Laurence Allen Schwartz

Laurence Allen Schwartz

also known as Laurence A. Schwartz, Esq.

4.8
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 47 years

Family Lawyer at Miami, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody ... +7 more

Town Center One - Suite 1711, 8950 SW 74th Court, Miami, FL

About Laurence

Biography

Practice Areas

10

Practice Areas

Family 25%

Family law practice involving divorce, paternity, parenting plans, custody, domestic violence, timesharing, child support, etc.

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 47 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1978

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Laurence Allen Schwartz. Esq.

Town Center One - Suite 1711, 8950 SW 74th Court, Miami, FL, 33156

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Laurence Allen Schwartz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

95 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (95) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews | Trustworthiness

Posted by Javier | August 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Excellent Divorce Attorney

I recently hired Lawrence Schwartz to represent me for a modification of my marital settlement agreement. Not only did he produce a most favorable outcome, but he handled the entire experience with exceptional professionalism. He showed good character, judgment, and civility throughout. You ca...n expect great results from Mr. Schwartz, and I would gladly recommend him to anyone in need of an excellent divorce attorney in the South Florida area. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, attentive, available, and trustworthy attorney, hire Lawrence Schwartz. You will be glad that you did.

Posted by Danny | May 13, 2015 | Child Custody

BE VERY VERY CAREFUL WITH THIS MAN

This man will play you like a fiddle, he will tell you everything you want to hear. He will tell you he represents Fathers Rights. He will take you to lunch. But when he showed up in court I felt that he worked for my wife not for me, and I was paying him. And NO I do not want my money back. I felt I... was betrayed.

Posted by Patricia Seamans | May 09, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

My lawyer, my friend

I finally, after many years of agonizing thought, decided to end my marriage of 44 years and seek an attorney. I found Mr. Schwartz through the Internet and did not intend to make a decision on a lawyer until I compared several. I made the decision to retain Mr. Schwartz during my first appointment ...and it turned out to be the right one. From the first visit on, he gave me excellent advice and counsel and made me feel confident and safe throughout the divorce process. I never hesitated, at any time, to pick up the phone and contact him. More importantly, he became my trusted friend, through one of the most difficult times of my life. I am confident to recommend Mr. Schwartz highly as an excellent and competent attorney.

Laurence Schwartz

Replied last May 09, 2015

It takes courage to divorce after 44 years..

Posted by anonymous | May 09, 2015 | Family

Laurence restored my faith in the legal profession

I hired Laurence in the middle of a very contentious and emotionally exhausting paternity action. I had recently finished law school and had just finished firing the attorney that had been handling my case for the last 6 months. The first lawyer, he who shall not be named, fleeced me out of over ...$7,000 dollars, without a single appearance in court. Charged me for every single copy, voicemail, phone call. You name it, he charged me. I'm surprised he didn't charge me for the water I drank in his office. By the time I came to Laurence, I was very suspicious of attorneys in general and questioning my decision to go to law school. I am grateful to say my experience with Laurence was completely different! Laurence always gave it to me straight, never mislead me in order to increase his attorney's fees, always and I mean always returned phone calls the same day-most of the time within the hour, and was readily available to discuss my concerns. He not only served as my advocate, but as my therapist. A divorce or paternity action is a very emotional and stressful time, especially if you have small children involved. I know that many times I was an emotional basket case and Laurence talked me off the ledge more times than I can count. More importantly, he let me know when I was being a drama queen and really helped me focus on whats important. I can attest to the fact, that many lawyers can be egotistical, arrogant, self-centered, and many times not truly concerned about the needs of their client, just the bottom line. Many attorneys will encourage you to argue with your ex, to not settle matters, and to not acquiesce to any request your ex makes in order to keep the process as contentious as possible. Meanwhile, your legal fees are climbing up, your children are suffering because they are involved in a tug of war, and your emotional health is quickly declining. Laurence actually cares about his clients! Not only his clients, but also your children. Sometimes I disagreed with what he told me, but I appreciated it. He never sugarcoated things and in a situation such as this, you need someone who will give it to you straight. He sat with me through a 9 hour mediation and remained calm the entire time. His calm demeanor helped me remain as relaxed as possible, while sitting right across from my ex. Also, something that is very important, the ruling in your case can rely on the judge assigned to your case. Wouldn't you rather have an attorney with over 36 years experience and that knows which way your judge may lean? If they are a pro-mom or pro-dad judge? What their stance is on alimony? Knowing that Laurence had over 36 years experience and that he had argued in front of so many local judges, was a great source of comfort to me. Hopefully, I will never need Laurence's services again, but if I do, he is the first person I am calling. I recommend him to anyone that mentions they are going through a divorce or custody action. Laurence is a rarity! He is worth every penny and then some. Hire him! Best decision you'll make! My only regret is not going to him first.

