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Michael Vaghaiwalla
also known as Mike Vaghaiwalla, Michael James Vaghaiwalla
About Michael
Biography
Michael J. Vaghaiwalla, Esq., B.C.S.
Board Certified Specialist in Marital and Family Law
Michael J. Vaghaiwalla, who grew up in Central Florida, is a distinguished family law attorney with a deep commitment to serving his community. His journey into law was inspired by a passion for justice and a desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. This dedication led him to pursue a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida, where he graduated with honors. He then earned his Juris Doctor from Florida State University College of Law, where he excelled academically and practically, contributing to an Amicus Brief for the U.S. Supreme Court and authoring a nationally recognized public interest article.
Michael's professional journey began as a paralegal in Orlando, where he developed a strong foundation in handling complex cases such as medical malpractice and product liability. His early career experiences solidified his interest in family law, leading him to volunteer at Florida State’s Public Interest Law Center, where he helped medically fragile children access essential healthcare services. These formative experiences underscored his commitment to advocacy and shaped his empathetic approach to legal practice.
In 2024, Michael achieved the prestigious designation of Board Certified Specialist in Marital and Family Law, becoming one of only seven attorneys to obtain this certification that year. This achievement places him among an elite group of just 278 board certified marital and family law attorneys in the entire state of Florida (as of 2024). Board certification is the highest level of evaluation by The Florida Bar, representing Michael's exceptional competence and professionalism, positioning him among the top-tier attorneys in his field.
Michael is actively involved in the legal community, serving on the Board of Directors for The Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court. He is also a member of several esteemed legal associations, including the Florida Bar, Orange County Bar Association, and American Bar Association. Licensed to practice in all Florida trial courts and the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Michael's practice is characterized by compassionate and effective legal representation.
Respected by judges, fellow attorneys, and professionals in the community, Michael's dedication to his clients and his profession is evident in every case he handles. Clients appreciate his approachable demeanor, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to their cases, making him a trusted advocate in the realm of family law.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
40%
13 years
Alimony
15%
13 years
Child Custody
15%
13 years
Child Support
15%
13 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 12 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Greater Orlando Family Law
631 S. Orlando Ave., Suite 301, Winter Park, FL, 32789
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Michael Vaghaiwalla's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 67 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Joseph | December 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Complicated divorced handled like a pro!
Michael Vaghaiwalla guided me through a challenging divorce including emergency pick up orders for parental kidnapping, false DCF reporting, retro child support, and contempt. There was a stressful concern for international parental abduction. Michael's expertise/experience padded the parenting p...
Posted by Wendy | May 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The BEST Divorce Attorney in Orlando
Michael Vaghaiwalla is an outstanding divorce attorney in Central Florida. He guided me through an incredibly high-conflict custody case and secured a result that exceeded all expectations: sole parental responsibility with no timesharing. He also protected my business from being taken in the divorce...
Posted by Orlando Acevedo | May 8, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Michael help me with the custody of my daughter!
As a father and living in Florida my hopes of getting custody of my daughter were very low. Michael was able to utilize all the evidence I had gather throughout the years and on trial day Michael was able to do a wonderful job to expose my Ex-wife lies. He place every question strategically and he w...
Posted by Ernesto | July 26, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent attorney!
Attorney Mike Vaghaiwalla represented me on a modification of child support with excellent results. I'm an attorney myself, and I can tell when a fellow lawyer is doing what he/she is supposed to do. Mike Vaghaiwalla definitely did! I can't think of a better family law attorney and law firm than G...
Posted by Jared | July 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The greatest law firm for me and my family
Michael was great. Michael and his paralegal Joanna kept every communication to the point and answered every question within a timely manor. Never chasing the opposing lawyers frivolous motions and papering attempts to run up cost. All the while keeping the billable hours as low as possible. Michael ...
Michael Vaghaiwalla's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Vaghaiwalla is one of the hardest working attorneys I know. He holds the qualities you want in a lawyer. He is intelligent, caring, and willing to roll up his sleeves to get the job done. Most of all, Michael is an attorney you can trust."
"I have known Mike for a long time and can attest first hand to his strong work ethic and legal skills. He is hard working and extremely diligent. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"I have worked on several matters with Attorney Vaghaiwalla. Attorney Vagaiwalla was professional and assisted in reaching several creative solutions."
