Margherita R. Downey

Margherita R. Downey

5.0
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 28 years

Family Lawyer at Delray Beach, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense, General Practice ... +3 more

138 N. Swinton Avenue, Suite A, Delray Beach, FL

About Margherita

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Family 60%

Divorce, Children Issues, Contempt, Relocation, Family transition and conflict

26 years

60%
Criminal Defense 10%

Domestic Violence Claims and Defense, Protective injunction Hearings

10%
General Practice 10%

Arbitrator, Mediation

10%
Litigation 10%

Trials, Hearings

10%
Animal Law 5%

Legislation for the protection of animals.

5%
Appeals 5%

State Court

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 350-400 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 28 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1997

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 25 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2000

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Margherita R. Downey

138 N. Swinton Avenue, Suite A, Delray Beach, FL, 33444

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Margherita R. Downey's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

24 Client Reviews

5 star (24)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | April 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Godsend!

Earlier this year, I contacted Ms. Downey for help with a family situation involving my dog. I had spent a whole week calling lawyer after lawyer, and due to the nature of the case and the fact I knew nothing about legal proceedings, I was pretty overwhelmed. Finally, I was referred to Ms. Downey, an...d I was immediately blown away by her compassion, in-depth knowledge, and proactivity. I talked to her for almost an hour, and she could not have been kinder or more understanding. We were able to "resolve" the situation in a timely manner, and she would check in afterwards to see if I had any updates. When the same situation was escalated a few months later, Ms. Downey came to the rescue once again. I truly cannot say enough good things about Ms. Downey. She's professional, diligent, and never leaves you in the dark. Importantly for me and my case, she is also a lover of animals. When I was initially searching for lawyers, I got the sense that many of them didn't really "get" it, but Ms. Downey had no problem seeing just how much my dog meant to me. She possesses a high degree of emotional intelligence, and that is, in my opinion, the core of what makes someone a good lawyer. My case wasn't flashy, and the stakes were high only to me. Regardless, Ms. Downey took all of my concerns seriously, and I knew with certainty that she cared about my dog and me. We are so lucky to have found such a wonderful person and lawyer, and I will recommend Ms. Downey to anyone who needs representation in family or animal law.

Posted by John | March 23, 2023 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Passionately direct

I am not even a paying client of Margherita. I called her for a telephone consultation. She listened to my quick 2 minute overview of my legal needs, and she immediately jumped in with legal advice and guidance for my situation. I have consulted with numerous other lawyers for my situation (to fin...d the right lawyer for my needs). Margherita was leaps and bounds more vested and passionate about my case than anyone else I've spoken to (reminder, I haven't paid her $1). I greatly appreciated her caring about ME, my concerns and my priorities for my legal situation, even in the one phone consultation call we had.

Posted by Angie | February 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

ABSOLUTELY THE BEST !!

Margherita is beyond 5 stars !! She is extremely intelligent and knowledgeable . She Fights for her client’s rights and believes in justice for her clients and their families . She is caring, dedicated , trustworthy and goes above and beyond expectations !!

Posted by vanessa | July 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Compassionate and Dedicated

Margherita was assigned to my case by the legal aid society of Palm Beach for a domestic violence case involved in my minor child. The case was complicated as it involved two counties and was being dragged on by the defending parties. Margherita is compassionate, knowledgeable and able to navigate t...he complexities of this case successfully winning each petition to protect my child. She is poised, well respected by judges in both counties and continues to advocate for us against all odds. She is a blessing, and has given us hope that Justice will be served. She continues to work tirelessly for us in spite of the delays and venue change. Our family remains grateful for her continued dedication Margherita has gone over and beyond what is expected of her.

Margherita Downey

Replied last July 28, 2022

Thank you Vanessa. We have more to do.

Posted by Gerald | November 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Family/Hired attorney

I met Ms. Downey through my primary divorce attorney 10 years ago when he was not able to be present at a hearing due to his schedule. I was impressed by her performance and knowledge during that hearing. 6 years ago the Respondent reopened the divorce case and this time I hired Ms. Downey. She was v...ery professional and compassionate. What impressed me most before even I hired her she made a phone call to stop the release of an important document that the Respondent attorney subpoenaed. she answered all my questions and advised me accordingly. She knows her stuff and she was willing to do the extra miles on my behalf because she is a loving and caring person. My case was very complex but because of her knowledge I becomes victorious in some many ways. Believe me she is YOUR GO-TO FAMILY ATTORNEY/DIVORCE and you will not regret.

See All Client Reviews

Margherita R. Downey's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Margherita
Wayne L Morrow headshot
Wayne Morrow

Family lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Margherita Downey is an exceptionally well-qualified client-devoted advocate. Her work in both the trial and appellate courts has reaped outstanding results for her clients. Her diverse legal background stands her in good stead in both criminal and family law matters. Her honest, thought provoking answers on Avvo evidence a respect for both the intelligence and the dilemmas our client population encounters. I endorse this lawyer without reservation. WM"

Nicole K. Levy headshot
Nicole Levy

Appeals lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this attorney, whose reputation and credentials speak for themselves."

