Skip to main content

David M. Caveda

Family Attorney at Tampa, FL

4.3   18 reviews
  • Licensed for 30 years
    State FL
    Acquired 1992
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

Tampa Divorce Lawyer David Caveda  has been licensed to practice law in Florida since 1992.  Visit

 

He graduated from the University of South Florida in Tampa in 1987 and received his law degree from the University of Florida College of Law in 1991.

 

David’s practice areas include Marital and Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Mediation, Military Divorce, Real Estate, Personal Injury, and Guardianship.

 

David has received an AV® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the oldest and most recognized evaluator of attorneys and law firms. A small percentage of lawyers achieve this rating, which is the highest one possible.

David has extensive experience in representing clients in contested family law matters, including mediations, hearings and trials. He is a member of the Hillsborough County Bar Association and its Family Law Section. David is also a member of the Family Law Section of the American Bar Association and its Military Law Committee.

 

He completed Regular Army Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in 1986 and graduated first in his platoon at the ROTC Advance Camp in Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 1987 before being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve in 1990. He graduated the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1994 and continued to serve in the Individual Ready Reserve as a Field Artillery Officer until he was Honorably Discharged in 1999.


On a personal note, David is a life-long resident of Florida and is fluent in Spanish. He was a volunteer assistant coach with the University of Tampa junior varsity baseball team from 2008 to 2010. He is married and resides with his family in the Hyde Park section of South Tampa. He was born in Miami in 1965.

