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Margherita R. Downey
About Margherita
Biography
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. :-)
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 350-400 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 29 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 25 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2000
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
24 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Divorce & Separation
Posted by Gerald | November 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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...
Posted by anonymous | May 20, 2020 | Divorce & Separation
Positive reveiw
Margherita Downey is a very professional yet compassionate lawyer. She was very thoughtful with all her answers to my queastions. Everything was explained in detail and easily understood. She took the time that I needed to answer all my questions. Ms Downey offered options for her advice which helpe...
Posted by Francie | October 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Divorce
Ms. Downey helped me with my divorce. She was very helpful and patient through the whole process. She helped me get everything I needed from the divorce and still continues to help me with the child support/alimony payments. I would highly recommend her!
Margherita Downey
Replied last October 24, 2019Thank you Francie.
Posted by Mary | July 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Excellent Attorney
Attorney Downey is by far the best attorney I have ever encountered. She is very passionate about her work and will always give you and your case 100+% of her time. Several years ago, I had a very difficult divorce and she was always there for me professionally as well as supportive of me during my...
Margherita Downey
Replied last July 06, 2017Mary' is the dedicated and nurturing parent who put her son first and made all efforts to encourage a loving relationship with the child's father. All the best.
Posted by Lou Jannacone | July 06, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Divorce Case
I was very impressed when I hired Marguerita Downey. She was was very professional with me, organized and well versed in family law. She was very honest in terms of bringing my case to a satisfactory conclusion and not dragging it out as other lawyers would. I recommend her highly to anyone going thr...
Margherita Downey
Replied last July 06, 2017Lou is one of my most memorable and honest clients; a gentleman and a professional. Because of his character and personality, we have remained friends after his case completed. Thank you Lou.
Margherita R. Downey's Lawyer Endorsements
"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"
"I endorse this attorney, whose reputation and credentials speak for themselves."
"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 is dedicated to justice."
"I endorse this lawyer.. She gives her clients legal advice and well as counsels her clients, which is what is needed in family law."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Downey is an outstanding attorney whom I highly recommend."
Wayne Morrow
Family lawyer
Amber Ayres
Family lawyer
Evan Turk
Family lawyer
Rebecca Seibert
Family lawyer
David Littman
Divorce and separation lawyer
Debra Reece
Criminal defense lawyer
Latasha Barnes
Criminal defense lawyer
Douglas Cohen
Domestic violence lawyer
Howard Lewis
Family lawyer
Barbara Cossu
Family lawyer
Experience
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 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
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.
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
2022
The Florida Bar Journal
America's Unifying Banner: Eracing Animal Cruelty
2020
2001
Florida Southern Second Reporter
Sobel v. Sobel
1999
Federal 2nd Reporter
U.S. v. Golding
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
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
Q&A
Is it harassment if I reach out to my childrens father about seeing them?
30 Jun 2021
Q&A
Can a attorney go to court on your behalf without notifying you?
30 Jun 2021