Posted by anonymous | May 09, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

Hire if you don't care about the long term outcome of your divorce

Mr. Shwartz was hired to represent me at a mediation agreement for a starting rate of $2500. Just to get a mediation date took 6 months. Mr. Shwartz in the process of waiting asked for another $2500 because he felt overloaded with our paperwork. At mediation Mr.Shwartz convinced me to hang myself. My... ex wife was lying about her income, and he convinced me there was nothing I could do. So I settled. A week later I sought out other legal counsel because the paperwork did not make sense, and I was informed that my ex needed to provide her income "it was the law", and what she had turned in as income was unacceptable, her income was verbally calculated on an monthly estimate she guessed she was making. After I discovered this I called Mr.Shwartz to ask him to pull out of the agreement, it was wrong....he told me he was done representing us and hung up. Not his problem. It has been almost 8 months since the judge signed off on this faulty mediation agreement. My pay has been garnished, I have been held in contempt of court because of the excessive amount in child support I owe, and I had to pay $2700 for my ex wife's attorney fees. I have talked to a dozen attorneys that look at my case and say " you got hammered...and there's not much we can do because the judge signed this". I just now found an attorney that has started to turn this mess around for me. Mr. Shwartz had stated he knew of the opposing attorney when I hired him, I am convinced an agreement was made between them to get my money and go. Mr.shwartz is the attorney to hire if you don't care about what happens, as long as you get divorced. That is absolutely what happened in my case, that Iam still attempting to rectify. Of course Mr.shwartz will write a paragraph below on how he did his best and how I was wrong and make it seem like he was wronged by me..but don't buy it. After he dumped me as a client when I needed him the most I researched his online reviews. If someone writes a bad review he makes a point to clear his name. I have no idea how this man still has other lawyers recommending him on review pages, I swear he must be paying them. And clients have given good reviews of Mr.Shwartz ...but if you read between the lines and the very limited bad reviews of Mr.Shwartz you will realize most clients are intimated by him. In my dealings with Mr.Shwartz over the phone there were times I didn't feel comfortable asking questions, that's the reality of it. I felt like the justice system failed me and the florida Bar failed me for allowing this man to represent me under false pretense he would have my best interest. Wrong. He had my ex wife's best interest and my money. I am still paying monthly for his lack of my interest, and it's pricey. My intentions are to help out the next vulnerable Floridian from a long term financially draining demise that I unjustly have.

