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
Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all types of child custody, paternity and time-sharing cases.
16 years
Board Certified in Marital & Family Law, handling all types of Divorce cases.
16 years
Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all types of Spousal Support or Alimony cases.
16 years
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
Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all types of Child Support cases.
16 years
Board Certified in Marital & Family Law handling all uncontested divorces with or without minor children
16 years
Languages spoken
Spanish, English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2004 | 12/20/2020 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Board Certified - Family Law | Florida Bar | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | SuperLawyers | 2019 |
15 Year Anniversary - Proudly Serving Community Since 2004 | Martindale-Hubbell® | 2019 |
Family Law "10 Best Attorneys" for Florida | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2019 |
Superb Rating - Top Divorce Attorney | Avvo | 2019 |
Top 100 Lawyers - Family Law | The National Advocates | 2019 |
---|---|---|
Client's Choice | Avvo | 2018 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
Superb Rating - Top Divorce Attorney | Avvo | 2018 |
Top 100 Lawyers - Family Law | The National Advocates | 2018 |
Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40 | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2018 |
Family Law "10 Best Attorneys" for Florida | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2018 |
Superb Rating - Top Divorce Attorney | Avvo | 2017 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2017 |
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40 | National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys | 2017 |
Top 40 Family Lawyers Under 40 | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2017 |
Family Law "10 Best Female Attorney" | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2017 |
Nation's Top One Percent | National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2017 |
Top 100 Lawyers - Family Law | The National Advocates | 2017 |
Family Law Distinguished Member | Lawyers of Distinction | 2017 |
Ones to Watch in 2017 | Acquisition Int'l | 2017 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2016 |
2016 Awesome Attorneys | Orlando Family Magazine | 2016 |
Top 100 Lawyers - Family Law | The National Advocates | 2016 |
Client's Choice - Divorce | Avvo | 2016 |
Superb Rating - Top Divorce Attorney | Avvo | 2016 |
Legal Elite | Corporate America | 2016 |
America's Most Honored Professionals | American Registry | 2016 |
Top Lawyer | American Law Society | 2016 |
Child Support Firm of the Year | Corporate America | 2016 |
2015 Orlando Best Businesses Award for Divorce & Family Law | Orlando Best Business | 2015 |
America's Most Honored Professionals | American Registry | 2015 |
Superb Rating - Top Divorce Attorney | Avvo | 2015 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2015 |
Client's Choice - Divorce | Avvo | 2015 |
Top 100 Lawyers - Family Law | The National Advocates | 2015 |
Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2015 |
Women Who Mean Business - Nominee | Orlando Business Journal | 2014 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
Superb Rating - Top Divorce Attorney | Avvo | 2014 |
Top 100 Lawyers - Family Law | The National Advocates | 2014 |
10 Best Attorney - State of Florida | American Institute of Family Law Attorneys | 2014 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2014 |
Client's Choice - Divorce | Avvo | 2014 |
2014 Orlando Best Businesses Award for Divorce & Family Law | Orlando Best Businesses | 2014 |
Client's Choice - Family Law | Avvo | 2013 |
Top 40 Under 40 Family Lawyers | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2013 |
Legal Elite Up & Comer | Florida Trend Magazine | 2013 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2013 |
Superb Rating | Avvo | 2013 |
40 Under 40 | Orlando Business Journal | 2013 |
Women Who Mean Business - Women to Watch Nominee | Orlando Business Journal | 2013 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2013 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
Superb Rating | Avvo | 2012 |
Top Attorneys - Florida's Outstanding Young Lawyers | American Registry | 2012 |
Florida's Top Lawyers Chosen By Peers | South Florida Legal Guide | 2012 |
Top Contributor | Avvo | 2012 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Founding Partner | Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A. | 2016 - Present |
Attorney/Owner | Law Office of Ophelia Bernal-Mora, P.A. | 2011 - 2016 |
Associate | Pamela J. Helton, P.A. | 2010 - 2011 |
Associate | Law Office of Stephen K. Miller, P.A. | 2006 - 2010 |
Assistant State Attorney | State Attorney, 5th Judicial Circuit | 2004 - 2006 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Hispanic Bar Association of Central Florida | Member | 2013 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association, Legal Aid Society | Guardian Ad Litem | 2011 - Present |
Orange County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida | Member | 2010 - Present |
Florida Bar, Family Law Section | Member | 2006 - Present |
Florida Bar | Member | 2004 - Present |
---|---|---|
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Children's Issues Committee | Member | 2014 - 2015 |
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Equitable Distribution Committee | Member | 2014 - 2015 |
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court | Member | 2011 - 2018 |
Florida Association for Women Lawyers | Member | 2011 - 2012 |
Orange County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section | Member | 2011 - 2015 |
American Bar Association | Member | 2010 - 2016 |
Florida Bar, Young Lawyers Division | Member | 2004 - 2015 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyers Magazine | Super Lawyer in Family Law | 2019 |
Super Lawyers Magazine | Rising Stars for Family Law | 2018 |
Super Lawyers Magazine | Rising Stars for Family Law | 2017 |
Super Lawyers Magazine | Rising Stars for Family Law | 2016 |
Orlando Family Magazine | 2016 Awesome Attorneys | 2016 |
Super Lawyers Magazine | Rising Stars for Family Law | 2015 |
---|---|---|
Orlando Business Journal | Women Who Mean Business - Nominee | 2014 |
Super Lawyers Magazine | Rising Stars for Family Law | 2014 |
Super Lawyers Magazine | Rising Stars for Family Law | 2013 |
Orlando Business Journal | Women Who Mean Business - Women to Watch in Central Florida Nominees | 2013 |
Orlando Business Journal | 40 Under 40 | 2013 |
Florida Trend Magazine | Florida Legal Elite | 2013 |
Super Lawyers Magazine | Rising Stars for Family Law | 2012 |
LawFirms.com | Penalties for Simple Assault in Florida | 2011 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center | JD - Juris Doctor | 2004 |
University of Florida | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 2001 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Inns of Court Meeting | "A Toast to the Clerks" | 2013 |
School Resource Officer Basic Course | Training on Juvenile Law | 2007 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Standish v. Standish, 40 So. 3d 919 (5th DCA 2010) | Affirmed on Appeal |
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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