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John Seth Simms

Divorce and separation Attorney at Clearwater, FL

5.0   47 reviews

Licensed for 31 years

About John

Learn John’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area
  1. Divorce and separation
    100%
    I practice in all areas of Family Law including Divorce, Child Custody, Father's Rights, Paternity, Child Support, Valuation and Distibution of Marital Assets and Debts, Valuation and Distribution of Real Estate and Businesses, Alimony, Modificationand Enforcement of Alimony and Child Support and Court Orders and Step Parent Adoptions

    32 years

I was born and raised in Clearwater, FL.  I've been an attorney licensed in FL since 1991.  My exclusive area of practice is Family Law which includes Divorce, Child Custody, Timesharing, Alimony, Child Support, Distribution of Assets and Debts, Adoption, Contempt, Name Change and anything related.  I also provide services as a Guardian ad Litem.  I pride myself on being a compassionate, results oriented attorney who will help you through this difficult part of your life.  For fun, I enjoy going to concerts and sporting events and spending time with my family.  Please call me to set up a free consultation.

 

Licensed for 31 years
State FL
Status Member in Good Standing
Acquired 1991
Updated 02/23/2023

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

Contact John

John Seth Simms

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  47 customer reviews
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Posted by Hamid | December 19, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
I met Mr. Simms 20 years ago. He was representing my first x-wife. Although I had a good attorney, but I wished he was representing me too. After 20 years, my wish came true. As I was going through my second divorce and I discovered that Mr. Simms is still practicing law, I switched to him. He and Judy were awesome. my case started going timely and expeditiously. My calls were returned, and my inquiries were answered promptly. we settled out of court and save a lot of money and time. I knew I was in good hands, and you would feel the same way. Thank you, Mr., Simms and Judy, for everything.
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Posted by Joyce | December 4, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Representation
Mr. Simms did an excellent job representing me during my divorce. He made a difficult time stress free and helped ease my mind about the process. He walked me through each step and kept me informed about any new developments. I was able to reach a mutual agreement with the other party because of the way he not only represented me but the great working relationship he had with the other attorney. I will recommend him anytime someone needs a divorce attorney!
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Posted by Charlie | November 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
My experience with this law firm was exceptional
John Simms was recommended to me by a stranger I met on a plane a couple of years ago while we were sharing our experience from going through a divorce. I wrote down his name because the attorney I used initially was a nightmare and I was hoping to try to renegotiate the lopsided terms of my divorce someday in the future. I was fortunate to be in a position to renegotiate and I'm so glad I called John. Both John and his legal assistant Judy were an absolute pleasure to work with, very knowledgable in family law, super professional and good people. Their fees are more than reasonable and well worth the money. This firm comes with my highest recommendation.
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Posted by Sandra | September 3, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
John Simms, Esq.
John Simms and his Assistant Judy were extremely helpful. With his professional knowledge and advise, we came to a mutual agreement with my former husband. He is very easy to communicate with, and I highly recommend him!
Posted by Tiffany | June 22, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Divorce Attorney ever!
John was by far the best choice I ever made. He gave me great advice and suggestions and made what could have been extremely complicated very fast and easy. I felt he was always on my side and not just there to take my money. His experience speaks for itself. He was always prompt and efficient. His Paralegal Judy was amazing as well. She always answered her phone and got back to me in a timely manner. They make a wonderful team!
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Posted by anonymous | February 4, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Huge FSU fan!!
Worked hard on the case for 4 years. He was very diligent. Just a pleasure to work with. We won our case, unfortunately, other side was still not willing to cooperate and accept results. The child aged out by this time but Mr. Simms did an excellent job.
Posted by Mike | January 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Effective Communicator
John was very effective communicating with all parties involved. He communicated with me honestly and directly. I understood the process and the information he needed to best represent me. He was able to effectively communicate my position to the opposing council. I am very satisfied knowing that I ended up with better representation than my ex.
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Posted by Allen | January 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent representation
John is a very personable and down to earth person. He represented me in a professor and aggressive manner. John is very knowledgeable and caring I would use him in any future areas he practices in the future.
Posted by Mary | July 16, 2015
Experienced litigator
With my post divorce motions John has shown himself to be a strong advocate for my situation. He knew all my facts and put 100 percent effort before the judge. I really appreciate how he did not have an ego issue and let me interject my opinions and concerns with nothing but pure courtesy as a response. He was right on when he discussed my judge and how he handles cases. You can surely rest and let him take over knowing you are in good hands. His assistant Judy is wonderful to work with as well.
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Posted by Helen Taylor | December 22, 2014
Amazing Attorney!