Laurence Schwartz

Replied last May 09, 2015

I received a glowing email from his live-in girlfriend the day after mediation, praising me and thanking me for all the hard work I did.---------- Date; 10/13/2012 \ 1:00:02 AM----- Laurence, I cannot really and truly express my gratitude for the patience, diligence, and over exertion of your efforts in mediation and through out this whole mess: My intentions yesterday were to make sure was not pressured to do or sign any documents in agreement unless he was 120% sure of the agreement. I do not think we could of hired a better person to represent honestly: You really did a sensational job. All business aside, know I am sincere and consider you a personal friend through all this mess.----- In trying to determine why the client became angry I reviewed the court file. He was held in contempt of court for refusing to pay the child support that he happily agreed to at mediation. The hearing officer was particularly bothered that he recently pocketed a $7000 tax refund and did not pay the child support. The court confirmed that the child support amount was correct.----- What this client failed to mention was that he owed over $28,000 in retroactive child support. I got the other side to accept payments of $50.00 a month! That's unheard of. The statute requires a minimum payment of 20% of the monthly support. He pays a fraction of that. (Yes, thanks to me.).----- His real problem is that he has two more kids with his girlfriend.. I can understand what he really means about hanging himself, but I didn't convince him to have more kids.------ Six days after the mediation his girlfriend emails me asking about the final hearing for divorce because she anxious to get it finaled:----- Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:24:14 -0700----- I am glad to hear from you, and thankful we have not put you in a grave with all this. So we just have to sit and wait?---------- Then 11 days after the mediation, this client sends me an email worried that his wife might try to back out of the agreement.----- Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:37:07 -0700 (PDT)----- Hi, Hope your day is going good. Have a couple of questions for you. Can [wife's name] still back out of this agreement before or even after the judge signs the agreement? And any luck on a date, just be sure to let us know when you get it scheduled. Ok then thanks. -------------------- My client KNEW he had a very good settlement. It's just that his girlfriend hates his ex-wife and that he has to pay her child support.

See All Client Reviews

Laurence Allen Schwartz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Laurence
Carrie Ann Turner-Krzyzaniak headshot
Carrie Turner-Krzyzaniak

Family lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Schwartz is an outstanding attorney who has demonstrated the utmost professionalism in his dealings with me as his opponent on a particular case. From my dealings with Mr. Schwartz, I've learned that he is extremely knowledgeable in his practice areas and provides diligent representation to his clients. Above all, Mr. Schwartz is what every attorney should be- highly ethical, courteous, diligent and well informed. I highly recommend him."

Gilberto Romilio Izquierdo headshot
Gilberto Izquierdo

Family lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Schwartz is zealous advocate who puts the interests of his cients first. I know this firsthand because I have seen him litigate in court, and he has been the opposing cousnel on several of my cases. Lawrence Schwarts is a tenacious, experienced, and well respected lawyer in the South Florida legal community. I enthusiastically endorse him."

Steven David Kaufman headshot
Steven Kaufman

Family lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Laurence Schwartz on multiple cases in the past and have nothing bur respect for Mr. Schwartz as a fellow lawyer. Although we have come across difficult cases, we have always managed to keep things on a professional level. Mr. Schwartz is very knowledgeable of the law and possess skills that reflect that."

Denise Martinez Scanziani headshot
Denise Martinez Scanziani

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I highly endorse this lawyer. As a lawyer, one of the greatest testaments of a lawyer's ability, knowledge, professionalism and reputation comes from the opinion of those who work on the opposing side of the same case. Such is the case with Mr. Schwartz and myself. As opposing counsel, I can attest to his advocacy, ethics and professionalism, not to mention his skill and ability. He is an outstanding lawyer."

Solangel Verde headshot
Solangel Verde

Family lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had many cases against Larry over the years. He is knowledgeable, and experienced and handles his cases efficiently and ethically."

Rebecca A. Seibert headshot
Rebecca Seibert

Family lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Schwartz is a talented and highly knowledgeable attorney in his field. I would not hesitate to send anyone I know his way if they were in need of a family law attorney in FL."

Barry Anthony Yablen headshot
Barry Yablen

Family lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Larry for many years and have seen him advocate for his clients in court. Larry is an excellent attorney and has an excellent reputation as a Family Law Attorney."

