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Ophelia Genarina Bernal-Mora

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also known as Ophelia Nickolaou
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Avvo Rating10
  • Maitland, FL
  • Licensed for 16 years
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About Ophelia

I am a Board Certified attorney in Marital and Family Law. I am one of only 284 Board Certified Marital and Family law attorneys in the State of Florida and 1 of only 14 in Orange County, Florida.

 

I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Nova Southeastern University. Throughout and after law school, my experience has been in all aspects of family law. After finishing law school in 2004, I joined the 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office. During my time at the State Attorney's Office, I handled numerous misdemeanor and felony cases, and conducted numerous bench and jury trials. This was greatly beneficial in learning my trial litigation craft and gaining the experience to advocate zealously for my family law clients through all aspects of litigation.

 

In 2006, I went into private practice with a law firm, where I focused on family law and criminal defense.  As a private practice family law attorney, I have handled divorces, both contested and uncontested, paternity cases, child support, modifications, domestic violence injunctions, custody cases, alimony, and high-net worth/complex asset distribution cases. 

 

In March 2011, I opened the Law Office of Ophelia Bernal-Mora, P.A. where I focus my practice exclusively on Divorce/Family/Marital Law. I have substantial evidentiary trial experience in both Criminal and Family Law cases and have effectively represented well over a thousand clients in my career.

 

In March 2016, the Law Office of Ophelia Bernal-Mora became Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou after partnering with Attorney Andrew Nickolaou. Mr. Nickolaou is an attorney with extensive experience in all areas of family law and my husband. Together, we have formed a unique and boutique husband and wife family law team to cater to all of our clients in Central Florida. 

 

We welcome you to contact our office regarding your family law related case to see how our unique husband and wife team dynamic can assist you. Thank you for considering Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A. and the Orlando Family Team.

Practice areas

OtherFamilyAlimonyDivorce and separationChild custody
  1. Child custody: 20%

    Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all types of child custody, paternity and time-sharing cases.

    16 years

  2. Divorce and separation: 20%

    Board Certified in Marital & Family Law, handling all types of Divorce cases.

    16 years

  3. Alimony: 20%

    Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all types of Spousal Support or Alimony cases.

    16 years

  4. Family: 20%

    Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all types of family cases including Contested and Uncontested Divorces, Child Custody/Timesharing, Paternity, Domestic Violence, Post-Dissolution Enforcement and Modification matters.

    16 years

  1. Child support: 10%

    Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all types of Child Support cases.

    16 years

  2. Uncontested divorce: 10%

    Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all uncontested divorces with or without minor children

    16 years

Languages spoken

Spanish, English

Photos and videos

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3415673 1461187703

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3415673 1559897341

3415673 1559897351

Contact

630 N. Wymore Road
address map

Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A.

