Margherita R. Downey

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.  :-)