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Lawrence Sheldon Katz

Divorce and separation Attorney at Miami, FL

4.8   22 reviews
Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 55 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1968
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Lawrence

Learn Lawrence’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    40%

    55 years

  2. Child custody
    25%

  3. Family
    25%
    Our firm handles complex litigation inclusive of interstate and international family law. This involves assets, child matters, spousal support and jurisdiction. We also handle Hague child abduction cases and a significant percentage of all reported cases are from this firm.

    55 years, 2,000 cases

  4. International law
    10%

AGGRESSIVELY PROTECTING CLIENTS AND THEIR ASSETS

FLORIDA ATTORNEY GETS RESULTS IN FAMILY LAW CASES
Lawrence S. Katz is a Fellow in The International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL)[1]. As a top-rated Miami divorce lawyer, he focuses his practice on family law, complex jurisdictional issues, interstate and international family law as well as child abduction. He has successfully practiced law for many years.

In 2010, the U.S. Chapter of the IAFL established the Bill Hilton Memorial Award for Exceptional Contributions to International Family Law. A Fellow cannot apply and it is not an annual award. The first time it was given was in June 2014 and Mr. Katz was a recipient. This is the highest and only such award given by the U.S. Chapter of the IAFL.

He has been counsel of record, mentored or consulted in over 300 Hague Convention and child abduction cases. Mr. Katz was the first and in the majority of cases, the only U.S. attorney to recover children from: Turkey, (non-Hague) Iran, Saudi Arabia and Japan (using “Special Family Circumstances”) as well as to return children to Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Russia and Trinidad. Mr. Katz also conducted the first mediation in a Hague case in a pilot program for NCMEC and the U.S. Dept. of State in November 2005.

Mr. Katz has lectured and published on international relocation for the ABA, a portion of the article was quoted by the Georgia S. Ct. in Sahibzada v. Sahibzada, 2014 Ga. LEXIS 219 (S.Ct. Ga. 2014). He has successfully represented clients in international relocation cases and responsible for drafting the relevant portions of the agreement and final decrees with respect to relocation, jurisdiction, homologation and enforcement. He has litigated international relocation cases: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. In 2013 he testified as an expert and prepared provisions of the final judgment (7 pages) permitting a mother to relocate to Argentina with her two minor children. In 2013, he was co-counsel in relocation from the U.K. to Florida. He has drafted proposed language that has been utilized by foreign courts for custody, residency, relocation and Hague orders.

Mr. Katz has testified on numerous occasions as an expert witness in international matters especially concerning The Hague Abduction Convention, relocation, abduction factors/profiles, preventive measures, drafting and enforcement of court orders. In July 2013-present, his testimony resulted in orders that prevented travel of children to Argentina, Brazil, Peru and Japan. He has been requested by various courts to draft provisions of orders or decrees. In addition, he is retained as counsel, co-counsel or an expert for: complex jurisdictional cases; drafting provisions of agreements, court orders, judgments; international abduction cases, preventive measures, travel, and international or interstate relocations.

[1] “The IAFL is a worldwide association of practicing lawyers who are recognized by their peers as the most experienced and expert family law specialists in their respective countries”

Contact Lawrence

Lawrence Sheldon Katz
Lawrence S Katz P A
9130 S Dadeland Blvd Ste 1511
Miami, FL, 331567851