Santiago Jorge Muinos headshot
Santiago Muinos

Family lawyer | Feb 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I had the pleasure of working with Laurence on a dissolution of marriage case that presented some tricky financial issues as well as the predictable problems inherent in dissolution cases. Laurence was not only extremely knowledgeable as to the law and procedure, but incredibly collegial, friendly, and was a key factor in making sure the negotiations and ultimate settlement went smoothly, achieving a great result for both sides. . A consummate professional and just an all-around good guy that made practicing with him an absolute pleasure. A 10+ !"

Astrid M. Bismarck headshot
Astrid Bismarck

Family lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a very effective family law attorney and knows his area of law inside out. In addition to being an effective advocate for his clients, he always maintains his strong ethics in dealing with his opposing counsel."

Karen Jean Haas headshot
Karen Haas

Family lawyer | Aug 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I heartily endorse this lawyer. Larry is a pleasure to work with as he is personable and caring of his clients and their cases, and very experienced and knowledgeable in all aspects of family law."

Cary Garcia headshot
Cary Garcia

Family lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I fully endorse Mr. Schwartz as a family law attorney. Not only have I seen his work in the legal community myself, but close colleagues of mine, who have had the pleasure of having him as an opposing counsel, have praised him for his knowledge and his ethics. I have full confidence in his abilities as a competent attorney."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Ayuban Antonio Tomas headshot
Ayuban Tomas

Family lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Larry is highly experienced, very knowledgeable, and a consummate professional. I would gladly recommend him to anyone with family law needs."

Hobel Florido headshot
Hobel Florido

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He fights zealously for his client and does not lose his professionalism in the process. Very knowledgeable in all areas of family law. I'd recommend any family member to retain him for their family law needs."

Craig Eric Weissberg headshot
Craig Weissberg

Family lawyer | May 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've had the pleasure of knowing Larry for many years. With his vast experience and tremendous knowledge of the law, Larry works as a tireless advocate for his clients. His clients can feel safe with knowing that they are getting top-notch representation from ethical attorney whose commitment to them extends outside the courtroom doors. Those I know who he has represented have only great things to say about him. I highly recommend him to others and welcome the opportunity to work together on cases in the future."

Sandy Todd Fox headshot
Sandy Fox

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I previously had the pleasure of having Larry Schwartz, Esquire as opposing counsel in one of my cases. He is a zealous advocate who has a tremendous understanding of the law and always displays the highest level of ethics and professionalism."

Aidez Severino headshot
Aidez Severino

Family lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"The absolute best. Laurence is what every lawyer should strive to be, honest, knowledgeable, experienced, and most importantly dedicated. He deserves all the accolades he's received and more."

Gary Steven Maisel headshot
Gary Maisel

Family lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to mediate numerous family law matters for Larry. He is a top notch attorney who fights for his client's rights, but also sees the wisdom of coming to a fair resolution without creating unnecessary acrimony and expense."

Patrick Vilar headshot
Patrick Vilar

Family lawyer | Sep 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Schwarz is a dedicated attorney with a vast amount of experience in getting results for his clients. It is a pleasure to work with him and against him."

Richard E. Tejera headshot
Richard Tejera

Family lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Larry is a good, honest and reliable attorney. It is always pleasure to deal with Larry."