Photos and videos

Contact David

Similar lawyers nearby

Caveda Law Firm, P.A.
607 W. Horatio St.
Tampa, FL, 33606

Reviews

4.3 / 5.0
  18 customer reviews
5 Star
 
83%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
17%
Posted by Zaccaria SippiDaBarber | November 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Won Me Parental visitation and stopped a Non Contact for my Child
After my divorce settlement and me leaving the state; I was issued a no contact for my child because the other parent was lost within another person word and direction. Mr David got that no contact thrown out and me visitation with my child the day of court and the following Spring Break. I was working with Mr Caveda from NE Mississippi explaining I had been a FL Resident for almost 10 yrs. He worked with me, we work off the phone and one in office session to come away with a Blessed Justified Win over lies and down right nonsense. Amazing Lawyer and will be attaining again for more Representation.
Read less
Posted by Geoff | October 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent!
Mr. Caveda helped me get my daughter back. He explained the process and the process went exactly as he said it would. He was outstanding and i cannot stress enough how thorough and professional he was. I would highly recommend him!
Posted by Tim | March 7, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Defense of Petition to Relocate
My ex-wife petitioned the court to relocate with my daughter ... to Japan. Although it is a signatory, Japan does not readily and normally cooperate with the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction. Adding to that the fact that the Hague Convention only applies to children removed "illegally", if my ex received permission from the court to take my daughter there, I likely would have never seen her again. Japanese courts "take" jurisdiction for such cases. I would have had to travel to Japan, hired a Japanese lawyer, and pursued the matter through Japanese court. Bottom line is, if my daughter was taken to Japan, our relationship would've been permanently severed. As a disabled vet, single parent, and full-time student, I had no idea how I would pay for any lawyer to see the case through to completion. David knew this but he took on my case anyways. He promised to work with me on the money ... and he did. We won. David saved my relationship with my daughter. He frequently caught my ex in many of her web of lies. He successfully addressed all the points of consideration in a relocation case. He told me what he had to tell me and didn't blow smoke up my dress. He met me at times and for lengths of time that were likely not very convenient for him to prep for hearings. He always appeared in court prepared to litigate with a good grasp on the issues. I was very impressed and am very grateful to David. I would recommend David to anyone who wants to preserve their relationship with his/her child. There are many scumbag lawyers out there. I honestly believe David is an exception to the rule. THANK YOU, DAVID!!!!!!!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest and Professional
In the realm of family law I learned it's important, yet no so easy to gong an honest lawyer that won't add stress to the process. Atty. Caveda was sincere, professional, in tune with current statutes and invested just enough in getting to know about the workings of my family life to service my case. While my hope is to never need representation again, I would entrust him with the process if so.
Read less
Posted by Tracy | June 9, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Consultation
I just had a phone consultation with David Caveda. I have been struggling financially after separating from an abusive husband. While I was not able to hire him because of my finances my experience was very positive. He was very professional, sensitive to my situation, thoughtful and informative.
Posted by Christine | March 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney!
I started my divorce with little to no knowledge or experience in family law. My ex husband had me under the false pretense that he had the upper hand in getting everything he wanted in regards to timeshare and Custody of our son. I was very fearful that I would be left with very scant timeshare and no say over what happens with our son. I had had several consultations with other attorneys and was very close to picking a different attorney for representation, but I came across David's profile and decided he seemed experienced and scheduled my consultation shortly after. I'm so glad I did! It was a brief consultation, however, I felt so confident in his ability and my case from just a few minutes of talking with him. He was very wise in his field and had asked about and discussed things other attorneys hadn't even mentioned, and I had a great sense that he knew exactly how my case was going to play out. He was a bit more expensive than the other attorneys, but they worked with me on my retainer, and he was completely and totally worth every dime. I won't ever regret spending what I spent for my divorce. He was able to finalize everything with me only having to spend a little over my retainer. He also was more than happy to quickly intervene a mistake I had made in my paperwork, and hastily produced an ammendment fixing everything I needed and then some. He was very eloquent in his documentation and presentation and that helped in getting my ex husband to agree on things I know he otherwise wouldn't have. I was very pleased with my overall divorce agreements. I now have my son the majority and my ex husband and I share all decision making abilities. David is excellent to work with. He listens well and is very knowledgeable and experienced and made me feel very confident in my case from start to finish. I'd also like to note, that his assistant Pamela is equally great. She was on top of all of my documents and court hearings and made sure I was always in the loop. Great experience alltogether. I strongly recommend David Caveda and his practice to anyone in need of a family law attorney. He won't let you down.
Read less
Posted by CH | December 3, 2014
is the best of the best!
I just want to say that David help so much in my case. Extremedly professional and ! I would recommend him in a minute!
Posted by Ryan | November 14, 2013
Best decision I ever made
While going through a nasty custody battle with another attorney who simply couldn't get the job done, I called Mr. Caveda for a 2nd opinion. I have to say that was the best decision I ever made, Mr Caveda took over my case and cleaned everything up in a matter of 3 months! This man is articulate, law savvy & he does exactly what he says he will do. After hiring David I no longer worried about my case, finally I could get peace of mind & rest. In the end I retained sole custody of my 7 yo child. I would highly recommend Mr. Caveda it would be a mistake not to call this man. GREAT HONEST ATTORNEY!
Read less
Posted by Jack | August 30, 2013
Superb
If I ever need an attorney then David Caveda would be my pick... I used him for an non contested divorce and thing could not have went smoother..Reasonable and extremely easy to get your questions answered (from him and not an assistant) were two requirements.. From start to finish was less than 2 months. Before you make a decision it would be very wise just to give him a call. You will be convinced as I was...
Read less
Posted by Michelle | August 2, 2013
Trustworthy Attorney
Attorney Caveda was thorough and able to make all the changes that I wanted to the custody modification. He outlined, very clearly, all the things that he needed from me. He achieved our goal and I was static with the results. He kept me informed of all the deadlines and eventualities. He walked me through the process and helped me stay focused and calm. He reinstated my faith in the system. Thank you Mr. Caveda
Read less
Posted by CMRodriguez | May 17, 2013
Best Attorney!
After wasting my money on a "flat rate firm" that didn't even look at my case a friend of mine directed me to Mr. Caveda and I could not be more happy. Mr. Caveda helped me not to win my share parenting case but to get to that happy medium where I was pretty comfortable and where my son was not affected with the agreement. I have to say that he not only helped me professionally but he also helped me emotionally. He gave me great advices when I wanted to say outrageous things to the other part or ask for non sense agreements in regards to the case. He also has children therefore he understands what is to be a parent. He's an awesome attorney and a great human being and he will always be there for you!
Read less
Posted by JP | May 24, 2010
Excellent Attorney
David did a great job working for a settlement in my case and he got a very desireable outcome. he always kept me informed and worked well with me on many levels. This was not an easy negotiation and he did a nice job with oposing council and in teh end that saved me money. David is definately not an attorney who just drives up the bill. I would highly endorse David
Read less
Posted by Michael | April 27, 2010
Excellent family law and child custody attorney.
David helped me to get primary custody of my daughter. My daughters mother made ALOT of allegations about me that simply were not true and David was able to make the judge realize that. He is not the cheapest lawyer but you cant put a price on winning custody of your child or children. I recommend him to anyone that is looking for a good attorney.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2009
Excellent Attorney
David handled our case with expertise and ease. He explained everything and made the entire process seem easy. He kept us informed and did everything he said he would do.
Posted by Joseph | December 14, 2009
Client Feedback
Mr. Caveda represented me in a highly contested custody case were my wife refused to recognized my rights as a father. He really knows the laws and is great in court. I was very happy with the outcome of my case and would recommend him highly.
Posted by Drew | December 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Worst Ever
Stay away from this “lawyer.” I would give zero stars if I could. He lured me in by saying he’s prior military. Once he got my retainer, he extremely rarely responded to me and did not move my case in my favor one tiny bit. I would almost swear my former spouse hired him to get the most advantage for herself. Do yourself a gigantic favor…LOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE.
Read less
Posted by Carlos | October 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Poor representation!
I don't recommend this firm. After much planning and preparation my case was lost because the prep and planning was only done by us. Prior to the hearing it was difficult to get a hold of Mr. Caveda. He never conducted a forensic analysis of the mothers financials, which contained a ton of fraudulent responses. We had to constantly stay on top of him to file motions. Mr. Caveda failed to deliver the trial notebook to opposing counsel on time. Needless to say, the notebook, which is our "entire" case, was not allowed to be used during the hearing. During the case, Mr. Caveda failed to ask questions we discussed of witnesses and seemed lost. When the hearing was lost, he made poor excuses. The entire time we were preparing, he kept saying we had a good case. A waste of $30,000.00+.
Read less
Posted by Mariah | January 28, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
FAILURE TO RESPOND/REPRESENT
My husband and I hired David Caveda for a second time in 2019. We had almost six months of no activity or communication. In October 2020 our case was almost dismissed due to lack of activity. David filed two motions we discussed but failed to file the third despite having the completed motion. We were given hearing dates on 11/20/20 and have NEVER received follow up from David Caveda or his office despite numerous requests. No case updates or communication for 2-6 months is not representation or fulfillment of the 3k dollar retainer.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founder
  • Caveda Law Firm, P.A.
  • 2008 - Present
  • Principal
  • Knox & Givens, P.A.
  • 2007 - 2008
  • President
  • KCMD Group, Inc.
  • 2005 - 2007
  • Principal
  • Knox & Givens, P.A.
  • 2000 - 2005
  • Sole Practitioner
  • Law Office of David Caveda, P.A.
  • 1995 - 2000
  • Associate
  • Mensh & McIntosh, P.A.
  • 1994 - 1994
  • Associate
  • Law Office of Jerry Green, P.A.
  • 1992 - 1994
  • Field Artillery Officer
  • U.S. Army Reserve
  • 1991 - 1999
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Florida College of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1991
  • University of South Florida
  • Bachelor of Arts
  • 1987