630 N. Wymore Road
Suite 308
Maitland, FL, 32751

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
FLMember in Good Standing200412/20/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers3015
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Board Certified - Family LawFlorida Bar2019
Super LawyerSuperLawyers2019
15 Year Anniversary - Proudly Serving Community Since 2004Martindale-Hubbell®2019
Family Law "10 Best Attorneys" for FloridaAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2019
Superb Rating - Top Divorce AttorneyAvvo2019
Top 100 Lawyers - Family LawThe National Advocates2019
Client's ChoiceAvvo2018
Rising StarSuperLawyers2018
Superb Rating - Top Divorce AttorneyAvvo2018
Top 100 Lawyers - Family LawThe National Advocates2018
Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2018
Family Law "10 Best Attorneys" for FloridaAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2018
Superb Rating - Top Divorce AttorneyAvvo2017
Rising StarSuperLawyers2017
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys2017
Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2017
Family Law "10 Best Female Attorney"American Institute of Family Law Attorneys2017
Nation's Top One PercentNational Association of Distinguished Counsel2017
Top 100 Lawyers - Family LawThe National Advocates2017
Family Law Distinguished MemberLawyers of Distinction2017
Ones to Watch in 2017Acquisition Int'l2017
Rising StarSuperLawyers2016
2016 Awesome AttorneysOrlando Family Magazine2016
Top 100 Lawyers - Family LawThe National Advocates2016
Client's Choice - DivorceAvvo2016
Superb Rating - Top Divorce AttorneyAvvo2016
Legal EliteCorporate America2016
America's Most Honored ProfessionalsAmerican Registry2016
Top LawyerAmerican Law Society2016
Child Support Firm of the YearCorporate America2016
2015 Orlando Best Businesses Award for Divorce & Family LawOrlando Best Business2015
America's Most Honored ProfessionalsAmerican Registry2015
Superb Rating - Top Divorce AttorneyAvvo2015
Top ContributorAvvo2015
Client's Choice - DivorceAvvo2015
Top 100 Lawyers - Family LawThe National Advocates2015
Rising StarSuperLawyers2015
Women Who Mean Business - NomineeOrlando Business Journal2014
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2014
Superb Rating - Top Divorce AttorneyAvvo2014
Top 100 Lawyers - Family LawThe National Advocates2014
10 Best Attorney - State of FloridaAmerican Institute of Family Law Attorneys2014
Top ContributorAvvo2014
Client's Choice - DivorceAvvo2014
2014 Orlando Best Businesses Award for Divorce & Family LawOrlando Best Businesses2014
Client's Choice - Family LawAvvo2013
Top 40 Under 40 Family LawyersAmerican Society of Legal Advocates2013
Legal Elite Up & ComerFlorida Trend Magazine2013
Top ContributorAvvo2013
Superb RatingAvvo2013
40 Under 40Orlando Business Journal2013
Women Who Mean Business - Women to Watch NomineeOrlando Business Journal2013
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2013
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2012
Superb RatingAvvo2012
Top Attorneys - Florida's Outstanding Young LawyersAmerican Registry2012
Florida's Top Lawyers Chosen By PeersSouth Florida Legal Guide2012
Top ContributorAvvo2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Founding PartnerBernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A.2016 - Present
Attorney/OwnerLaw Office of Ophelia Bernal-Mora, P.A.2011 - 2016
AssociatePamela J. Helton, P.A.2010 - 2011
AssociateLaw Office of Stephen K. Miller, P.A.2006 - 2010
Assistant State AttorneyState Attorney, 5th Judicial Circuit2004 - 2006
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Hispanic Bar Association of Central FloridaMember2013 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid SocietyGuardian Ad Litem2011 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember2010 - Present
U.S. District Court, Middle District of FloridaMember2010 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law SectionMember2006 - Present
Florida BarMember2004 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Children's Issues CommitteeMember2014 - 2015
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Equitable Distribution CommitteeMember2014 - 2015
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of CourtMember2011 - 2018
Florida Association for Women LawyersMember2011 - 2012
Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionMember2011 - 2015
American Bar AssociationMember2010 - 2016
Florida Bar, Young Lawyers DivisionMember2004 - 2015
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Super Lawyers MagazineSuper Lawyer in Family Law2019
Super Lawyers MagazineRising Stars for Family Law2018
Super Lawyers MagazineRising Stars for Family Law2017
Super Lawyers MagazineRising Stars for Family Law2016
Orlando Family Magazine2016 Awesome Attorneys2016
Super Lawyers MagazineRising Stars for Family Law2015
Orlando Business JournalWomen Who Mean Business - Nominee2014
Super Lawyers MagazineRising Stars for Family Law2014
Super Lawyers MagazineRising Stars for Family Law2013
Orlando Business JournalWomen Who Mean Business - Women to Watch in Central Florida Nominees2013
Orlando Business Journal40 Under 402013
Florida Trend MagazineFlorida Legal Elite2013
Super Lawyers MagazineRising Stars for Family Law2012
LawFirms.comPenalties for Simple Assault in Florida2011
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law CenterJD - Juris Doctor2004
University of FloridaBA - Bachelor of Arts2001
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Inns of Court Meeting"A Toast to the Clerks"2013
School Resource Officer Basic CourseTraining on Juvenile Law2007
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Standish v. Standish, 40 So. 3d 919 (5th DCA 2010)Affirmed on Appeal

Reviews

(45)
5 Star
96%
4 Star
2%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
2%
Review Ophelia Bernal-Mora

Professional, Caring, and SUPER Smart Family Attorney!