"Michael is an intelligent, insightful and hard working attorney. His work ethic and dedication to his clients has made him a rising star in our community. I fully endorse this attorney."
"Mike advocates for his client zealously and professionally."
"Michael is an attorney that combines zealous representation with a compassionate touch, putting his clients at ease knowing they are in good hands."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Vaghaiwalla is very knowledgeable and competent. He works diligently for his clients while strongly defending their interests."
"Michael Vaghaiwalla perfectly balances advocacy with compassion. He listens to the goals of his clients, and is honest and forthright with his legal advice. He is a great attorney, both for his clients and for other attorneys to work with."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Vaghaiwalla is a superb family law attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable in family law and provides excellent representation to his clients."
"I endorse Mr. Vaghaiwalla for his dedication to the practice of law and to obtaining favorable results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked on several cases with him. He is bright and efficient. He can focus on the issues and can come up with creative solutions to attempt to settle cases amicably. He is also very good at presenting the case to the Judge in court."
"Michael is a hard working attorney who cares about his clients. I have seen the results of his hard work and I would recommend Michael to anyone looking for a great family attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has a vast knowledge of the law, is very professional, while still personable with his clients. Michael is a great peer to have in the law community, and I know that when I refer clients to him, that they are in good hands."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is truly a pleasure to work with and a consummate professional."
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is an excellent attorney, who works hard for his clients putting their needs first. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a family law lawyer."
"Michael is a caring and hardworking attorney. I would refer my friends and family members to his firm."
"I endorse this lawyer. He really cares about his clients and will work long hours to get the results needed."
"Mr. Vaghaiwalla is a true professional. His unwavering dedication to his clients is something to admire. Colleagues and clients would both agree, Mike gets the job done right! I highly recommend his services."
"I have known Mr. Vaghaiwalla for a few years. He holds the qualities you want and need from a lawyer: he is knowledgeable, caring, and willing to put the required work to get the job done. Above all, Mr. Vaghaiwalla is an attorney you can trust. I highly recommend and endorse Mr. Vaghaiwalla."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2024
Board Certified - Marital & Family Law, Florida Bar
2023
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers
2019
TOP 100, THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN TRIAL LAWYERS
2019
Attorney of the Year, Orlando Style Magazine
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
2018
2018 Client's Choice, AVVO
2017
2017 Client's Choice, AVVO
2016
2016 Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
2016 Clients' Choice, AVVO
2015
2015 Clients' Choice, AVVO
2015
2015 Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2014
2014 Clients' Choice, AVVO
2013
Certificate of Distinguished Pro Bono Service, Florida State University College of Law
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Partner, Greater Orlando Family Law
2014 - 2014
Guardian Ad Litem, Legal Aid Society
2013 - 2013
Research Assistant, Florida State University College Of Law
2013 - 2018
Attorney, The Orlando Family Firm
2012 - 2013
Certified Legal Intern, Florida State University College Of Law
2012 - 2013
Judicial Law Clerk, Florida Division of Administrative Hearings
2010 - 2013
Law Clerk, Diez Arguelles & Tejedor, PA
2006 - 2009
Paralegal, Martinez, Manglardi, Diez Arguelles & Tejedor
Associations
2024 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Rules/Forms CommitteeMember
2024 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Equitable Distribution CommitteeMember
2024 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law Section Appellate CommitteeMember
2023 - Present
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of CourtExecutive Board Member
2017 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of FloridaMember
2015 - Present
American Institute of Family Law AttorneysMember
2015 - Present
Florida Citrus SportsMember
2014 - Present
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of CourtAttorney Member
2014 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
2013 - Present
Florida BarMember
2013 - Present
Orange County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Florida Justice AssociationMember
2011 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Education
2013
Florida State University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
University of Central Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
2025 Certification Review Tips and Nipples
Board Certification in Marital and Family Law
2023
Guest Speaker
Family Law
2019
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court
Slash and Burn Litigation
2015
Central Florida Family Law American Inn of Court
Interlocutory Appeals
Publications
2012
Orlando Sentinel
Medicaid Expansion: An Ounce of Prevention Well Worth It
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a mother and a 15 year old boy share a room?
04 Jan 2019
Q&A
If you receive child support, and the parent that pays won a law suit, are you entitled to any of that money?
05 Aug 2018
Q&A
How do i find a private GAL in Pasco county?
15 Jun 2017