Amber Dawn Ayres headshot
Amber Ayres

Family lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ms. Downey is committed to offering clear and concise legal advice and making sure that people get the guidance that they need to navigate legal issues."

Evan W Turk headshot
Evan Turk

Family lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She is dedicated to justice."

Barbara Ann Cossu headshot
Barbara Cossu

Family lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer.. She gives her clients legal advice and well as counsels her clients, which is what is needed in family law."

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Downey is an outstanding attorney whom I highly recommend."

View All Endorsements
Wayne L Morrow headshot
Wayne Morrow

Family lawyer

Amber Dawn Ayres headshot
Amber Ayres

Family lawyer

Evan W Turk headshot
Evan Turk

Family lawyer

Rebecca A. Seibert headshot
Rebecca Seibert

Family lawyer

David Littman headshot
David Littman

Divorce and separation lawyer

Debra Joan Cheatham Reece headshot
Debra Reece

Criminal defense lawyer

Latasha Vinson Barnes headshot
Latasha Barnes

Criminal defense lawyer

Douglas Todd Cohen headshot
Douglas Cohen

Domestic violence lawyer

Howard M Lewis headshot
Howard Lewis

Family lawyer

Barbara Ann Cossu headshot
Barbara Cossu

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Honors

2012

Pro Bono Attorney Award, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County

2011

Pro Bono Attorney Award, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County

2009

Pro Bono Attorney Award, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County

2007

Exceptional Pro Bono Service, Supreme Court of Florida & Florida Bar Pro Bono Coordinators collaborating PBC Legal Aid Society

2001

Outstanding Service & Professionalism Award, American Inns of Court Barnard Chapter, PBC

2000

PBC Pro Bono Attorney of the Month for February 2000, Legal Aid Society & Florida Bar Pro Bono Coordinators

1996

Moot Court Best Brief Award, Shephard Broad Law School, Nova S.E. University

1995

Book Award, Badge & Gavel Club

1994

Foster Parent Service Award, State of Florida

1978

Scholarship Outstanding Young Woman in PBC, Soroptomist International Club of Palm Beaches

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Partner, Law Office of Margheita Downey LLC

2009 - 2020

Volunteer Judge, "Teen Court" 15th Judicial Circuit & PBC School Board

2004 - 2006

Associate Attorney, Glantz & Glantz P.A. (Prepaid Legal Services Provider)

2000 - 2003

Assistant Public Defender, Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office

1997 - 2000

Of Counsel, Law Office of F. Lee Bailey

1989 - 1997

Reserve Officer, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

1981 - 1985

State Trooper, Florida Highway Patrol, D.H.S.M.V.

Associations

2008 - Present

Qualified Arbitrator

Arbitrator

2006 - Present

Florida Supreme Court

Certified Mediator

2000 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

Inactive Associate

1998 - Present

Certified Attorney Ad Litem

Attorney Ad Litem

1997 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

2011 - 2020

Florida Bar, Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration Committee

Member

2010 - 2013

City of Delray Beach Neighborhood Advisory Council

Member

2009 - 2020

Youth Court Volunteer Judge - 15th Judicial Circuit, P.B.C.

Volunteer

2009 - 2010

Florida Bar Domestic Violence Committee

Member

2003 - 2012

Children's Rights Council of Florida, Inc.

President

2001 - 2002

Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Secretary

2001 - 2004

Palm Beach County Bar Assn, Special Needs of Children Committee

Member

2000 - 2001

Craig S. Barnard American Inns of Court

Secretary

1996 - 2002

Craig S. Barnard American Inns of Court

Member

1991 - 1997

15th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad Litem

Volunteer GAL

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Florida v. Ted B.

A Jury found my Client Not-Guilty of Domestic Violence.

State of Florida v. Russell M.

Not-Guilty DWI Jury Verdict for my innocent Client.

Jane Doe v. John Doe

The Judge dismissed the Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence entered against my innocent Client.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1999

Palm Beach Flight Training

FAA Airman License

1996

Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

University of Florida Law School Abroad

Participant

1985

Florida Atlantic University

MA - Masters

1980

Barry University

Bachelor of Science

1978

Miami Dade Community College

A.A.

Speaking Engagements

2012

Young Republican Club

Meet the Candidates

2012

Women's Chamber of Commerce

Meet the Candidates

2012

Voter's Coalition

Meet the Candidates

2012

South Florida Tea Party

Meet & Greet

2012

South End Neighborhood Association

Meet & Greet

2012

South County Democratic Club

Meet & Greet

2012

Palm Beach County Bar Association

Judicial Race

2012

National Organization of Women

Meet & Greet

2012

Florida Voters Guide

Circuit Court Meet & Greet

2012

Acreage Landowners Association

Meet & Greet

Publications

2022

Florida Southern Third Bentrim v. Bentrim

2001

Florida Southern Second Reporter Sobel v. Sobel

1999

Federal 2nd Reporter U.S. v. Golding

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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