Posted by

This was my second experience with a family law attorney for my custody case. I was represented my Ophelia Bernal-Mora. Unlike the first time I had an attorney, I walked away from the case feeling like I was represented by someone who clearly was representing my interests, knew what she was doing, and moreover, cared! She is extremely knowledgeable (heck she is board certified and worth every penny!) and when there is another modification or contempt issue filed in my case, she will be the attorney I go to without hesitation. She is very up to date on case law and the laws and I think knew more than the judge we had did. She does not overbill or nickel and dime on her billing like I experienced with my first attorney. It can get expensive, but I think you get what you pay for and for a board certified family law attorney which there are not many from what I could find, her prices are pretty reasonable. Her firm also no charged many many items throughout my case to my surprise and satisfaction. She is clearly not in it just for the money and wants to help people. I cannot thank her enough! Save yourself the trouble and don't let your ex hire her first! You will not be disappointed! She is very professional and does not get bullied by other attorneys.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Knowledgeable and responsive

Posted by

I worked with Ophelia for my divorce. She did exactly as I asked and had great insights and advice when I requested. So responsive that I felt like I was her only client! I recently needed her again for advice 5 years later and she picked right up where we left off with same great service and responsiveness. No long, drawn out consultations to run up the meter, just great advice and execution! Don’t bother with anyone else.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Family Law Attorney

Posted by

There are not enough words to describe the work Andrew did for me! I WILL ETERNALLY BE GRATEFUL for the precise and over the top work him and his team performed. Andrew was the third (3rd) lawyer in my case, which was extended for years due to incompetent lawyers on both ends (my ex-wife and mine). Andrew handled in one week what others couldn't do in years, it was amazing! . Just the first day he responded and scheduled everything in no time. He made the process so easy to understand and follow up, his intentions are for the divorce ends in the best way possible and make the children involved get the best as it should be. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANDREW! His work ethics and dedication are second to none.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A client for life

Posted by

After hiring another attorney, wasting a year, and spending $6000, I got nowhere in my custody battle. Thanks to the referral of a friend I hired Andrew/Ophelia Bernal-Mora. She attended the trial with her husband. They are a dynamic team. The opposing party was trying to get out of paying the proper support. Mrs. Bernal-Mora made sure my son was given the correct amount of support. I am forever grateful for her and her husband. They truly are amazing and definitely angels from above. If you hire them they will exceed your expectations. I promise!!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

TOP-NOTCH FAMILY LAW ATTORNEY'S

Posted by

Ophelia Bernal-Mora is an upstanding family law attorney. I have nothing but great things to say about her and the way she handled my case during trial. If you are looking for an attorney who is going to fight for you and the best interest of your family this is who you want on your side. Thank you Ophelia for fighting for me and the best interest of my son and treating us like family!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fast on her feet

Posted by

This is my 4th separate attorney for a child custody case that keeps coming back. For the first time, I walked away from a mediation feeling like I was represented by someone who clearly had my interests first. She is extremely knowledgeable and when there is another modification filed in my case and I have no doubt there will be, she will be the attorney I go to. She is extremely up to date on case law and doesn't nickle and dime her clients. Anyone who has had an attorney who does knows what a benefit that is. Save yourself the trouble and don't find out!!!! You will not be disappointed! She is very professional but she doesn't get pushed around either!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very Knowledgeable and Informative--recommended

Posted by

I have been looking for a divorce attorney for about a week now and have interviewed and consulted with about 5 attorneys. I have found these attorneys through Avvo and reading up on them and their reviews and experience. Ms. Bernal-Mora was one that I wanted to speak with. I contacted her office and was answered right away (it was even after 5pm). Better yet, I was fit in for a consultation with her the very next day. Our consultation was very informative and also put me at ease during this stressful time. Ms. Bernal-Mora is obviously very experienced and skilled in her job and was able to answer my questions, give me an idea of how the divorce process would unfold and what to expect. I have to say that after speaking with 5 local and very experienced divorce attorneys, Ms. Bernal-Mora stood out above them all. I am very thankful for her time and input and as soon as I am able to come up with the total funds needed to move the divorce forward I plan on retaining her to represent me.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Pleasure to work with!!

Posted by

Mrs. Bernal Mora was a pleasure to work with. She and her Paralegal Montine Long were very informative and got back to me quickly with easy to understand directions to get my divorce completed quickly. All staff very nice, when it came to court time, she even helped me find my way around the courthouse to get other paperwork completed even though I could tell she was very busy, she took the time to make sure I had everything I needed before I left. Would recommend!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Attorney!

