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Frances Elaine Martinez

Family Attorney at Tampa, FL

4.8   16 reviews
  • Licensed for 16 years
    State FL
    Acquired 2007
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

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

About Frances

Learn Frances’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. Family
    100%
    Dissolution of marriage/divorce, paternity, child custody and parenting, alimony, child support, domestic violence

Frances E. Martinez joined Older Lundy Alvarez & Koch in 2016 as a member of the firm’s Marital and Family Law practice group. She is a seasoned litigator with extensive experience handling high conflict parenting cases.

Frances has been practicing law since 2006. She began her legal career as a staff attorney for the Honorable Anthony K. Black at the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court before he was appointed to the Second District Court of Appeal. While working with Judge Black, she gained invaluable research and writing experience and insight into the judicial decision-making process. In 2008, Frances began working at Escobar & Associates as an associate in the Criminal Defense division, where she handled appeals and post-conviction motions. In 2010, she joined and eventually led the firm’s Family Law division, where her practice included all types of family law cases, including divorce, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence injunctions.

Frances received her B.A. in Communications from Loyola University New Orleans in 2002. While at Loyola, she studied abroad in London, England and Granada, Spain. Frances earned her J.D. from Loyola University School of Law, where she competed as both an oralist and brief writer in the 13th Annual Duberstein Moot Court Competition and served as the Selection Committee Chair of the prestigious Loyola University Moot Court Program.

Frances was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Tampa, Florida, where she attended Academy of the Holy Names. She is fluent in Spanish. She resides in South Tampa with her wife, Susan, and their two children.




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Older Lundy Alvarez & Koch
1000 W. Cass Street
Tampa, FL, 33606

