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Debra Jane Sutton
Virtual Consultation Available
About Debra
Biography
Debra J. Sutton has practiced family law and appellate law in Bartow, FL, for over 30 years. She is an expert in Florida family law and appellate practice. She can assist you with everything from a simple, uncontested, or collaborative divorce to a complex case requiring aggressive representation in court. If you have been subject to domestic violence, Debra will aggressively work to ensure your rights as a victim are respected in court. In issues of child support or legal custody, she will always fight for the Parenting Plan in the best interests of your children.
Debra has been Board Certified in Appellate Practice since 1997 and Board Certified in Marital and Family Law since 2001. She is one of very few Florida attorneys (two percent) to achieve certification, with less than one percent earning a certification in family law or appellate practice. Very few lawyers achieve dual certification, which requires Debra to maintain a high level of continuing legal education. Board Certification recognizes an attorney’s skill, competency, knowledge, ethics, and professionalism. Debra is re-certified every five years–an impressive accomplishment reflecting dedication to her profession and mastery of her craft. In fact, Debra has served on the certification committee for both specialties. She has served on numerous other Florida Bar Committees.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Family
40%
35 years
Divorce and Separation
20%
Appeals
10%
35 years
Child Custody
10%
Fees and Rates
Awards
2023 2022 2021
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 36 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Debra online.
Debra Jane Sutton's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Recommendation (23)
Professionalism (20)
Advocacy (18)
Practice Area Knowledge (17)
Case Results (15)
Compassion (12)
Staff & Support (10)
General Knowledge (9)
Responsiveness (9)
Character & Conduct (8)
Communication Style (7)
Trustworthiness (7)
Cost of Services (6)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 21 - 25 of 52 reviews
Posted by Kevin | July 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Simply the Best
I’ve known Debra Sutton for most of my life and can honestly say she has always went above and beyond no matter the task. She is super competitive and has an always win attitude. Debra is compassionate and cares deeply about people in general. You can rest assured that choosing her law firm is a soli...
Posted by Lynne | June 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Florida’s Top Attorney
Divorce is hard & no fun but if you are looking for a attorney who listens, supports you & will Fight for you, call Debra Sutton, she is Brilliant, genuinely cares, she works hard, & is Not Intimidated by Anyone. Best decision I made I just wish it was my First one!
Debra Sutton
Replied last September 17, 2022Lynne, Thank you for the lovely words regarding your experience with our Firm. We certainly were challenged with all that your situation presented and were pleased to assist you in getting things resolved. We appreciate the opportunity to have represented you. Know that if you require assistance in the future, you are welcomed to give us a call.
Posted by Betty | June 21, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Best of the best
Debra and her staff are very professional and compassionate. Through, caring and make clients very comfortable even under unpleasant circumstances. I have referred friends to their office.
Debra Sutton
Replied last September 17, 2022Betty, Thank you for your input regarding your experience with our Firm. We strive to understand the circumstances our clients are facing and want to provide the type of representation we would like if similarly situated. We appreciate that you have been confident in referring others to our Firm and will do our best to continue to earn your trust.
Posted by Andrea | June 21, 2022 | Hired Attorney
I highly recommended Sutton Law Firm
Sutton Law Firm is awesome. Matt Kovschak was professional and knowledgeable. He went above and beyond to help us receive the outcome we desired. If your in need of a great attorney, I would highly recommended Matt Kovschak at Sutton Law Firm.
Debra Sutton
Replied last September 17, 2022Andrea, Thank you for your compliments regarding Matt Kovschak's handling of your family's legal needs. We are pleased that all was resolved and that you are able to move forward in the manner planned. Feel free to give Sutton Law Firm and Mr. Kovschak should you require legal consultation in the future.
Posted by Nicholas | May 30, 2022 | Divorce & Separation
Insightful, Empathetic and Responsive
Debra took time out of a rather busy schedule to consult and advise me on how to understand and respond to a marriage settlement challenge with opposing counsel seeking payment for attorneys fees. Debra provided a clear picture of the options available that enabled me to move forward. I would also no...
Debra Sutton
Replied last September 17, 2022Nicholas, we appreciate your feedback and were happy to assist. Thank you for your complements of Barbie. She has been with the Firm a number of years, welcoming the chance to assist anyone who needs help. We hope all turned out well for you and will welcome the opportunity to be of assistance to you again should you need legal counsel.
Debra Jane Sutton's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have the honor and privilege of knowing this extraordinary attorney through our mutual professional law firm development organization that we are both involved. I highly recommend and endorse this attorney as being one of the finest individuals and professionals that a client could ever have. Attorney Stephen Rue"
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a great attorney that handles family law, civil and appellate cases."
"Debra is a wonderful lawyer and a wonderful person. Smart as a whip and well-respected by her peers and our judges. Highly recommend."
