Richard Hartley Gaines

Richard Hartley Gaines

also known as Ric

4.7
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 30 years

Family Lawyer at Coral Springs, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Litigation, Divorce & Separation ... +2 more

5531 N University Dr Ste 103, Coral Springs, FL

About Richard

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 30%

Comprehensive Family and Divorce Law Practice, including prenuptial agreements, step-parent adoption, alimony and child support, custody disputes, domestic violence, enforcement and modification, etc.

30%
Litigation 25%

Business and contract related litigation, including real estate contract disputes, Will and Trust contests, contested guardianship and incapacity matters, elder abuse, and landlord tenant disputes.

25%
Probate 5%

Administration of probate estates.

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 425-425 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 30 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1995

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

The Gaines Law Firm, P.A.

5531 N University Dr Ste 103, Coral Springs, FL, 33067-4649

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Richard Hartley Gaines's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

59 Client Reviews

Showing 56 - 59 of 59 reviews

Posted by Mark | September 12, 2013 | Mediation

Excellent divorce attorney and a decent all around person

I don't understand the negative reviews here. I had a heck of a case that dragged on through two mediations, but Richard was extremely fair and advised ways to keep costs down. He had the utmost respect from mediators and gained the trust of opposing counsel, which to me is a big WIN. Was it che...ap? No, of course not - good legal service isn't. If you had the means would you go to a hack surgeon to take care of a potential cancer, or would you seek out the best in the business? What his billing was, was fair and upfront. As the old addage dictates, you get what you pay for. Not only was he good, but the level of compassion and communication was amazing - he and his team responded immediately to any concerns, and given inevitable emotions involved, was extremely professional. My advice - want a cut rate lawyer, yea maybe you can find someone cheaper. Want someone who gets the job done with the best possible outcome? Spend a few extra bucks in the short term to win big in the long run. Don't take my advise without a grain of salt - contact him and see for yourself.

Posted by Linda | September 10, 2013 | Child Custody

If you look for a Honest Lawyer - he is the One

This is the one of the honest and greatest lawyer I ever seen, he won my "relocation with minor child" case just in one hour, before I met this lawyer I had another one for two years, I spent a lot of money with no result. I would recommend this lawyer for everyone who really needs help , he will lis...ten to you carefully and will let you talk at the court.

Posted by James | March 04, 2013 | Child Custody

Unless you're a big fish, stay away....

Point blank, I had an opportunity to come to an agreement with the mother outside of court after she had filed thru the state. She was willing to drop the case and handle everything privately on our own. This guy advised me to still keep the court case alive because it would allow me to take advanta...ge of cheaper courthouse mediation options(vs going private route). He insisted that this would be cheaper and once we had an agreement we could easily file it under the open case anyway so win/win. At no point did he inform me that due to my income alone(over 100k), let alone our combined income, we would be ineligible for courthouse mediation and have to go the private route anyway. Based on his advice, I stuck to my guns with the mother who wanted to drop everything to do it privately and I left the cases open, only to find out later that I had no courthouse mediation option available to me. By that point because of our conflicting stances on dropping the case, mother had walked away from her initial position. I lost my last chance to work out an amicable, mutually beneficial agreement for us and the children. When I confronted him on this issue and how upsetting it was that something that should have been basic knowledge of family law and procedure was just completely missed, causing me to take a different route than I would have otherwise, you want to know what this guy tells me? "I don't know the exact limits, I usually don't deal with small cases like this" Seriously? Not only do you actually tell this to a client but you've been doing this for 17 years and neither you nor any of your paralegals in that huge law firm know that there are income limits on courthouse mediation? Something I found out in 5 mins using a Google search? Then he proceeds to mention the small retainer deposit I left him stating that he had his paralegals do most of the work to save me money, completely gets the amount wrong(says it was 1500 when he got me for 2500) as if my case was peanuts to him. Look, I know I won't get the same treatment from these types of lawyers as the CEO going thru a major divorce, but to even toss that out there when confronted on his incompetence just shows the mentality here. I threatened to not pay him the extra amount of work his firm did on my case after the point where the mother wanted to drop the court route and he backed down. I had emails where he provided such advice and he knew this might not be worth the fight. Watch it, especially if you're not familiar with family law.

Posted by anonymous | October 04, 2012 | Divorce & Separation

He'll represent your spouse's interests before yours!

Richard Gaines is a very weak lawyer. His loyalty is to his fellow lawyers, not his clients. He bent over backwards to accomodate my spouse and her lawyer. Hiring him ended up costing me hundreds of thousands of dollars due to his inept way of representing me. He was so afraid to object or even c...hallenge opposing councel that I almost got up and and objected myself. He is also easily intimidated by judges. I can go on and on. Just don't hire him or you will pay through the nose for his mistakes.