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Family Law Attorney (Bilingual) in Tampa Bay Area!
Frances is a straightforward, intelligent, honest, knowledgeable, and bilingual attorney who is skilled in balancing the legal necessities with the delicate aspects of a complicated family situation. Frances’s expertise and a solid understanding of the law successfully drove my contested and lengthy divorce case. She outstandingly accomplished this with excellent results for my family. Frances’s extensive experience and professionalism are reflected in her exceptional confidence and delivery in the courtroom. Frances and her amazing paralegal, Cindy Hunger, were always timely in keeping me posted with relevant decisions, communications, and key due dates in the process. I trust Frances completely, have the utmost confidence in her abilities, and would recommend her for any and all cases, simple to complex. In each phase of my complicated case, my opinions were valued, and my doubts were always reassured. Frances always explained the process in a simple way, based on the facts and with a clear and reasonable strategy. Frances fought hard for me, and she went above and beyond and did everything to ensure a great outcome. Thank you, Frances, for all your hard work, and for handling my case with such expertise and professionalism. I highly recommend Frances as the best family law attorney!
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Posted by Dave | October 24, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Thorough
Frances was very thorough handling my divorce case. She made the entire process as smooth and efficient as possible. Thanks for your representation, Frances!
Posted by Nury | January 14, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
La mejor abogada de Tampa
La Señora Frances Martinez, excelente abogada y muy profesional. Soy una mujer mayor ( con más de 30 años de matrimonio) Y la abogada Martínez me ayudó con mi divorcio. Desde que la conocí en su oficina sentí que estaba en las mejores manos: Su profesionalidad y calidez aminoraron mis preocupaciones y miedos, llevándome de su mano durante este proceso tan difícil para mí. Me trató con mucha generosidad y empatía. Conocedora de la ley a la perfección, logró protegerme de acuerdo a mis espectativas llevando a buen término mi divorcio de manera rápida, eficiente y justa. Recomiendo ampliamente sus servicios legales a cualquier persona que requiera un profesional de alto nivel y calificado. Mi gratitud con todas las personas de la oficina!!! La atención muy profesional y amable. Les agradezco infinitamente la paciencia conmigo. Son lo mejor de lo mejor. Gracias Frances, muchas gracias. Cordialmente, Nury Azcona
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Posted by Zyad | August 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Family Law
France Martinez did an outstanding job protecting the custody of my children. Highly recommend her for any/all family law matters. Professional, Responsive, Great Value and really cared.
Posted by Jesse | March 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best family lawyer in Tampa Bay!
Frances Martinez was an excellent attorney she knew what was needed and turned my already 2 and a half year divorce into 6 months. I hired her January 2018 and by June I was divorced. I highly recommend using her or anyone in this practice for any of your legal proceedings. The best family lawyer in the Tampa Bay Area by far!
Posted by anonymous | February 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Lawyer
I have used Frances Martinez twice now for my family law needs. The first time was about 5 years ago when she was with another firm, she was absolutely amazing. She’s compassionate, understanding, and a beast in the court room. Unfortunately, about 2 years ago I was in need of a family lawyer again. I didn’t even think twice about contacting Frances, I had my consult and immediately retained her again. Mid process she did move firms and I followed her (I would’ve followed her anywhere). The move was seamless and everything picked up exactly where it left off, so I commend Older, Lundy, and Alavarez’s staff for making that change so effortless on my end at a very difficult time. I would recommend Frances Martinez 1,000x over. I can’t thank her enough for EVERYTHING she has done for my family and I.
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Posted by David | October 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Service that matters
About one year to this month I hired Francis Martinez for a paternity case. Upon my initial interview with her, the first thing that got my attention was her ability to empathise. I felt like I was speaking to a friend. In a previous court case, where i represented myself, I gained a lot of insight on family law. So when I came to Francis, I had prepared questions. She answered my questions with ease and displayed her knowledge effortlessly. But it was not until I witnessed her in action that I had full confidence in her ability. In my previous case I watched my ex's attorney fumble not only dealing with me but with the judge. And in the case where I was represented by Francis, I witnessed the opposing council fumble as well. Having those experiences watching other attorneys fumble made me nervous about my council. But, when Francis spoke, she took charge of the courtroom. She shattered the opposing councils motions and seemed to educate the judge on the particular situation. I must admit, watching her in action, fighting for my fatherly rights made me giddy. From that point on I was convinced. She advised me well even when I didn't like the answers. My experience with her was great to say the least.... Thank you Francis for what you've done for me and my family. I wish you all the best.
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Posted by Diego y Velmarie | September 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best Attorney for Family Law cases in Tampa Bay!
Attorney Martinez has been our attorney for the last 3 years. After having a horrible experience with our previous attorney, we reached out to Attorney Martinez for my husband's child support and custody cases, and that was the best decision ever. She is very professional, an expert in family law, always accessible and did an amazing job in court. Now my husband has custody of his two kids and the mother is the one who has to pay support. My husband's case was very complicated, but she handled it in amazing way. We highly recommend her, and we would definitely reach out to her again for any future cases. Thanks so much Attorney Martinez!
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Posted by Christopher | February 21, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Intelligent and results driven attorney
Frances is very knowledgeable on the law. She walked me through every aspect of my case ensuring I receive proper custody rights for my son and I. She fought extremely hard and the outcome was favorable. Now that my case is completed, she continues to answer any questions I have pertaining to my custody agreement. I highly recommend her as an attorney.
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Posted by Fabian | February 19, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Definitely recommend
Mrs. Frances helped me in a family/child matter and I couldn't have been happier with the way she and the entire staff in the office (from the receptionist to the paralegal to Mrs. Frances herself) handled my case. They were all very professional, answered every question, returned emails and/or phone calls in a very timely fashion. Highly recommend her.
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Posted by Oscar | February 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer!
Ms. Martinez was an excellent attorney. She guided throughout the process of my divorce and answered all my questions with confidence. She was instrumental in me understanding the things I could do and could not do. She was professional from the beginning to the very end. Ms. Martinez was extremely helpful in helping me understand how the law works and allowed me to set realistic expectations. I credit her dedication and hard work with getting my divorce done in quick, efficient, and fair manner. She also provided with key contacts on completing other related legal matters. I would recommend Ms. Martinez's legal services to anyone in need of a qualified, professional, and outstanding legal professional.
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Posted by Nelson | February 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
She is as good as they come !!!
Frances is a strong and reliable attorney, she has handled for me a very delicate matter with the proper care and attention needed, not only did she display exemplary research and writing skills but also stayed on top of my case defending me from beginning to ending along with her supportive staff. I felt well represented in couldn't have asked for a better outcome, I am truly forever grateful .
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Posted by Brian | February 7, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Attorney Ever!
I literally love this woman. I was an unemployed, accused addict. My (teacher of the year) wife lived in our 4k sq ft house with our 2 daughters. Frances helped me gain the majority of time-sharing. My children have flourished. Though she's not cheap, she is more than worth it. She's super professional yet down to earth, logical, conscientious, caring and tough. It looked bleak from the beginning. All I did is what she told me to and everything turned out perfectly. Thanks, Frances! :)
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Posted by Karen | February 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Extraordinary professionalism and service
Knowledgeable, professional, approachable and consistently responsive to emails, Ms. Martinez made my contentious and prolonged divorce proceedings as stress-free as they could have been. I highly recommend her as a Family Law specialist!
Posted by Chris Flower | February 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Litagator !
I was very impressed upon hiring Attorney Martinez for my divorce. During pretrial hearing with the judge she really may be opposing counsel stumble in their own words. You could clearly tell she was far better versed in the law than the other attorney. Although I hope I never need her services again, if I do she will be the one who my contact.
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Posted by anonymous | July 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Worst attorney
I hired Frances to represent me in a modification of alimony from my ex husband. Unfortunately, she did not follow through and present the financial reality and ability to pay from my ex husband's financial disclosure. He has well over a million + dollars and the total ability to pay. Frances never brought up the facts, it was as if I had never hired an attorney.
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Response from Frances Martinez February 19, 2019
I set a high standard for myself and am truly sorry to hear that standard was not met. That said, it is unfortunate that this client is holding on to so much frustration more than two years after I handled her case. I have offered to meet and try to put an end to what appears to be some significant misunderstandings.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.1 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Older Lundy & Alvarez
  • 2016 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Escobar & Associates
  • 2008 - 2016
  • Staff Attorney
  • Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
  • 2006 - 2008

