeable in the law. He and I tried a case together when we were representing co-defendant's in an armed burglary trial (we were both successful in that trial). I was able to see first hand how he conducted himself in the courtroom and with his client and can say without reservation that I fully endorse him in both state and federal criminal cases."

Jason Todd Forman headshot
Jason Forman

Family lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Andy is an excellent attorney who is not afraid to fight on your behalf. His trial and litigation experience, combined with his dedication, makes him one of the premier family law attorneys in Central Florida. He is also very accessible to his clients - a trait that is invaluable during family law litigation. I highly recommend Andy. You will not be disappointed!"

Johnny G DeGirolamo headshot
Johnny DeGirolamo

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. "Andy" as I know him, is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in the community. However, what sets him apart is his ability to apply that knowledge to any case, in federal or state jurisdictions. Perhaps the highest endorsement an attorney can give to a fellow attorney is whether or not you, if in a legal matter, would hire that attorney. I'm proud and confident to say that his number would be the first I would call (albeit, because Andy does criminal work, I hope to continue to endorse from afar)."

Allison Gail Edwards headshot
Allison Edwards

Litigation lawyer | Nov 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Andy is terrific lawyer. Any client is lucky to have him as his or her lawyer. I have known him for years now and I know him to be a true advocate for his clients and experienced in the courtroom. Aside from being well-versed in procedure and the law, Andy is a good person and genuinely cares about the people he represents. I highly endorse him."

View All Endorsements
Michael Christopher Melli headshot
Michael Melli

Insurance lawyer

Jeffrey Michael Koltun headshot
Jeffrey Koltun

Unknown lawyer

Michael Paul Sampson headshot
Michael Sampson

Unknown lawyer

Richard Byron Troutman headshot
Richard Troutman

Unknown lawyer

R. David De Armas headshot
R. De Armas

Unknown lawyer

John Roger Samaan headshot
John Samaan

Business lawyer

Alec Larkin Weber headshot
Alec Weber

Unknown lawyer

Andrew Lawrence Reiff headshot
Andrew Reiff

Business lawyer

Nancy S. Weber headshot
Nancy Weber

Family lawyer

George David Cranton Jr. headshot
George Cranton

Criminal defense lawyer

James Gabriel Vickaryous headshot
James Vickaryous

Unknown lawyer

A. Jay Fowinkle headshot
A. Fowinkle

Criminal defense lawyer

Amanda Regina Jacobson headshot
Amanda Jacobson

Family lawyer

Jason Todd Forman headshot
Jason Forman

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles Michael Greene headshot
Charles Greene

Commercial real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2021

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

AV Rated Preeminent Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Orlando's Top Lawyers, Orlando Life Magazine

2012

Outstanding Volunteer Award, Altamonte Springs Baseball Association, Inc

2012

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Orlando's Top Lawyers, Orlando Home & Leisure Magazine

2011

Meritorious Public Service Award, Florida Bar

2010

Voluntary Service Award, Florida Bar

2005

Outstanding Leadership Award, Florida State Seminole Club of Greater Orlando

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Managing Partner/Trial attorney, Jacobson, Chmelir & Ferwerda

1996 - 1999

Prosecuting Attorney, State Attorney's Office, 9th Judicial Circuit (Florida)

1995 - 1995

Fellowship, Legal Aid Services of Greater Miami

1995 - 1996

Certified Legal Intern, State Attorney's Office 11th Judicial Circuit

1994 - 1996

Law clerk, Solms & Price, PA

1994 - 1994

Intern, Office Of The State Attorney 18th Judicial Circuit

1993 - 1993

Intern, United States Marshals Service

Associations

2014 - Present

Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court

Member

2006 - Present

Legal Aid Society, Seminole County

Pro Bono Volunteer

2005 - Present

Seminole County Bar Association

Member

2001 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1997 - Present

Legal Aid Society, Orange County, Florida

GAL, VITA & other volunteer work

1996 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

2004 - 2004

Florida State University Seminole Club of Greater Orlando

President

2001 - 2007

Florida State University Seminole Club of Greater Orlando

Board of Directors

Education

1996

St. Thomas University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

Florida State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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