I was referred to John Simms by a friend for my divorce and custody case. At the time I went to him i felt helpless and didn't know how I would make it through such a difficult time in my life. This wasn't just about myself, this was also about my daughter and what was best for her. John and his staff always put me at ease and always kept me informed throughout the entire process. I have worked in the legal field for over 10 years and was amazed by how hands on John was and how much he truly cares about each and every one of his clients. I have recommended John to 2 friends already and will continue to tell anyone who needs a family law attorney to talk to John Simms. He is the BEST!
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Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2014
Best family law attorney in FL
I went to John after having a poor experience with another attorney who made several promises she was unable to keep. I knew John was the right lawyer for me within minutes of speaking with him. He was 100% upfront with me and gave me realistic expectations. My case was very complicated, it was not only a divorce but also custody and many businesses that needed to be divided. John is honest, very personable and his assistant Judy is also amazing and very helpful.
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Posted by Margaret | August 25, 2014
Always On Time and On Point!
I highly recommend John Simms. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, but he has a genuine interest in the outcome of your case. John represented me in a very hostile divorce case. John was always willing to listen and willing to help. He is an excellent communicator and is well versed in the art of influencing people through logic and substantive argument. He is always on time and well prepared. His staff is friendly, efficient and concerned. He has a gentle and constant demeanor that is soothing and comforting; but don't let that fool you, he knows what to do and when. He knew the facts of my very complicated case as much as I did and was able to make sense of it all. He will renew your faith in mankind and attorneys!
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Posted by Mark | August 20, 2014
Great Attorney
John as helped me through several legal matters over the years. I've always been happy with the service and results from John and his staff. Recently John represented both my ex-wife and myself during our divorce, and both of us felt like we got a very fair settlement.
Posted by Kevin | May 16, 2014
High Road Lawyer
My divorce went to the first hearing date when the judge suggested we settle it before the trials began. We did and we were prepared. Here is why it was a good choice for me: First, I believe that every review that has been written for him is correct because in my case I saw the same behavior. Don't wait, do it right now- call his office. He is the High Road attorney. Second, In my case he showed a profound knowledge of the law, he was consistent and his counsel was wise. Third, I saw no greed with him or his office. Yes, I paid what was asked and it was hard but I do not regret spending the money. I NEVER felt like I was being churned (Mr. Simms was my second lawyer, I did not find this site until after I was ready to fire the first lawyer) and with Mr. Simms I always felt like I was being represented by someone who cared about my case. he always made eye contact when we would talk. Fourth, his paralegal, Judy. She took the edge off the divorce by keeping me in the loop and responding to my emails with kindness. She is professional and knowledgeable. In a divorce you learn quickly who your friends are or are not and knowing who has your back is important Peace of mind throughout a life changing event especially for a newcomer to the legal process is necessary and it was provided. Last, He did his job and very well. No one wins in a divorce especially when the former spouse has misguided beliefs about the outcome of the divorce. I still live in my home and have my son 1/2 of the time. No one really won but my former wife and I have peace. So the bottom line, ask him to take your case. All outcomes have variables but I'd have him next to me in a courtroom in a heartbeat. He and his staff have earned my respect, and that is not easy to do.
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Posted by Rick | April 30, 2013
The Best Attorney for Family Law Around - Superb.
I not only would recommend John Simms, I have recommended him already. I fired a different attorney whom I had originally hired, found John via multiple recommendations, and then retained John as my counsel in a long and difficult series of modifications for custody, support, etc. (Family Law). He got right in to the thick of it, seemed to have been with me from the start, and (most importantly) brought about a 100% successful result within three months of taking over the case. How successful was John on my and my child's behalf? The new Court Order, which delivered everything I/we had hoped for, gave me every single thing I had originally asked for during court-ordered mediation two years before. With a different attorney, that mediation had resulted in the opposing party walking out of the offices where the mediation was being conducted. The opposing party said, "Not one thing in this proposed mediation 'wish list' is even remotely agreeable to us, and we will never agree to a single item here." Once John had entered the case, he got EVERY ITEM from that original 'wish list' agreed to, and he did it with a sense of urgency and real dedication and professionalism. Essentially, I had wasted two years of my, and my child's, life before turning to John and getting him involved. I have extensive experience with legal counsels from years of business, and also as a result of time spent in the U.S. Armed Forces where I spent a year having to be a regimental legal officer in addition to my normal duties. A large number of attorneys are out there, not many of them are very good, and even fewer of them can be trusted with your and your family's well-being. John is a stand-out, superb attorney. He bills fairly, he treats your case as though it were his own legal issue, and he does not need to be reminded of where you are in the case and the process every time you are with him. He is an exceptional attorney especially if you are looking to find final agreement in a non-confrontational manner. He got more done in 90 days using charm, intelligence and finesse than most attorneys get