Legal Cases

  • Sheppard v. Jedlicka, 31 So. 3d 975
  • Trial court's favorable custody ruling upheld on appeal.

Associations

  • Clearwater Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Clearwater Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Military Officers Association of America
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • Admitted to Practice
  • 1993 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
  • Admitted to Practice
  • 1993 - Present
  • The Florida Bar
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa
  • Member
  • 2000 - 2005
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • AV-Rating (Preeminent 5.0 of 5.0)
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Tampa's Top Rated Lawyers
  • Law.com
  • 2012
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • Tampa Bay's Top Lawyers
  • Tampa Bay Magazine
  • 2010
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2010
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2008
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2007
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2006
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2005
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2004
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2003
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2002
View all awards

Publications

  • Florida Proceedings After Dissolution of Marriage, The Florida Bar (9th ed.)
  • Modification of Child Support (Co-Author)
  • 2008
  • Half Moon Seminars
  • Working With Divorce Clients and Opposing Counsel
  • 2002

Speaking Engagements

  • Legal Seminar
  • Working With Divorce Clients and Opposing Counsel
  • 2002

Attorney endorsements

Received (25)
Given (25)
Endorse David
Unknown Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Military law Attorney | Aug 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the top attorneys in the region."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jul 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Family Attorney | Jun 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Family Attorney | Aug 30
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. David is extremely knowledgeable in the area of family and divorce. He is well respected by his peers and is extremely ethical and professional. I highly recommend David for those clients who want to consider divorce."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"David is extremely effective when advocating for his clients in the courtroom. He also does a great job negotiating resolutions for his family law clients. I absolutely endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jul 30
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer. I am continuously impressed by the depth of knowledge David has regarding family law and the special issues involved in divorces involving a member of the military. David's vast experience is a huge benefit to his clients."
Family Attorney | Apr 04
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I've known David Caveda for over 10 years and have had several opportunities to work across from him. He is an excellent advocate for his client and is a worthy adversary."
Family Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have known David for over a decade and know him to be an ethical and well informed lawyer. He zealously represents his clients within the bounds of the law. I have no hestiation recommending David as a highly qualified divorce lawyer."
Family Attorney | Mar 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have had the opportunity to work on cases in which David Caveda was opposing counsel. I have found him to be very knowledgeable and ethically above board. I have also had an opportunity to work with David as a mediator, which provides a different opening into an attorney's practices. In my opinion, clients can rest assured that David will represent them zealously and attorneys in the community can rest assured that they won't need to get every little thing in writing as his word is sufficient and can be trusted. Overall: impressive attorney."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"David and I have had several cases against each other throughout the years. He is a tough, but fair, advocate and litigator, very knowledgeable as to divorce and family law matters, and well respected iin the community."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known David for several years. He is a consumate professional and a skilled litigator in the area of family law."
Family Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"David Caveda and I had a family law case against one another several years ago. During our case, he conducted himself in a ethical and professional manner while still zealously pursuing his client's best interest. David is an outstanding lawyer who has vast experience in the area of family law. He has an excellent reputation in the legal community."
View more endorsements