View All Endorsements
Francis Rene Gil headshot
Francis Gil

Family lawyer

Steven David Kaufman headshot
Steven Kaufman

Family lawyer

Solangel Verde headshot
Solangel Verde

Family lawyer

Barry Anthony Yablen headshot
Barry Yablen

Family lawyer

Santiago Jorge Muinos headshot
Santiago Muinos

Unknown lawyer

Rebecca A. Seibert headshot
Rebecca Seibert

Family lawyer

Astrid M. Bismarck headshot
Astrid Bismarck

Family lawyer

Karen Jean Haas headshot
Karen Haas

Litigation lawyer

Lisa Ellen Zeiderman headshot
Lisa Zeiderman

Child custody lawyer

Cary Garcia headshot
Cary Garcia

Family lawyer

Ayuban Antonio Tomas headshot
Ayuban Tomas

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Personal injury lawyer

Hobel Florido headshot
Hobel Florido

Family lawyer

Diane Marie Trainor headshot
Diane Trainor

Family lawyer

Bruce Andrew Arrick headshot
Bruce Arrick

Family lawyer

Craig Eric Weissberg headshot
Craig Weissberg

Family lawyer

Sandy Todd Fox headshot
Sandy Fox

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2015

ASLA Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2015

Peer Review Rating™ AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell®

2014

NAFLA Top 10 Ranking, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys

2014

Clients' Choice - Divorce, Avvo

2014

Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, BBB of Southeast Florida

2014

10 Best - Client Satisfaction Award - Florida, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2014

Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell®

2014

Client Review Rating™ : Preeminent® 5.0, Martindale-Hubbell®

2014

Peer Review Rating™ AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell®

2013

Clients’ Choice 2013 - Family Law, Avvo

2013

ASLA Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2012

35 Year Anniversary since admission to the Bar, Martindale-Hubbell®

1995

Pro Bono Service Award - Put Something Back Program, Dade County Bar Association

1982

Certificate of Appreciation, Builders Association of South Florida

1980

Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Service, Dade County Bar Association

1979

Hollywood Young Professionals, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Work Experience

1982 - Present

Founder, Law Offices of Laurence Allen Schwartz

2007 - 2009

Judge-appointed Guardian ad Litem, Custody Case 11th Circuit Court, Family Division

1981 - 1982

Associate, Richard L. Larin, Esq. (now Honorable Richard L. Larin)

1978 - 1979

Associate, Houston Faircloth Cooper Easthope & Kelley

Associations

2014 - Present

Marital, Divorce, Family Law & Finance (ALA) a subgroup of Accountant-Lawyer Alliance (ALA)

member

2012 - Present

Cornell Legal Information Institute

Profile

2012 - Present

American Judicature Society

Member

2012 - Present

Justia.Com

Profile

2012 - Present

Lawyer.com

Member

2012 - Present

e-LEGAL Group - LinkedIn

Member

2012 - Present

Florida Family Law and Divorce Group - LinkedIn

Member

1977 - Present

United States Court of Appeals

Admitted

1977 - Present

Supeme Court of Florida

Admitted

1977 - Present

Florida Bar

Admitted

2013 - 2015

American Society of Legal Advocates

Member

2012 - 2015

American Bar Association

Member

1990 - 1995

American Subrogation Attorneys

Member

1984 - 2010

Hialeah-Miami Lakes Bar Association

Member

1981 - 1982

Florida Bar, Young Lawyers Division

Committee Member

1979 - 1982

South Broward Bar Association

Member

1979 - 1981

Hollywood Young Professionals Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

Member

1977 - 1978

Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers

Member

1977 - 1982

United States Court of Customs and Patent Appeals

Admitted

1977 - 1980

United States Customs Court

Admitted

1975 - 1976

Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Moya vs Moya

I represented the Wife. Due to gross misconduct Husband was denied equitable distribution, was 100% liable for marital debts and deficiency judgments. Court granted Wife 100% of marital residence and furnishings & ordered Husband to pay attorneys fees.

Harrison vs Harrison

Ex-Wife sentenced to 180 days in jail for refusing my client visitation.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1975

New York Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1975

New York University Graduate School of Business Administration

MBA

1972

Moravian College

B.A

1968

Rutgers Prep

Diploma

Speaking Engagements

2009

guest speaker - radio program

Family Law

2008

WMBM "Ask Your Lawyer" program guest speaker

Family Law issues

Publications

2013

American Bar Association publication Family Law Litigation Committee e-newsletter: "Florida’s Shipwrecked Grandparent Visitation Statute – Can We Make it Sail Again?" co-author with Brian J. Kruger, Esq.

1975

New York University Graduate Business School MBA Thesis The Hunt Commission's Proposals for Housing and Mortgage Markets - Financial & Legal Implications

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution