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 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Staff & Support

Posted by Tiffiny | December 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce is hard but having a great lawyer makes is manageable

For most divorcees this process can be sad/hard. Debra and her team immediately put me at ease from the initial consult all the way till the very last days of the process. Debra was not only compassionate but extremely professional and her client control is on point. She was direct with me on the law... so that there was zero confusion on my part all the while delivering her message with empathy and understanding towards my opinion and feelings. She is timely when asked questions via text or calls. She always put my needs as well as my children’s needs first when discussing options for my divorce proceedings. She clearly understands Florida law and how to apply it to even the most detailed situations. I was beyond happy with how my divorce was handled by Debra and her firm. Personally, I would have never wished this process on anyone but if it must be done I wouldn’t trust anyone but Debra to care for my livelihood moving forward past a divorced situation. She really did handle my case with understanding, patience and care. I will always be grateful for that. There is nothing better then retaining counsel with expertise in their law field, compassion and a strong team behind her. That’s how favorable results are achieved. No one enters marriage expecting divorce but for those of us that it sadly happens to, Debra was a God send. Thank you so much for treating me so professionally and like family with your advice. I will forever be grateful for you and your team. Jodi, her assistant is a blessing too. Huge asset on Debra’s team and quiet frankly was a leaning rock for me along the way as well. Thank you ladies. I will forever be indebted to you for how you cared for me and my case.

Posted by Mukesh | August 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent, Tough, Highly Knowledgeable, Determined to get you desired outcome

My divorce case was very complicated that involved a child, alimony, child support, time sharing, marital debt, retirement savings. Did I mention tough opposing attorney? My case was not going anywhere with my previous attorney which made me realize that I need an Excellent, Tough, Highly Knowledgeab...le And Highly Experienced strong minded attorney who is determined to get me desired outcome. when I met Debbie she made it sound all so simple and knew exactly what needs to happen next to get desires results. As soon as I finished explaining my case to Debbie during my first consultation she told me that she would make a call to opposing attorney and put him in his place. I knew that I have come to the right place. As soon as opposing attorney heard that I am now represented by Debbie Ferwerda he obliged and he listened and agreed to our terms. Such is the charisma, power and respect of Debbie’s name in the community. Debbie did an excellent job making sure I took the steps needed for a smooth divorce. Her experience and knowledge truly helped in my case. Her staff is also knowledgeable and professional. I would highly recommend Debbie!!!

Posted by Kristine | December 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce

I was referred to Ms. Ferwerda by 2 other friends that had used her in previous divorce cases. I can’t begin to tell you how happy I have been with Ms. Ferwerda from the first phone call, through mediation, court and every single aspect of this process. She is not only knowledgeable, but she made thi...s process so much easier to understand. She is honest, respectful, timely and she is a bulldog when she needs to be. She has the skill to negotiate with the most difficult people. Trust me! She has a great repore with her peers and the court staff that is obvious when she goes in front of the Judge. I certainly can’t forget her Law Clerk, Samantha and office staff. They are outstanding! I would give Ms. Ferwerda 20 Stars if I could!! Thank you for being the best Attorney I could have ever had!!

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

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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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