done in YEARS using nothing but harsh and confrontational tactics. A word about my familiarity with other attorneys in the 6th judicial circuit here in Florida -- it is not a pretty picture. Personally and through friends, I have direct and intimate knowledge of nine different attorneys here. Nearly all of them are content to chug along and just keep billing clients ad nauseum while the issues before the judge drag on and go unresolved for years and years. That is not how John works. He will take control of a case and push aggressively for a final judgment on his client's behalf. A SUCCESSFUL final judgment. If this site would let me, I would leave my contact information here so folks who really, really need help could reach me and learn the specifics of just how effective and elite John is as an attorney. I can't do that, so know this: John gave me and my child our lives back, and for that there really is no price or praise that will ever be able to repay him for his extraordinary efforts and success on our behalf. If you are having a serious issue with family law, I strongly recommend you retain John Simms -- you will be extremely glad you did. He is in it with his clients just as passionately as he would be in it with his own family. SPECIAL NOTE: I wish this site had a fifth category (see above) for rating attorneys. That fifth category would be "Good Value/Affordability." I would give John a top rating for that, too.
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Posted by Christopher | April 25, 2013
Getting to Know John Simms -Client Review
Without going into obvious detail of our own circumstances, Mr. Simms is indeed a fine attorney. He insists on us calling him John. John is caring and takes an enormous amount of pride in listening to his clients and then providing direction based on each situation and his expertise. Unfortunately, we have required his services on a few occasions. Fortunately, John was our attorney and successfully represented our family with respect and dignity. When it comes to Law, John is the very best there is. In my opinion what makes John very good is his ability to convey the message that the ultimate decision is the Judges decision. Its hard to swallow sometimes when we want our attorney to provide us all of the answers. That is where the trust must lie. We chose John based on his history of cases and the root understanding of the entire process. John is also careful in his dealings with opposing attorneys. He maintains their respect even though the toughest battles when they get dirty. John exemplifies class in this particular area. I think this is a very good advantage for his client(s). All in all, if you or your family is in need of representation, I would interview John first and see if he is a good fit for you.... Once you meet him all of this will make sense. Will John win every case? No, probably not. . But when it comes to my investment to defend what I think is right, or what my family needs to happen, I am placing my bet on John Simms..... time and time again. We are 3-0 !!
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Posted by Ed | April 18, 2013
Thanks John!
John was a tremendous help with not one but two divorces. There were some loose ends in my first divorce settlement that needed to be reconciled and shortly after I was back for a second divorce. John's knowledge and professionalism kept me sane and informed throughout the process and his work provided the best outcome for all parties involved.
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Posted by Richard | March 31, 2013
John Simms helped me get my time with my boys back, he is extremely professional!
I was advised to speak with John from a good friend of mine. He was the 8th attorney that I interviewed in two days. I had already worked with three attorney's previous to John over the course of three years and to put it nicely, I was very unhappy with the results from the first three. I immediately had a good feeling about John and chose to retain him in what I would consider a very difficult post divorce case. I had two of the eight attorney's that I interviewed tell me that they wouldn't be able to prepare for my case in time for an already scheduled court date. At the time that I retained John, my driver's license was suspended, I was required to pay over $2000.00 in child support a month based off of the income from a job that I no longer had, and I was only able to see my two boys every other weekend! I was in the middle of modifying my parenting plan and child support when I retained John and was not making any head way with my previous attorneys. If anything, I felt that I was losing ground and going backwards. After several court dates and a little bit of time, I have completed my modifications. I now have my boys 50% of the time, my child support has been dramatically reduced, and my Driver's License has been valid since my first day with John. I am sure that John wouldn't want me to announce my results, because I am fully aware that there are numerous factors involved in winning these types of cases. I am extremely satisfied with what John was able to do for me and I would recommend him to anyone that was looking for a professional, very well prepared, experienced attorney. He will work with you and more importantly, for you! Thanks John
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Posted by Eric | March 15, 2013
Fantastic Lawyer; Highly recommended!
John helped me with every aspect of my divorce. I was a nervous wreck and scared to death to go through the divorce / custody agreement process, but John handled everything for me! And much faster than i expected! Him and his assistant kept me very informed through the whole process and continue to answer follow up questions and provide advice to this day! I am extremely satisfied with the end result and would highly recommend John Simms to anyone seeking a Divorce Lawyer!
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Posted by Megan | March 13, 2013
Wonderful Attorney
I highly recommend Mr. Simms to anyone. He guided me through so much, during such a difficult time. You could not ask for a better attorney than Mr. Simms. He's hard working, trustworthy and will fight hard for you. Hope this helps anyone who is trying to find a reliable attorney, in my opinion, you should look no further!
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Staack & Simms, P.A.
  • 1994 - Present
  • Associate
  • Bruce R. Young, P.A.
  • 1991 - 1994

