Debra Lynn Ferwerda

Debra Lynn Ferwerda

also known as Debbie Ferwerda

4.9
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 29 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Winter Springs, FL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Criminal Defense, Child Custody

351 E State Road 434 Ste A, Winter Springs, FL

About Debra

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 29 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1996

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Jacobson Chmelir and Ferwerda

351 E State Road 434 Ste A, Winter Springs, FL, 32708-2648

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Debra Lynn Ferwerda's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

65 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (65) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 11 - 15 of 15 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | May 01, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

My Angel

Since the first day I consulted with Attorney Debra Ferwerda; I knew that she is a very competent attorney. She was very straight forward about the whole process. I hired Miss Debbie right away to handle my divorce and trusted that she will fight to bring me justice. Miss Debbie worked so hard in r...epresenting me through a difficult divorce. She is very professional; honest and always available to answer questions and concerns: Debra Ferwerda takes her job very seriously. I know my case was not an easy one. Every day I prayed God to give me the strength to carry on thru the difficult times. Sometimes I would open my computer in the middle of the night just to write about everything. Then I see an email pops up from Miss Debbie in the middle of the night still working on my case. Miss Debbie has been my angel throughout the whole process. Miss Debbie is a very honest, hardworking and compassionate attorney. Her legal assistant is very competent and the whole team was very helpful. We need more honest attorneys like Miss Debbie. Thank you, Miss Debbie, for being the person you are and for all your support through a very difficult time. You deserve The Best attorney award. Sincerely, Khady

Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2016 | Criminal Defense

horrible

Terrible experience..she wasnt prepared for court. If you do not throw money in her face she will not do anything for you. She claims she gave us a deal on what she charged for the case, which is probably why she didnt pay so much attention to us. She didnt have to agree to do anything for us and at ...the end we got screwed and lost alot of money that to her might seem like a little but it was alot. She never answers the phone and she never once went to visit her client in jail to explain to him what was going on. Overall she is a terrible lawyer unless you have alot6 of money to pay her off. Good luck

Debra Ferwerda

Replied last December 15, 2016

This review was not written by a client but, rather, the frustrated girlfriend of a client charged in a criminal case, during the pendency of the case.. The final outcome of the case turned out very favorable to my client in the end and the girlfriend has since recanted and apologized but was unable to remove it from Avvo. Sometimes the legal process can be an arduous one especially in complex criminal cases but, usually, justice prevails even if it takes more time than many would like. I understood her frustration, albiet not exactly fair by her own admission, and was glad to ultimately have it resolved to my client's satisfaction.

Posted by Nestor | November 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Fair, Honest and On your side

Debra is the working persons Attorney. She is straight forward, honest and does not make you feel as if she is "Above" you. She explains everything and works extremely hard to get you the BEST results. I would NOT think twice about hiring her as you want someone like this by your side. Communication ...is clear and prompt and she responds even after hours! Amazing!

Posted by anonymous | November 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Excellent Lawyer!

I was in a very bad situation and Debra could not have been more helpful and attentive! She took my many calls, even on weekends, calmed me down and walked me through the process every step of the way. Her follow up was fast and always on point. She's very friendly and personable and is clearly a hi...ghly experienced expert. I got the result I needed and if I ever need an attorney again, Debra is the only person I would call. I strongly recommend her to anyone in need of an experienced caring attorney.

Posted by Cory | September 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Top Notch

I've had to hire many Attorneys for a variety of different events. This time it was for an extremely difficult x wife. Debbie worked above and beyond on my behalf. She always made herself available to me, and unlike many of the attorneys I've dealt with, she listened and gave her full attention to th...e problem at hand. I would definitely recommend her to anyone I know.

See All Client Reviews

Debra Lynn Ferwerda's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Debra
Shannon Snedaker headshot
Shannon Snedaker

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the pleasure of seeing Ms. Ferwerda first hand as we were both involved in a case together. I was handling the civil portion and she was handling the criminal. Ms. Ferwerda is beyond professional, ethical, and wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for representation in a criminal or family law case."