Education

  • Loyola University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2006
  • Loyola University New Orleans
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2002
  • Academy of the Holy Names
  • High School
  • 1999

Legal Cases

  • Curtis Reeves v. Sheriff of Pasco County
  • Denial of bail reversed

Associations

  • The Spring of Tampa Bay
  • Board Member
  • 2021 - Present
  • Lawyers for Literacy
  • Tutor
  • 2018 - Present
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Hillsborough County Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member, Executive Council
  • 2018 - 2021
  • Stann W. Givens Family Law American Inn of Court of Tampa
  • Member
  • 2016 - 2019
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Inspiring Women in Business
  • Tampa Bay Metro
  • 2018

Publications

  • The Burden of Proof
  • Quarterly Newsletter
  • 2013
  • The Burden of Proof
  • Quarterly Newsletter
  • 2012
  • The Burden of Proof
  • Quarterly Newsletter
  • 2011
  • The Burden of Proof
  • Quarterly Newsletter
  • 2010
  • The Burden of Proof
  • Quarterly Newsletter
  • 2009
View all publications

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (7)
Endorse Frances
Family Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I met Frances while representing a client in a family law case. Frances was the opposing counsel. She is extremely diligent, prompt, confident, and professional. I endorse Frances, and recommend her for family law cases."
Family Attorney | Jul 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Frances is a wonderful and enthusiastic lawyer who does a great job for her clients."
Tampa Family Lawyer Frances Elaine Martinez
Frances Elaine Martinez
Family Attorney
Tampa, FL
Licensed for 16 years