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My goal in Family Law is to encourage settlement; in divorce, custody, support. I also handle Domestic Violence cases. I have worn many hats in the Justice system on both sides: Law Enforcement Officer and Public Defender. I joined the profession to make a difference. It is my "calling". I am a passionate advocate having walked this path. The legal "process" is often a confusing and painful journey. And the Law is a different language to the people we serve. Thus, I treat my clients as "partners" since it is their case, their life, their children. I love Justice so I will stand against the unjust knowing "If good people are silent, evil thrives."
I was privileged to begin my career working with a famous Criminal Defense Lawyer. And in 2014, I also began volunteering as a Youth Court Judge in Palm Beach County's Juvenile - Pretrial Diversion program. I am currently a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and Qualified Florida Arbitrator. My small boutique Lawfirm in Delray Beach, Florida allows me to pass on savings to clients. A wise Law school Professor preached: 'If you give your client 100%, he/she will refer others.' It is true; my clients refer others.
As an Animal Advocate, in April/May 2020 the Florida Bar Journal published my Article on the need to protect our "pets" victimized in Domestic violence cases. On July 1, 2020, the Governor amended Florida Statutes adding protection of our beloved "pets" in ALL No Contact Injunctions. I wrote another Article published in the September 2022 Bar Journal: "America's Unifying Banner: Erasing Animal Cruelty" seeking adoption and expansion of a Connecticut law to add volunteer voices "Guardians" in Criminal animal abuse cases. This is my current focus. Thank you for reading my profile and please support protecting animals in our Country. :-)
6
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Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
$ 350-400 per hour
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Chat withState: Florida
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
138 N. Swinton Avenue, Suite A, Delray Beach, FL, 33444
Showing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney
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...
Posted by John | March 23, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
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...
Posted by Angie | February 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney
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
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...
Thank you Vanessa. We have more to do.
Posted by Gerald | November 21, 2021 | 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...
"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"
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer.. She gives her clients legal advice and well as counsels her clients, which is what is needed in family law."
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Divorce and separation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Domestic violence lawyer
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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
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.
2008 - Present
Qualified ArbitratorArbitrator
2006 - Present
Florida Supreme CourtCertified Mediator
2000 - Present
District of Columbia BarInactive Associate
1998 - Present
Certified Attorney Ad LitemAttorney Ad Litem
1997 - Present
Florida BarMember
2011 - 2020
Florida Bar, Grievance Mediation & Fee Arbitration CommitteeMember
2010 - 2013
City of Delray Beach Neighborhood Advisory CouncilMember
2009 - 2020
Youth Court Volunteer Judge - 15th Judicial Circuit, P.B.C.Volunteer
2009 - 2010
Florida Bar Domestic Violence CommitteeMember
2003 - 2012
Children's Rights Council of Florida, Inc.President
2001 - 2002
Palm Beach County Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationSecretary
2001 - 2004
Palm Beach County Bar Assn, Special Needs of Children CommitteeMember
2000 - 2001
Craig S. Barnard American Inns of CourtSecretary
1996 - 2002
Craig S. Barnard American Inns of CourtMember
1991 - 1997
15th Judicial Circuit Guardian Ad LitemVolunteer GAL
A Jury found my Client Not-Guilty of Domestic Violence.
Not-Guilty DWI Jury Verdict for my innocent Client.
The Judge dismissed the Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence entered against my innocent Client.
1999
FAA Airman License
1996
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
Participant
1985
MA - Masters
1980
Bachelor of Science
1978
A.A.
2012
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2022
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2020
2001
1999
English
Legal Answers
My baby is with my wife. I am sending child support amount and stuff for my baby. Can my ex wife still file for a child support?
30 Jun 2021
Is it harassment if I reach out to my childrens father about seeing them?
30 Jun 2021
Can a attorney go to court on your behalf without notifying you?
30 Jun 2021