I graduated with a BS in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1974. After graduation, I served as an officer in the Marine Corps through 1979. I earned an MBA in Finance and Investments from the George Washington University in 1980, worked as a DOD Consultant and Financial Analyst, and then went to law school and earned my Juris Doctor at the University of Florida College of Law in 1984. I've been admitted to the Florida Bar since 1984.
My family law practice focuses on representing men in divorce, paternity actions, domestic violence injunctions and child support enforcement. I was the first such "Mens practice" in the Tampa Bay area, though many others have tried to pattern their practices after my model since then.
As a divorced father who had custody of his own daughter throughout her high school years, I am well aware of the challenges of trying to co-parent with what can seem a most difficult ex-spouse. The stress of divorce, the uncertainty over dividing assets, fighting to maintain your rights with your children, the personal attacks, and the strain it puts on friends, family, and even employment—that is where an experienced attorney with my background can make a difference. I try to provide the calming and relevant advice and counsel you need.
I believe that fathers are as important as mothers, albeit in different areas, and that the Best parent is BOTH Parents. I will work with you and represent you to preserve your rights, time, and parental control for your children, striving for equal timesharing wherever practical. You are not divorcing your children even though your spouse may try treating it that way.
Even after divorce, while you and your spouse live seperately, the best parent is still both parents and both should remain actively involved in their children's lives. Your kids don't have to be casualties of your divorce, nor should the divorce cost them either parent.
Another main issue in a divorce is equitable distribution of marital property. The presumption is an equal split of marital property and interests in Florida. Regarding division of the marital and any pre-marital and/or non-marital money, pensions, investments, home(s), and other property, I will do my best to advise you and ensure that your financial settlement is fair and within legal requirements for equitable distribution.
While most of my cases are setled before trial, I am not a stranger to trying cases if they can't be reasonably and fairly settled. I've been trying cases for 33 years now, and trial is where experience counts most.