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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.
6
Practice Areas
35 years
35 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Florida
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Other places you can find Debra online.
52 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Michelle | April 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
An Exceptional Attorney with a Spectacular Team
I can honestly say Ms. Sutton is hands down one of the best attorneys out there. Not only is she compassionate, but when it comes to her clients she will fight to the end. I came to Ms. Sutton after having a horrible experience with another attorney and dealing with a never ending child custody battl...
Posted by David | August 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Best Attorney nothing compares!
Rest assure hiring Ms. Sutton and her staff you will soon realize you made a smart choice and have the best team possible to handle your case. From the start and all the way through to the end, Ms. Sutton and her team were very professional, kind, compassionate and genuine. Ms. Sutton has the know...
Posted by Barbara Stone | August 21, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Competent and Caring Attorney
I was being represented by a former attorney in my divorce proceeding. I did not feel the attorney was representing me on my behalf. I immediately hired attorney Sutton, not only was she knowledgeable in divorce but she and her staff were compassionate and knowledgeable. There was definitely a sigh o...
Posted by Lonnie | October 12, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Counsel
Being out of state Debra Sutton is a excellent and understanding counsel for Fl. Law. The Firm in all aspects are professional and compassionate for all your needs.
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!
Lynne, 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.
"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"
Criminal defense lawyer
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
1990 - Present
Owner, Debra J. Sutton, P.A., d/b/a Sutton Law Firm
1989 - 1990
Staff Attorney, Second District Court Of Appeal
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
Chair, Membership and Club History Book
Member
Sponsor and Member
Visitation Guideline Committee
Member
Member
Member
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
1989
J.D. cum laude
1986
B.S.