Benjamin Charles Older

Benjamin Charles Older

also known as Ben Older

4.8
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 23 years

Family Lawyer at Tampa, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody ... +2 more

1000 West Cass Street, Tampa, FL

About Benjamin

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Family 40%

Dissolving a marriage Establishing paternity over a child whose parents are not married Establishing parental responsibility, parenting plans and timesharing schedules for minor children Establishing and modifying alimony and child support Dividing assets and liabilities Seeking attorney’s fees and costs from the other party to cover the expense of litigation Prosecuting and defending civil domestic violence injunctions Negotiating and drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements

24 years

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 175-400 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 23 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2002

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Older Lundy Alvarez & Koch

1000 West Cass Street, Tampa, FL, 33606

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Benjamin Charles Older's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

20 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (20) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 20 reviews

Posted by Karen | June 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce is awful

- [ ] As I’m sure it is for many, filing for divorce was one of the hardest decisions of my life. It was not an easy decision and the situation I found myself in was something I could never have imagined and one that not many people could relate to. When I made the decision to file, I began researchi...ng law firms and even met with 4 different firms. Each of those 4 different meetings left me feeling confused, scared and second guessing my decision to file. It felt as if no one would understand or be able to relate. Eventually I had a friend recommend I meet with Ben Older. Meeting with and working with Ben and his paralegal Desereah allowed me to breathe. I could breathe and I could focus on myself and my kids knowing that I had an amazing team in my corner. They care but are also realistic and patient. There is a lot of hurt, confusion and uncertainty with divorce, but I am certain I made the best decision possible when choosing to work with Ben and Desereah.

Posted by Amanda | June 05, 2017

Realtor

Ben Older was a consummate professional. He has the experience and his staff are top notch. I will recommend him to all of my friends and clients. I would highly recommend Ben and his team to anyone needing an attorney.

Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2015 | Child Custody

Proactive, ethical and assertive

My son needed a lawyer to represent him during a custody case. His problem was jurisdiction (state) and time (everything was moving VERY fast). Once Ben was retained, he quickly addressed the issue with jurisdiction and prepared us for a hearing. He and his amazing staff answered all our questions,... efficiently prepared paperwork, and Ben personally located the perfect lawyer for us in the other state. He ensured the lawyer had all documentation, understood the specifics of the case, the differences in state law, and any other nuances that could affect the outcome. He is knowledgeable, dedicated to his clients, and has a presence that dominates in the court room.

Posted by anonymous | June 30, 2015

Tenacious and assertive but equally practical

Ben is intelligent, strategic, and tenacious, but also, importantly, practical. If he can practically guide you to a solution, he will do so, even if it means less work (fees) for him. He can be a shark and a formidable opponent if he needs to be, but will do so only when it is called for and not if ...a solution can be had otherwise. I highly recommend Ben.

Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2015 | Family

Stop your search immediately! You found him!

Ben Older is hands down the best lawyer that exists. Do not look around, waste your time, or wait another minute to hire him if you have a legal fight on your hands. Ben is not only the absolute best but he surrounds himself with an incredible team. I am not using these adjectives loosely, I mean the...m to be as literal as you can accept. I cannot say enough about this man but I will do my best here… I’m going on six years working with Ben. Roughly one year of that was before I hired him and we exchanged any monies. Ben ultimately saved my family and put me in a position to raise and protect my children a couple years ago. The legal system however allows for many levels of risk when it comes to rights and dangerous people. As things started to go from bad to worse in relation to those levels of risk I referred to, I started to get calls from Ben hours or sometimes days after earlier discussions. Ie: 10pm call comes in from Ben, “I was thinking about X last night and I think X”. What this illustrates is the level of personal dedication Ben chooses when it comes to justice, right and wrong, and protecting his clients/families. Being a client to a good attorney makes you basically always feel self-centered because every conversation is about your problem. Yes, this is what you pay attorneys for but when Ben is by your side, it’s hard not to feel guilty because he gives you everything he has in the tank. I truly admire the man and cannot fathom how he does what he does in such spectacular fashion and still has time for his own life… I’ve never met a more honest, sincere, capable, empathetic and capable (Said twice with intention) person working in any part of our legal system, let alone a lawyer. I can honestly say the only people that come close are Ben’s colleagues. If I could give 50 stars to this review I would. There are not better hands to place your family in than Ben’s when it comes to family law. For your children, for your future, for your family and/or whatever legal needs you have, I implore you, hire Ben Older.

See All Client Reviews

Benjamin Charles Older's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Benjamin
Scott Alan Anthony Haas headshot
Scott Haas

Family lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Ben. I have known Ben for a long time, well prior to the both of us becoming attorneys. He has always been straightforward and focused, and he understands people."