See All Client Reviews

Richard Hartley Gaines's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Richard
Deborah Susan Korleski-Poindexter headshot
Deborah Korleski-Poindexter

Family lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard was opposing counsel in a contested paternity matter; his client was actually located in Orlando and my client was located in Miami. Throughout the pendency of the case, Richard was engaging and responsive. He is a consummate professional, knowledgeable in the law and very reasonable to work with. As a result of our efforts, our clients were able to focus on the real importance: their child. We reached a relatively quick and amicable settlement, and minimized our clients’ legal expense and stress that oftentimes comes as a biproduct of domestic cases. In the end, our clients are committed to co-parenting. It could not have been a better result for them. I would highly recommend Richard as a family law attorney in the south Florida area."

William Hoffman Pincus headshot
William Pincus

Litigation lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard and I recently opposed each other in a real estate dispute. Each of our clients' respective positions had strengths and weaknesses. He was a tough and informed adversary and professional at all times. Richard's matter of fact approach and clear headed analysis of the parties' respective positions helped us reach settlement prior to litigation being filed. The settlement was fair and far more efficient and less costly for the clients. Richard is a lawyer a client can trust."

Robert Kenneth Jewell headshot
Robert Jewell

Family lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Ric as we send him all our Florida family law referrals. He's very thorough, and I get great feedback from those prospects I refer to him"

Temi Nicole Zeitenberg headshot
Temi Zeitenberg

Family lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ric and I had the pleasure to work together on a divorce case. Even though he represented the opposing party, Ric was courteous, professional, and responsive. He takes great pride in his work and commitment to achieving the best outcome for his clients. I look forward to working with him again in the future."

Angela Renee Neave headshot
Angela Neave

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard is a pleasure to work with. Despite the difficult case we were working on, he was professional and courteous which made the discovery process easier than it would have been. Every step of the way he demonstrated knowledge of the law and the facts of the case."

Kenneth Alan Cutler headshot
Kenneth Cutler

Family lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ric has always done an outstanding job for his clients. He is hard-working and dedicated. I highly endorse him."

Lisa Glassman headshot
Lisa Glassman

Family lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Richard Gaines, Esq. is an excellent attorney that I highly recommend. He has assisted my referral clients with their divorces and all of them were impressed with his expertise and professionalism. Hire him today!"

Diane L. Danois headshot
Diane Danois

Family lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the extreme pleasure of working with Ric Gaines, who is an exceptional family law attorney. Ric is an out-of-the-box thinker, who is open to new concepts and creative ways to find resolutions to disputes. He is collaborative with like-minded attorneys, but is also a fierce and skilled litigator inside the courtroom. I have referred a number of friends who were contemplating divorce to Ric, and have consistently received positive feedback from them. Most notably, Ric is described as a trustworthy, compassionate listener, who is highly knowledgeable and well-respected in his field. I endorse Ric Gaines, without reservation."

Collett P Small headshot
Collett Small

Litigation lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard is a very experienced and well respected litigator. I worked with him on a complicated matter and found him to well prepared, very meticulous and a strong advocate for his client. I was impressed with the level of professionalism displayed by both him and his staff even in the heat of trial preparation. I would recommend Richard to anyone looking for a family law attorney or litigator to zealously advocate for their position."

Felisa Sheryl Kahn headshot
Felisa Kahn

Family lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Rick and I co-counseled a very complicated matter. He is an amazing family law attorney and litigator. He is also very professional and works well with adversarial opposing attorneys and opposing parties. It was such a pleasure working with Rick and he is my "go-to" man when I have any complicated questions as he knows the law inside and out. I highly recommend Rick in cases that deal with complicated business ventures and business valuations as his corporate background comes in handy."

Bradford M. Gucciardo headshot
Bradford Gucciardo

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known attorney Ric Gaines for many years, after having first been introduced after Ric came highly recommended by another attorney with whom I worked. Our relationship began with networking, then developed into Ric handling certain cases for my clients, and then I retained Ric for a personal matter. For years Ric has been professional, thoughtful and ready, willing and able to assist on any matter I throw his way. Furthermore, working with Ric on a personal basis has made a typically unpleasant situation very easy to deal with. I strongly recommend attorney Ric Gaines."