"Debra is one of the brightest family law attorneys I know. She is also one of the better appellate attorneys in the state."
"I endorse this lawyer. Debra Sutton and I have know each other for approximately 20 years. We have been opposing counsel on numerous cases and co-counsel on several. Her energy level is amazing. I have seen only one or two other attorneys who are able to accomplish as much for their client in a brief period of time as she. I wish that my level of organization were as great as hers. She is what as known as "double board certified" by the Florida Bar. This means she is certified in two areas of law, in her case both marital/family and appellate. Very few attorneys attain this distinction and it is silent witness to her ability to specialize in two separate areas, maintain her competence in these areas and during the entire time period have an exemplary reputation with her peers and the judiciary as to professionalism and ethical behavior. Additionally she is a current member of the Florida Bar Marital and Family Law Certification Committee, would recommend her to anybody without"
Bruce Silver
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
Lawyer of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2017
Professional Woman of Distinction, Sun Publishing
2017
Best of the Best Law Firms, Lakeland Ledger
2011
Professional Woman of the Year, National Association of Professional Women
2001
Board Certified - Marital & Family Law, Florida Bar
2001
Honorary Master, Willson American Inn of Court
1999
Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law
1998
Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who In American Law
1997
Board Certified - Appellate Practice, Florida Bar
1991
Who's Who Among Rising Young Americans, Who's Who Legal
Work Experience
1990 - Present
Owner, Debra J. Sutton, P.A., d/b/a Sutton Law Firm
1989 - 1990
Staff Attorney, Second District Court Of Appeal
Associations
2017 - Present
Polk Women Lawyers AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Kiwanis - Citrus CenterMember
2014 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Marital and Family Certification CommitteePre-Tester
2013 - Present
Florida Bar, Appellate Practice Section, CertificationPre-Tester
2011 - Present
Care to Dance 501(c)3Founder, Participant, Organizer
2009 - Present
Optimist Club of Winter HavenMember
2004 - Present
Republican Party - National and StatePresident's Club Member
2001 - Present
Willson American Inn of CourtHonorary Master
1991 - Present
Florida Rural Legal ServiesVolunteer Attorney
1990 - Present
Willson American Inn of CourtIncorporator
1990 - Present
Willson American Inn of CourtCharter Member
1989 - Present
Florida Bar Appellate Practice & Advocacy SectionCharter Member
1989 - Present
Polk County Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
Kiwanis - Bartow
Chair, Membership and Club History Book
Florida Association of Women Lawyers (FAWL)
Member
Polk Association of Women Lawyers (PAWL)
Sponsor and Member
Tenth Judicial Circuit
Visitation Guideline Committee
Winter Haven Women's Lawyer's Association
Member
United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Member
United States Supreme Court
Member
United States District Court, Middle District Florida
Member
2014 - 2017
Kiwanis - BartowChair - Dancing Under the Stars
2014 - 2015
Kiwanis - BartowPresident-Elect
2013 - 2015
Polk Arts AllianceBoard of Directors
2013 - 2013
Kiwanis - BartowChair, Little River Band's Veteran's Day Tribute
2012 - 2012
Tenth Judicial Circuit, Historical SocietyChair, Annual Gala
2010 - 2012
Tenth Judicial Circuit, Domestic Violence CommitteeChair
2006 - 2013
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, Marital and Family Law Certification CommitteeMember
2005 - 2009
Stetson Lawyers' AssociationAdvisory Council
2004 - 2006
Florida Bar, Board of Legal Specialization and EduFamily Law Certification Appellate Review Panel
2002 - 2004
HELP of Fort Meade (A United Way Organization)Board of Directors
2002 - 2011
Florida Bar, Family Law Section, CLE CommitteeMember
2001 - 2002
Unified Family Court Implementation Committee - 10th Judicial CircuitVice Chair
2000 - 2000
Willson American Inn of CourtDelegate, Annual Conference
2000 - 2000
Theatre Winter HavenCast Member, Inherit the Wind
1999 - 2000
Florida Bar, Appellate Practice Section, Certification CommitteeVice Chair
1999 - 2000
Florida Bar, Appellate Practice Section, Certification Liaison CommitteeChair
1999 - 2004
Florida Bar, Appellate Practice Section CLE CommitteeMember
1998 - 2004
Florida Bar, Appellate Practice Section, Certification CommitteeMember
1998 - 2004
Florida Bar, Appellate Practice Section, Certification CommitteeExam Proctor
1998 - 2003
Guardian Ad Litem Program - 10th Judicial CircuitVolunteer Guardian
1995 - 2001
Willson American Inn of CourtBarrister
1991 - 1994
Willson American Inn of CourtDelegate, Annual Conference
1990 - 2000
Willson American Inn of CourtAdministrator from Inception
Education
1989
Stetson University College of Law
J.D. cum laude
1986
University of South Florida
B.S.