Posted by

Ms. Ophelia is very professional, skilled and has a lot of experience in family law, she goes to court prepared and ready. It really makes you feel good when your attorney is more prepared than the other attorneys, I knew I made the right decision hiring Ms. Bernal-Mora. And in addition to been an excellent attorney, she is very down to earth and respectful, I felt very comfortable talking to her about my case. Her staff is very competent and always available to assist. I highly recommend Ms. Bernal-Mora.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly skilled Attorney for divorce cases

Posted by

Ms. Bernal-Mora is the best choice to make if you have a divorce case and need an attorney. She knows the law and is able to think on her feet, without the need of looking in books or at a computer to look up a rule or case. Her experience and blunt honesty is refreshing and quite frankly what I needed in my case. When you have an attorney running circles around your spouse's attorney in court, and even educating the judge, you know you have made the right choice. Attorney Bernal-Mora and her law firm are above the rest, know their cases inside and out, and all work together as a team to get the best result in your case. Her husband is her law partner and is also quite exceptional, and was very familiar with my case even though I had not spoken to him at any point before my first time when he was stepping in for Ophelia when she was in trial. When looking for an attorney, I would definitely recommend this law firm and especially attorney Bernal-Mora.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(64)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jessica Lowe, Family Attorney on Jun 6, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She is extremely ethical and conscientious. I would recommend Attorney Bernal-Mora to my own family and friends. She works very hard for her clients and is very personable.

AnnMarie Jenkinson, Family Attorney on Nov 23, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ophelia is a very knowledgeable and intelligent attorney who is a strong and zealous advocate for her clients. She is well respected in the legal community and upholds high ethical standards in her profession.

Homer Jordan, Child custody Attorney on May 24, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Melissa Montes de Oca, Family Attorney on Feb 12, 2018
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Bernal-Mora is the highest example of excellence and professionalism in the family law field. Her experience and tenacity has placed her among the go-to family law attorney's in central Florida. She is certainly highly recommended for any matter that you face whether it be divorce, custody, support, etc.

Andrew Nickolaou, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 10, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Bernal-Mora is a superb family law practitioner. She brings years of experience to every case and is an excellent litigator, negotiator and counselor for her clients. She is also one of the most professional lawyers I have ever encountered and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone that needs assistance with a family law related case, as you will not be disappointed.

Robert Hidock, Divorce and separation Attorney on Mar 11, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Bernal-Mora is a superb divorce and family law attorney in the Central Florida area and a relentless advocate for her clients. I have no reservations referring or recommending clients to go straight to her when in need of the services of a family law attorney.

Jeffrey Ivashuk, Family Attorney on Jan 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Judd Nemiro

This lawyer is very professional at all times. I endorse this lawyer.

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 16, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Kerstin Cochran

Ophelia is an excellent attorney. She is intelligent, knowledgeable and well-spoken. I would recommend her to anyone in need of a family law matter.

John O'Brien, Family Attorney on Jul 19, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of her clients and getting them the most favorable result possible.

Hovanes Margarian, Child custody Attorney on Jul 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John Phillips

Ms. Bernal-Mora is one of the most giving lawyers in Avvo history. Her record of providing help to people is beyond elite. Kudos. I endorse this lawyer.

Anthony Perrone, Family Attorney on May 15, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

A delight to work with. Outstanding professional lawyer. I refer all my former family law clients in Central Florida to Orhelia. A delight to work with.

Daniel Tam

I endorse this lawyer It is clear by reading the answers in the AVVO community that this lawyer is a top notch attorney who is highly respected in the legal community.

Francis Remsen, Family Attorney on Jan 21, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Ophelia has been opposing counsel on several matters. She is always very knowledgeable, professional, easy to work with and a great attorney.

Benjamin Kuipers, Child support Attorney on Nov 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Ms. Bernal-Mora as an attorney. Her Avvo responses are concise yet informative and shows a depth of her understanding of the law. Her reputation proceeds her into the legal community!

Anne Raduns, Divorce and separation Attorney on Nov 6, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer. She is one smart and tough cookie. I have litigated against Attorney Bernal-Mora and I can honestly say she is always well prepared and a zealous advocate for her client. I would not hesitate recommending her for a client in the Orlando area. I think very highly of her and her capabilities in the courtroom.

Kevin Burke, Family Attorney on Oct 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Brad Margolis

I endorse this lawyer.

Edward Beckham, Family Attorney on Sep 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

After reading many of Ms. Bernal-Mora's answers here on Avvo it is obvious this attorney has the knowledge and skill to serve clients. Without hesitation, I recommend this attorney as a knowledgeable practitioner and advocate.

Dean Tsourakis, Family Attorney on Sep 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

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

    Cash, Check, Credit Card