Michael Allan Trinkler headshot
Michael Trinkler

Litigation lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"It is with great pleasure and honor to endorse my friend and colleague who I have been referring litigation matters to for many years. Ric is an excellent, highly skilled attorney who is results oriented and to do what is necessary to passionately represent his clients while being practical in his approach and seeking to get the job done in the most efficient manner."

Matthew Lundy headshot
Matthew Lundy

Family lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is the consummate professional. His extremely intelligent, and his knowledge in his chosen areas of practices is exceptional."

Michael Adam Weiss headshot
Michael Weiss

Divorce and separation lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Richard for over 10 years both personally and professionally. Richard is bright, diligent and thorough. I gladly endorse Richard."

Jerome N Goldstein headshot
Jerome Goldstein

Family lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent trial lawyer, knowledgeable of the law and the court system. He is well respected in the legal community and cares for his clients. I highly recommend him."

Nicole Suzanne Ofstein headshot
Nicole Ofstein

Family lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is an excellent attorney and one who truly cares about his clients. I highly recommend!"

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Richard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Staci H Genet headshot
Staci Genet

Family lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Richard is an excellent efficient and effective attorney. We were opposing counsel on an hotly contested matter and as a direct result his professionalism and persistence, the attorneys were able to craft a cost effective settlement for both parties. I not only hope that I will be able to work with Mr. Gaines again, but recommend him to any individual seeking counsel."

Alexander Irlin headshot
Alexander Irlin

Family lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Rick for a while and he is a very knowledgeable, reliable and passionate advocate for his clients and also a great colleague to consult with or co-counsel with. Richard is not only a seasoned and experienced litigator, but also a family law and probate expert who is second to none!"

View All Endorsements
Deborah Susan Korleski-Poindexter headshot
Deborah Korleski-Poindexter

Child custody lawyer

William Hoffman Pincus headshot
William Pincus

Litigation lawyer

Sandra Noreen Busell Esq headshot
Sandra Busell

Probate lawyer

Robert Kenneth Jewell headshot
Robert Jewell

Family lawyer

Temi Nicole Zeitenberg headshot
Temi Zeitenberg

Family lawyer

Angela Renee Neave headshot
Angela Neave

Family lawyer

Joyce A Julian headshot
Joyce Julian

Mediation lawyer

Barry Ives Finkel headshot
Barry Finkel

Mediation lawyer

Kenneth Alan Cutler headshot
Kenneth Cutler

Personal injury lawyer

Alyssa Cara Baer headshot
Alyssa Baer

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Diane L. Danois headshot
Diane Danois

Personal injury lawyer

Richard Anthony Merlino Jr. headshot
Richard Merlino

Criminal defense lawyer

Leah Heather Mayersohn headshot
Leah Mayersohn

Criminal defense lawyer

Collett P Small headshot
Collett Small

Elder law lawyer

Felisa Sheryl Kahn headshot
Felisa Kahn

Family lawyer

Lisa Glassman headshot
Lisa Glassman

Real estate lawyer

Bradford M. Gucciardo headshot
Bradford Gucciardo

Securities and investment fraud lawyer

Matthew Thomas Staab headshot
Matthew Staab

Estate planning lawyer

Alexander Irlin headshot
Alexander Irlin

Business lawyer

Michael Adam Weiss headshot
Michael Weiss

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

"Superb" Lawyer, AVVO

2019

Top Lawyer, South Florida Legal Guide

2018

Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine

2015

Top Lawyer, South Florida Legal Guide

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

Work Experience

2014 - Present

President and Owner, The Gaines Law Firm, P.A.

1999 - 2014

Shareholder/Attorney, Greenspoon Marder, P.A.

1997 - 1999

Associate Attorney, Bailey & Jones, P.A.

1995 - 1997

Associate Attorney, Jennings, Valancy & Edwards, P.A.

Associations

2014 - Present

Gotham Networking Group

South Florida Chapter

2010 - Present

Parkland Coral Springs Business Group, P.A.

Founder

Sample of Legal Cases

Ledea-Genaro v. Genaro

Affirmed

Kravitz v. Levy

Affirmed in part; reversed in part

Hold v. Manzini

Reversed

Kates v. Seidenman

Granted

Salazar v. Salazar

Reversed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center

Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor

1990

Emory University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1986

Jericho High School

Diploma

Speaking Engagements

2014

Parkland Coral Springs Business Group, P.A. Networking/Marketing Seminar

Rumors, Myths and Other Fallacies of Florida Divorce

2012

Jackson National Life Ins Co. Employee Event/Team Building

Women and Prosperity: How Successful Women Fair in Divorce

2011

Elder Law Associates, P.A., Elder Law Forum

Divorce Among Seniors

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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