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 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Margaret | August 25, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

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 ar...t 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!

Posted by Kevin | May 16, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

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.

Posted by Margaret | March 14, 2013 | Litigation

Empathetic yet legally focused, that is what best describes John Simms in my opinion

Mr. Simms has really listened and understood my situation. He has addressed my concerns yet has advised me on what I should focus on. He has shown me to be knowledgeable, organized and prepared. We are still in litigation, however, I feel confident with him by my side. I would highly recommend hi...m.

Posted by Michelle | March 06, 2013 | Alimony

The best attorney in Pinellas County

I highly recommend John Simms for anyone needing an excellent attorney who knows how to get things done. John doesn't back down to ANY attorney. John knows the legal system very well, better than any attorney I know. I came to John after two attorneys badly messed up my case. I wish I had known a...bout John before I hired the first two attorneys. John got my ex-husband to pay me my back alimony and to start paying me the full monthly alimony that was court ordered. John's not only a great attorney but also a very down to earth person who knows how to treat his clients. As far as attorneys go, John Simms is awesome!!!! No one will regret hiring him as their attorney.

Posted by Sam | March 06, 2013 | Child Custody

From beginning to end...

When my young daughter, who was living with her mom in Venice, suddenly appeared on my doorstep, I knew I was going to need someone to help me navigate the path of custody and child support. I turned to John to help me with that journey. From our first meeting, both I and my daughter felt we were in ...good hands with John as our attorney. He was able to outline the legal steps we needed to take, gave us a time frame for resolution of the issues, and highlighted what his actions would be throughout the process. During the ensuing 2 1/2 years that the process required for resolution, John proved true to his word. Always on time and available to me for questions and clarifications, John ensured that the legal process empowered my daughter and I. Additionally, John's professional staff ensured clear and timely communication, and made themselves available to me at my convenience when documents needed to be signed, notarized, or examined. John is a true professional who's experience, knowledge, and ethics are at the highest level. From beginning to end, John served us in a way that empowered both I and my daughter. I would recommend John to anyone needing outstanding legal representation.

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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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