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  22 customer reviews
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Posted by Elena K. | May 23, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best lawyer in the world Lawrence Katz!
The best lawyer in the world!!! I'm happy. Thanks to him, I won the lawsuit. A smart , intelligent , polite lawyer .
Posted by anonymous | September 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
International Custody Lawyer
When I do something I try to do it the right way. I had a somewhat complicated situation with my son as his mom was living with a domestic abuser and I believe that my son was being severely affected by this abuse. I first consulted with Larry because I had moved out of Miami to determine what was required and I got great advice so when we had court again Larry got my case dismissed Nd every lawyer I interviewed never mentioned that. They only mentioned worse case scenarios but I am a realist and I know of course anything is possible. Larry got my case dismissed! Yep that’s right it was basically thrown out. Sometimes judges do not follow rule of civil procedure and the law in general. You need a lawyer that’s been there done that. Larry’s that guy!
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Posted by Vivian | December 16, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Consultation regarding Domestication of Foreign Divorce Decree
Attorney Katz has a keen sense for understanding the overall situation and immediately formulating an action plan. He is direct, succinct and effective. I highly recommend Attorney Katz for his experience, integrity and results!
Posted by Georgette | August 18, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Job!!
Mr. Katz is the best lawyer in Miami area. Very knowledgeable and experienced. We had a difficult case and he delivered impressive result. His assistant Fanny it is a great asset to that office as well.
Posted by anonymous | August 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Complicated International case
My case was a complex one and Mr. Katz provided me with a course of action that led to a favorable outcome. He is clearly knowledgeable and experienced but he is also very prompt. He is always available to answer questions via email, Skype or phone. As an overseas client this was very important to me. I would definitely recommend Mr. Katz especially for international cases.
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Posted by Serge | July 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hague Abduction case
My case was long and highly complicated, and I am very glad that Mr. Katz represented me in this case. I found him extremely professional, knowledgeable and active. When you find yourself in a situation in which you have never been before, it is very easy to get confused and to make mistakes, so it is important to have near you an experienced professional that will help you and guide through the process. Lawrence one of these professionals. He is an experienced lawyer who cares about the result of the case.
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Posted by Pedro | July 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Superb!!!! Amazing results and a definite referral!!
What can I say besides this is the best lawyer in town. I had numerous consultations before hiring Mr. Katz and I am sure glad that I picked him. I hired Mr. Katz for my complex divorce case. I was dealing with marital properties, alimony, businesses, child support and of course time-sharing with my children. Mr. Katz's worked and fought hard to get me the best results, some of which I never expected and most importantly, he was able to get me a time-sharing schedule so that I can be in my children's lives, instead of a every other weekend father. This case was really really complex and but he sure knew how to handle every bit of it. What I like most about Mr. Katz is that he didn't give me false hopes. Everything that was said to me by him was the hardcore truth and the reality of life. Nothing was sugar coated. I am VERY VERY happy that I hired him to tackle this case and I encourage others to consult with Mr. Katz if they want the honest truth. Thanks again Larry for all your hard work and dedication!
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Posted by MARIA | January 2, 2015
Child abduction, Hague case
This was a very difficult case, with a lot of information, with several files in Mexico´s courts, and lots of false accusations against my father. Larry Katz was able to present to the judge the truth about my sister´s abduction. He knows very well the law and he is an experienced lawyer.
Posted by anonymous | December 26, 2014
The kind of person you need on your side
This is the kind of person you need if there are any complications that could arise in your case. He has years of experience and has dealt with almost any situation that could occur. After I retired I needed to reduce my alimony because I had substantial reduction in income. I tried to negotiate directly with my former spouse to avoid legal fees but, I could not finalize a reasonable agreement with her. I was very concerned that my ex-wife would hire an over aggressive attorney if I went to court. I went to see Mr. Katz for a consultation and then retained him to represent me. I found him to be a very good listener and he was also able to explain things in a realistic way so that you could understand your rights but not have unrealistic expectations. He was able reach an agreement with my ex-wife to terminate my alimony without a court fight. I felt very relieved after this was resolved and was very pleased with the result. I highly recommend him.
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Posted by sebastien | December 21, 2014
sebastien s and his son back to France
I felt so great and secure with Mr Katz representing my case. Any questions I had, he would answer in less than 24 hours. He has great connections in France to transfer or translate any legal Documents Mr. Katz is of course extremly knowledgable but very efficient. I would strongly recommend Mr Katz for any international cases. Allow me. Sebastien
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Posted by anonymous | December 19, 2014
Subjet: Hague Convention-Abduction in Ukraine
Mr. Katz has been the key in solving the case of the abduction of my son perpetrated by my ex wife. I had previously used the services of four attorneys but neither of them could find and implement any strategy for locating and returning him to me. I was desperate after almost one year without knowing where he was. Since I met Mr. Katz I have been impressed with his knowledge and experience about international abduction cases. I want to express that after my four previous experiences I was pretty skeptical about lawyers reassurance on the solution of my case. Mr. Katz has been very sincere and he didn’t hide the difficulties in front of us. First of all he had to correct mistakes from my former attorney and after his strategy brought me back my son. My son was in another country and during this process Mr. Katz experience has been the guide for my Canadian Lawyers and in a week my son was finally in the USA. Back in the US we have been subjected to a very unethical and litigious lawyer representing my ex-wife but we have been able to stay within the course and he has obtained custody for me plus we got plenty of abduction prevention measures. This one has been an extremely long and complex case and Mr. Katz handled with such a great professionalism that rarely I have seen. I felt that he cares about what he does and he does it well. I hope my review can help someone else in a desperate situation like I was.
