George Lambeth Metcalfe

Client opinions matter and experienced divorce Attorney George Metcalfe is committed to giving each client the attention that he or she deserves. New clients will see their phone calls are returned personally and promptly as George devotes time to teaching clients what is important in family court and to directing efforts that achieve the best outcome. Together, the client and attorney are able to weigh the risks, costs and likely outcome.

Family law considerations may be overwhelming to new clients. George explains in simple and understandable words how to craft a property settlement which promotes careful consideration of business and investment valuations and proven and successful strategies to maximize asset structures, understanding debt and realized income and ultimate tax efforts after divorce. Whenever possible, George values and encourages win-win settlements which encourage cooperation when possible. In matters regarding children, George encourages cooperation between parents and procedures to assure accountability in parenting decisions especially those involving relocation requests and in matters where jurisdictional issues may affect outcomes. The firm seeks out and maintains excellent working relationships with financial and valuation experts in public accounting and in real estate and business interests and appraisals.

The firm does not encourage litigation when a settlement can be achieved, but it will not recommend settling a case if such settlement provides unfair results to the client. Although he is a capable and experienced litigator in court, George's first effort is to settle matters in mediation and in non-adversarial manners. Reaching resolution in a cost-effective and expeditious manner is more important than harmful and expensive trials where the client's future is determined solely by a judge. Winning and losing in trials to George is based more on the client, including consideration of cost, stress, future ramifications and satisfaction for the client. Not considering personal ramifications of decisions during divorce is costly. Less eventful matters of family law help the whole family heal and encourages resolution in a private office, not in a public arena.

Past Positions

Partner at George Lambeth Metcalfe, P.A. Solo law practice began as a General, Civil and Appellate law practice in Coral Gables, Florida and became a Marital and Family Law practice which includes tax related matters involving marriage dissolution cases. Practice jurisdictions include Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward, Palm Beach, Lake, Sumter, Volusia, Marion, Indian River, and St. Lucie Counties. Since 1988.

Senior District XI Counsel for Foster Care at Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services (HRS), 1990 to 1991

Associate attorney and Law Clerk to Senionr Partner Cecyl L. Pickle, Esquire at Peters, Pickle, Niemoeller, Robertson, Lax and Parsons, 1985 to 1988

United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Florida, Law Clerk, Appellate Division 1985

Marketing Specialist, General Development Corporation, Miami, Florida. 1982 – 1983

State and Federal Bar Admissions

The Florida Bar, 1988

U.S. Tax Court

U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida

U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida

United States Supreme Court

Professional Associations – Past and Present

Indian River County Bar Association

St. Lucie County Bar Association

Friends of Rupert J. Smith Law Library, Vice President

Juvenile Justice Attorneys Association – Miami, Florida

Supreme Court Historical Association

Family Law Section, Florida Bar

Marion County Bar Association

Lake County Bar Association

Miami Dade Bar

American Bar Association

Honors

Pro Bono Publico Service Award “For the Public Good”, Florida Rural Legal Services, 2021

Pro Bono Service Recognition, Florida Bar, 2010

Martindale Hubbell Rated: Very High Legal Ability and Very High Ethical Standards

Martindale Hubbell Rated: Gold Client Champion

Justia - Lawyer Peer Rating 10.0

America’s Most Honored Lawyers 2025 ( Top 1%) - The American Registry

Lecturer and Speaking Engagements

Lecturer, Contract Law, 1999, Barry University

Lecturer, Family Law and Florida Civil Practice, Florida National College, 1997 to 2020

Guest lecturer on Child Welfare in Foster Care, Judge Edelstein, Coral Gables, Florida October 2000 - University of Miami School of Law

Guest lecturer to University of Miami Law Students. Termination of parental rights, Adoption and Federal Limits on Children's Stays in Foster Care

Speaker for Justice Teaching Program of the Florida Bar in Ocala, Florida, 2010 - 2012

Pro-Bono Activities

Founder of The Law Clinic at Rupert J. Smith Law Library, 2018 to 2022

Volunteer, Cuban American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Project