Education

  • Stetson University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1990
  • University of South Florida
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1987
  • St. Petersburg Junior College
  • A.A.
  • 1985

Legal Cases

  • Petermann v Petermann 811 So 2d 723 (Fla 2nd DCA 2001)
  • State of FL D.O.R.v Downward 702 So 2d 516 (Fla 2nd DCA 1997)
  • Mount v Mount 989 So2d 1208 (Fla 2nd DCA 2008)
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers
  • 2006 - Present
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America
  • 2000 - Present
  • United States Tax Court
  • 1996 - Present
  • United States Supreme Court Bar
  • 1996 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
  • 1996 - Present
  • United States Court of Federal Claims Bar Association
  • 1996 - Present
  • Clearwater Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • 1991 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Family Law Section
  • 1991 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • 1991 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • 1991 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2017
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2012
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2011
  • Pro Bono Service Award
  • Clearwater Bar Association
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

  • Law in Brief
  • Various
  • 2000

Speaking Engagements

  • Support for Non Residential Parents
  • Support for Non Residential Parents
  • 1996

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)
Given (5)
Endorse John
Family Attorney | Jul 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"John is an excellent attorney. We have had a few cases together and he is always well in tune with the facts of the case and case law addressing the issues. He makes an effective presentation of evidence and maintains a high level of professionalism throughout the process."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Sep 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this attorney as a highly skilled and knowledgeable family law attorney. I have worked with John as opposing counsel on many cases and find him to be an excellent advocate for his clients and very professional."
Family Attorney | Jul 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is highly ethical and experienced in family law matters."
Family Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I've dealt with John over many years and have always found him to be honest and ethical. He's a straight shooter."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Family Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Co-worker
"John is a conscentious and intelligent attorney with impecabble credentials. Whenever anyone approaches me with a family law issue I never hesitate to refer them to John."
Family Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I worked with John on a case earlier this year and he is an outstanding attorney. He was ethical, reasonable and a pleasure to work with. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great attorney with a stellar reputation."
Family Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He has the highest ethical standards and most extensive and up to date knowledge of the Law in his field. in my opinion John is hands down, the most effective litigator in Family law in Florida."
Family Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have found John to be very knowledgable, extremely ethical, well-prepared and highly effective."
Family Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is an excellent attorney."
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Divorce and separation
Personal injury
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Clearwater Divorce and separation Lawyer John Seth Simms
John Seth Simms
Divorce and separation Attorney
Clearwater, FL
Licensed for 31 years