John Seth Simms

PRO

John Seth Simms

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 34 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Clearwater, FL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

51 S. Main Ave., Suite 319, Clearwater, FL

Virtual Consultation Available

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

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

35 years

100%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-450 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2020 2014 2013
...
+ 1
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 34 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 1991

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Staack & Simms PLLC

51 S. Main Ave., Suite 319, Clearwater, FL, 33765

staacklaw.com/Attorneys/John-S-Simms-Esq.shtml

Online Presence

Other places you can find John online.

John Seth Simms's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

47 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (47) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 31 - 35 of 47 reviews

Posted by Jane | October 19, 2010 | Divorce & Separation

Ethical and Compassionate Client Advocate

John represented me in a divorce/child custody case after I had wasted thousands of dollars and nearly two years with a supposed "big name" Tampa attorney. He immediately alleviated all of the fear and stress that was played upon by my previous attorney with regard to my involvement in a same sex r...elationship and the custody of my children. He is factual, compassionate and sets realistic expectations…traits that are seemingly all too rare within the legal field. His knowledge and skills in the areas of mediation, pre-trial process and courtroom etiquette are unsurpassed. While taking the “high road” in family law proceedings is often difficult, John always manages to put things in their proper perspective and thus prevents bad “heat of the moment” decisions. John is a tireless client advocate and will continue to fight the good fight for anything he believes in. In summary, I would recommend John 150% to anyone looking for family law representation, even if the family is a non-traditional one.

Posted by Greg | October 18, 2010 | Child Support

If You Need A Great Attorney For Family Law, Call John

I had contacted 6 different attorney`s regarding a child support case and John Sims was the only one who not only had a live person answering the telephone, He also was able to meet me in person in less than 48 hours. I guess the other attorney`s let buisness go to voicemail and then do not return c...alls. After meeting with John for less than 30 minutes, He was able to provide a solid basis to move forward and settle my child support case in a matter of only 3 weeks. If you want results and answers to your legal needs quickly then I would highly recommend John Sims and his firm.

Posted by Maureen | October 18, 2010 | Family

John S Simms

John and his staff worked tirelessly on my family law (custody/divorce) case not only through divorce proceedings, but well after on on going issues. Professional.\, honest, upfront and realistic!!!! So important to really trust someone who really is working on your behalf for essentially the future ...of your life!!!!

Posted by Teresa | October 17, 2010 | Divorce & Separation

Exceptional

Without exception, I would recommend John. He has provided exceedingly meticulous and carefully weighed attention to every aspect of my divorce. While his many years of successful experience have proven to be invaluable throughout this process, one of the reasons I feel so strongly about recommendi...ng John is due to his ability to, without fail, demonstrate that my family and I are in the best hands possible. In a situation that can be very trying, I feel that he is handling each detail as though he truly cares about the outcome for my family, both presently and for the long-term.

Posted by James | October 17, 2010

Great Attorney

Great attorney. Great guy. His legal assistant Judy does an outstanding job as well. Fair, responsive, hard working. I was at ease during one of the most trying times in my life. I would definitely recommend this guy to family and friends. Two thumbs up.

See All Client Reviews

John Seth Simms's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Kevin Douglas Brennan headshot
Kevin Brennan

Family lawyer | 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."

Chris Matthew Limberopoulos headshot
Chris Limberopoulos

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Wendi L Hall-Gonzales headshot
Wendi Hall-Gonzales

Family lawyer | 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."

Mary Ellen Borja headshot
Mary Borja

Family lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is highly ethical and experienced in family law matters."

Patrick Francis Gaffney headshot
Patrick Gaffney

Family lawyer | 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."

Joseph George Evanson headshot
Joseph Evanson

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Gary Paul Cors headshot
Gary Cors

Family lawyer | 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."

Courtney Davis Bowes headshot
Courtney Bowes

Family lawyer | 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."

Alexander Hernandez headshot
Alexander Hernandez

Family lawyer | 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."

Konstantinos Dean Kantaras headshot
Konstantinos Kantaras

Family lawyer | 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."

John Arthur Smitten headshot
John Smitten

Family lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is an excellent attorney."

View All Endorsements
Kevin Douglas Brennan headshot
Kevin Brennan

Family lawyer

Wendi L Hall-Gonzales headshot
Wendi Hall-Gonzales

Divorce and separation lawyer

Alexander Hernandez headshot
Alexander Hernandez

Personal injury lawyer

John Arthur Smitten headshot
John Smitten

Divorce and separation lawyer

Konstantinos Dean Kantaras headshot
Konstantinos Kantaras

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

AV Preeminent 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

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

Pro Bono Service Award, Clearwater Bar Association

Work Experience

1994 - Present

Partner, Staack, Simms & Reighard PLLC

1991 - 1994

Associate, Bruce R. Young, P.A.

Associations

2006 - Present

Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers

2000 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

1996 - 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

1991 - 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

Sample of Legal Cases

Mount v Mount 989 So2d 1208 (Fla 2nd DCA 2008)

Clampitt v Clampitt 621 So 2d 586 (Fla 2nd DCA 1993)

Struble v Struble 787 So 2d 48 ( Fla 2nd DCA 2001)

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)

See More Legal Cases

Education

1990

Stetson University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

University of South Florida

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1985

St. Petersburg Junior College

A.A.

Speaking Engagements

1996

Support for Non Residential Parents

Support for Non Residential Parents

Publications

2000

Law in Brief Various

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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