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Posted by anonymous | December 19, 2014
Excellence has no value
I was beside myself when my husband filed for divorce and wanted to take everything (since he claimed he had worked so hard for it). I just knew that there was something that could be done. It could not have been the end of my marriage and life and I was going to walk away with nothing. Impossible!! Then I met with Larry Katz. I was beyond amazed with the issues that were resolved in my case. Alimony, possession of the house and child support. He gave me hope and definitely a life after divorce. I couldn't have accomplished anything if it wasn't for him. I owe him my life. With my eyes closed I would hire him and definitely refer him to everyone that I know.
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Posted by anonymous | December 18, 2014
Simply the best
I am extremely grateful to have had Larry represent me. In International Family Law I would say he has few, if any, equals. Larry is a quick, lateral thinker with a wealth of knowledge who works tirelessly for his clients. Ours was a particularly complex and unique case where all those qualities were put to good use and the result was a positive outcome for us. In a stressful situation like that it was very comforting to have a lawyer to lean on and I really can't recommend him highly enough.
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Posted by Tara | December 10, 2014
Child Abduction In Istanbul, Turkey
My name is Tara L Christie and my son who was born in America, a United States Citizen and had an American Passport was abducted by his father who is Turkish and living in Istanbul, Turkey. My son and were residing in Turkey for our son to attend and receive International education only and never gave up our permanent residency in Miami, Florida as Ali's attendance for school was for a specific period of time. I had a court ordered and adopted agreement in the USA. The agreement specifically stated and had jurisdictional language in our agreement that it was for a specific time period and we never relinquished residency in the USA. On the summer of 2014 when my son's summertime share with his father in Istanbul, Turkey was finished and my son was to return home to the USA; Miami, Florida I was sent by the father and his attorney Kate Hamilton that he was not returning my son as per our USA court ordered and adopted agreement. My son who is an American Citizen and had an American Passport, which the father's attorney knew was abducted by his father and I had no idea when I would see my son again. Had it not been for Lawerence Katz who immediately filed a Hauge Convention Child Abduction Motion, as well as had experience in child abduction and more importantly International child abduction with his vast knowledge, contacts and prior experience I do not know when or if I would have seen my son again, as his father had obtained an illegal hold on my son's American Passport and the Turkish govt had allowed this. Within weeks after retaining Mr. Katz my son was returned to me. safe and sound. I would highly recommend Mr. Katz as his swift action lead to my son being returned to me. My gratitude is boundless for this man. There is no better attorney for this!!!!!!!
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Posted by Manjit | November 15, 2013
The best lawyer ever! Someone that really care for you : )
This lawyer is excellente, charismatic, professional, and cares about the customer. I gave a case to him that it was impossible to solve, and he did solved the problem like it was very simple. He was always in touch and answering all my questions, either by phone or by email.
Posted by Margarita | February 1, 2013
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST FOR INTERNATIONAL CHILD ABDUCTION CASES
Mr. Katz helped me to bring my daughter back from Istanbul, Turkey. When all hope was gone, and I truly thought I would not see my child again, I was introduced to this brilliant attorney. It was a Miracle to have my daughter back with me in the United States. I highly recommend him to anyone with a divorce, child custody, or international abduction case. Thank you Mr. Katz on behalf of myself and my daughter. You are quite simply the Best.
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Posted by Joanne | October 22, 2012
The best choice for international parental abduction cases
I found Larry after extensive research at a very difficult time after my children were kept by their father during visitation in another country. He knew the law in this country-- and in the other country as well. He was professional and considerate. My children and I will forever be grateful for his help.
Posted by Michelle Colon | September 28, 2012
Highly Recommend!
Currently helping me with child support enforcement, Mr. Katz has proven that his experience and knowledge are priceless. He has maintained an open line of communication with me and always explains what to expect. Mr. Katz has provided me with a sense of relief which previous lawyers have failed to do. To recommend him would be an understatement. He is by far one of the best in South Florida.
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Posted by anonymous | September 27, 2012
Great Lawyer
Mr. Katz is one of the most knowledgeable matrimonial lawyers in the State of Florida and one of the most knowledgeable Hague Convention lawyers in the country. He is scrupulously honest and ethical, and also a respected trial advocate in state and federal courts. I have recommended him to clients and I have hired him to represent me.
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Posted by Julio | September 26, 2012
Highly recommended!
I would like to express my gratitude towards Mr. Katz, for representing a close family member recently. We have often talked about the possibility that she could have served in excess of a 10 year sentence, and now she is a free woman. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for being able to present the case to the judge the way you did and have her understand that she is not a criminal and that it was a case of bad judgment. Thank you for having gotten her off on time served. Thank you for having had the patients with me and all my dumb questions. I see you as a passionate person, extremely professional and without a doubt one of the very best in your craft. I am very pleased that we put our lives and our future in your hands and things could not have tuned out any better than they did. I would give you the highest recommendations as legal representative.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Sole Practitioner
  • Lawrence S. Katz, P.A.
  • 1977 - Present