Mindi Beth Lasley headshot
Mindi Lasley

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Older is one of the founders of one of the most prestigious family law and divorce law firms in the Tampa Bay area. Mr. Older zealously and tirelessly fights for his clients and provides his clients with representation rarely seen in the legal community. He is extremely knowledgeable, aware of the new laws before months before most attorneys do, and is extremely strategic. He is also ethical. He is honest, he doesn't bill clients more than necessary, and he is well worth his hourly rate. Every attorney in town cringes when he/she has a case against him as he fights so hard for his clients' interests and is absolutely exhausting to work against him. He literally finds time to work until late at night. I highly endorse Mr. Older for all family law cases, especially for high end divorce cases given his impeccable understanding of the division of assets, alimony, and fighting for the best interest for your child."

Jessica Meredith Felix headshot
Jessica Felix

Family lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"I highly recommend Ben Older. He is a knowledgeable, creative and fierce advocate for his clients. His client's needs are his top priority- whether he is battling in court or negotiating at the mediation table."

Matthew Lee Felix headshot
Matthew Felix

Family lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Ben is fearless and compassionate. Ben’s relentless pursuit of a fair and equitable settlement is one of his defining characteristics as an attorney. Ben’s ability to get to the heart of an issue is a skill that has served him and his client’s well."

Karen Lee Middlekauff headshot
Karen Middlekauff

Family lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Of all that Ben has taught me in working for him, perhaps what I have found most impressive is his ability to formulate strategy on the spot. Ben knows exactly how to present a case thoughtfully, based on his assessment of his "audience" - and his assessment in my experience has always been right, to the benefit of his clients."

Neil C Spector headshot
Neil Spector

Family lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have referred many people to Ben, he and his colleagues are experienced and hard-working lawyers with compassion."

Marshall C Deason Jr. headshot
Marshall Deason

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ben Older for more than 10 years. He is a successful and well-respected lawyer. I recommend him for any divorce or family law related matter."

Anthony Joseph Fantauzzi III headshot
Anthony Fantauzzi

Family lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"In addition to being a skilled attorney, Ben is genuine and personable. I highly recommend Ben to anyone seeking a family law attorney."

Tony Joseph Grimaldi headshot
Tony Grimaldi

Family lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Benjamin. Ben has been practicing family law at a very high level for a long time. He is very knowledgeable and has experience litigating all types of family law cases. He has a great reputation in the community and is willing to go the extra mile to get the best result. He always places the needs of his clients above anything else."

E. Michael Isaak headshot
E. Isaak

Family lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ben's reputation is impeccable. I consistently refer family law cases to Ben as a result of his understanding of the law and undying commitment to his client's. Any person confronted with a family law issue would be well advised to seek Ben's services."

Kathryn Everlove-Stone headshot
Kathryn Everlove-Stone

Family lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ben is a wonderful attorney. He is extremely professional and knowledgeable. I would have no hesitation in referring a family member to him for representation."

Marc Matthews headshot
Marc Matthews

Family lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ben is an outstanding attorney, capable of both aggressively litigating cases as necessary and reaching resolutions that are in the best interest of his clients. I highly recommend Ben to anyone who is looking for advice or representation in a family law matter."

Eric Newell Appleton headshot
Eric Appleton

Family lawyer | Nov 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ben is known in Florida for being an outstanding Family Law attorney. I regularly refer individuals with Family Law matters to him. I highly recommend Ben."

Daniel Anthony Larson headshot
Daniel Larson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly recommend Ben Older to those seeking an excellent family/divorce lawyer. Ben works hard to achieve the best possible results for his clients. He is skilled and very ethical."

Michael Lee Lundy headshot
Michael Lundy

Family lawyer | Nov 26

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. I have been partners with Ben for over a decade. No matter what issue arises, Ben is a man of true character and a rare kind of rigorous honesty. He brings genuine compassion to every case he handles. Ben is a real family man, inside and outside of our office, and he always thinks about what is best for our clients' children."

Buddy Dwight Ford headshot
Buddy Ford

Family lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Older is very respected in the Tampa Bay community and I highly recommend him to anyone who needs a Family Law attorney!"

Carol A. Lawson headshot
Carol Lawson

Family lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Ben pays attention to detail and is great resource for your family law needs. He is a smart, sensible attorney with the right combination of keen representation and cost effectiveness to get things done. I highly recommend Ben."

View All Endorsements
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Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Top Attorneys in Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Magazine

N/A

Father of the Year, Saks Fifth Avenue

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Founding Partner, Older Lundy and Alvarez Attorneys at Law

Associations

Hillsborough County Bar Association

Member

Florida Bar, Grievance Committee

Chairman

Hillsborough County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member

Family Law Inn of Court

Member

Family Law Executive Counsel

Community Outreach Chair

Hillsborough County Family Law Bench Bar Committee

Member

Hillsborough County Family Law Executive Counsel

Member

Collaborative Law Institute of Tampa Bay

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Divorce

Division of Assets

Paternity

Timesharing Modification

Alimony Modification

Child Support Modification

Collaborative Divorce

Post Judgment

See More Legal Cases

Education

1999

University of Miami School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

University of Southern California

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

N/A

Multiple Continung Legal Education presentations for Attorneys

Marital versus Non-Marital Assets

Publications

N/A

Lawyer Magazine Multiple Articles Related to Family Law Practice

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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