Chinagozi Ikpeama headshot
Chinagozi Ikpeama

Family lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to be an opposing attorney against Attorney Ferwerda. Attorney Ferwerda can handle any situation in the courtroom. At trial she was very organized and collected, and at the same time fights for her clients with zealous representation. As a client, you can't ask for anything more, but as an opposing counsel, you appreciate her advocacy and the way she fights for her clients."

Jennifer Elizabeth Benton headshot
Jennifer Benton

Family lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She was efficient, organized, and very professional."

Lyzette Sangermain headshot
Lyzette Sangermain

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have mediated several cases for Debbie. She is always well prepared and a great advocate for her clients."

Elizabeth R Dilts headshot
Elizabeth Dilts

Family lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms. Ferwerda exemplifies professionalism at the highest level. She is skilled and experienced in many areas of law. I endorse this attorney."

Ann Marie Giordano Gilden headshot
Ann Gilden

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred this attorney people on criminal matters. I have also sent this attorney clients on domestic violence injunction cases with criminal matters. I am pleased with how she represented them."

Diana Suzanne Miers headshot
Diana Miers

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to litigate cases against Attorney Ferwerda. Her calm but confident court demeanor in combination with her zealous representation of her client make her a worthy opponent. She endlessly represents the best interests of her clients and is a pleasure to work with."

Hugh McDonnell headshot
Hugh McDonnell

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ms. Ferwerda for over fifteen years and would recommend her without hesitation."

Anna Marie Kim headshot
Anna Kim

Family lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred many clients to Ms. Fewerda and all have been very pleased with her professionalism and knowledge of the law."

Olga C. Garcia headshot
Olga Garcia

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christina Marie Green headshot
Christina Green

Family lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. She is a professional who knows the law. It's always good to have a reputable attorney on the other side."

Lori Marie Trippler headshot
Lori Trippler

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Debbie is professional, pleasant and well prepared. Would definitely recommend her to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney!"

View All Endorsements
Shannon Snedaker headshot
Shannon Snedaker

Personal injury lawyer

Jennifer Elizabeth Benton headshot
Jennifer Benton

Divorce and separation lawyer

Sonica Rhodes Cinami headshot
Sonica Cinami

Mediation lawyer

Lyzette Sangermain headshot
Lyzette Sangermain

Mediation lawyer

Gary M. Glassman headshot
Gary Glassman

Family lawyer

Victor Ondrey Mead headshot
Victor Mead

Family lawyer

Diana Suzanne Miers headshot
Diana Miers

Government lawyer

Hugh McDonnell headshot
Hugh McDonnell

Personal injury lawyer

Sarah Elizabeth Arnold headshot
Sarah Arnold

Family lawyer

Kathleen Susan Davies headshot
Kathleen Davies

Family lawyer

Anna Marie Kim headshot
Anna Kim

Mediation lawyer

Olga C. Garcia headshot
Olga Garcia

Personal injury lawyer

Lori Marie Trippler headshot
Lori Trippler

Government lawyer

Mira Berry headshot
Mira Berry

Criminal defense lawyer

Christina Marie Green headshot
Christina Green

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2018

AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

10 Best, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2017

10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2016

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

Certificate of Appreciation, Legal Aid Society of Orange COunty

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Founding Partner, Jacobson, Chmelir and Ferwerda

1999 - 2014

Criminal Conflict Counsel, Jacobson Chmelir and Ferwerda

1996 - 1999

Assistant State Attorney, Orange County State Attorney's Office

Associations

2018 - Present

American Society of Legal Advocates

2011 - Present

U.S. Federal Court for the Middle District of Florida

Admitted

2011 - Present

U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of Florida

Admitted

1996 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

1996 - Present

George C. Young First Central Florida American Inn of Court

Master

1996 - Present

American Inns of Court

Master

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Florida v. Paul Smith

Not Guilty

State of Florida v. Torres

Case dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

St. Thomas University School of Law

Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor with Honors

1991

Florida State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2000

Central Florida Law Enforcement Academy

Criminal Justice

N/A

George C. Young First Central Florida American Inn of Court

Lawyer Ethics

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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