Education

  • University of Miami School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1968
  • University of Miami
  • BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
  • 1965

Legal Cases

  • Sarpel v. Eflanli
  • Jurisdiction was upheld for Florida.
  • Dyce v. Christie
  • Case won and child returned.
  • Hanley v. Roy
  • Case won and children returned.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Member of Board of Managers
  • 2007 - Present
  • International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Chairman of Committee on Hague Conventions
  • 2007 - Present
  • First Family Law American Inn of Court
  • President
  • 2009 - 2010
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Vice Chairman Domestic Violence Committee
  • 2009 - 2011
  • American Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Chairman of Committee on International Law
  • 2007 - 2009
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • U.S. Department of State
  • 2014
  • William Hilton Memorial Award
  • U.S. Chapter of IAML
  • 2013
  • Award of Merit
  • National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
  • 2010
  • Recognition of Service as President
  • The First Family Law American Inns of Court
  • 2010
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • U. S. Department of State
  • 2010
View all awards

Publications

  • ABA Family Advocate
  • When the ? Involves an International Move, The Answer May Lie in Retaining U.S. Jurisdiction
  • 2006

Speaking Engagements

  • Lunch and Learn Seminar
  • 1980 Hague Convention
  • 2011
  • IAML Annual Meeting
  • Case Study: Application to Remove a Child From the Jurisdiction
  • 2011
  • U.S. Chapter of the IAML Annual Meeting
  • Alternative to the Hague by Returning Kids Home and Making the Abductor Pay Through the UCCJEA
  • 2011
  • ABA Section of International Law, Fall CLE Conference
  • Mediating International Child Abduction Cases and Other High Conflict Cross Border Custody Disputes
  • 2009
  • Florida College of Advanced Judicial Studies
  • Transnational Families: Where International Law and Family Law Intersect
  • 2009
  • 46th Annual Conference
  • Moving from Kansas to Oz: Competing Paradigms and Practical Issues in International Child Custody Relocation Cases
  • 2009
  • Spring CLE Conference
  • From Ferreting to Fetching: How to Find, Freeze and Retrieve Marital Assets HIdden Abroad
  • 2009
  • Cross Border Family Mediation
  • Cross Border Family Mediation with an Emphasis on the 1980 Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
  • 2008
  • CLE Seminar
  • Abduction Factors and Fla. Stat. 61.45 as it Concerns International Visitation and Child Custody
  • 2006
  • Twelfth Annual Nuts and Bolts of Divorce
  • Economic Injunctions/Freeze Orders Domestic and Foreign
  • 2005
  • Children's Records Law in Florida
  • Records and the Abducted Child
  • 2001
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (7)
Given (4)
Endorse Lawrence
Family Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Larry is a zealous advocate for his clients. He is straight forward in his dealings with other lawyers and well respected by the family court judiciary. He is professional and works very hard representing his clients in a very difficult area of law. I highly recommend and endorse this attorney."
Family Attorney | Sep 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Sep 20
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Larry is one of the best lawyers in the international family law field. He is highly skilled, knowledgeable, ethical and always mindful of his clients' best interests."
Family Attorney | May 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Lawrence. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Child custody Attorney | May 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with Larry on several international children's issue matters. I highly endorse this Larry."
Family Attorney | Sep 24
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Larry and I have worked on several matters together and he is among the most widely respected lawyers in both state and federal custody and dissolution matters. Larry lectures both in this country and internationally on these matters and several of the leading cases in this district were argued by Larry at the higher court level. I've seen judges refer to his teaching materials when researching legal issues."
Family Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Lawrence Katz for many years. We have been co-counsel well as opposing counsel. He is the best qualified lawyer I know regarding matters of international family law, international relocation cases and child abduction cases. He has returned over two dozen children to their homes. He has enjoyed tremendous esteem internationally for his accomplishments and I am proud to have him as a colleague and a friend."
View more endorsements
Miami Divorce and separation Lawyer Lawrence Sheldon Katz
Lawrence Sheldon Katz
Divorce and separation Attorney
Miami, FL
Licensed for 55 years
Virtual consultation available