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Guichard St. Surin

Family Attorney at Fort Myers, FL

4.8   33 reviews
  • Licensed for 12 years
    State FL
    Acquired 2011
    Status
    Member in Good Standing Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016

About Guichard

Learn Guichard’s areas of practice.

Guichard is a French name of Germanic origin that, loosely translated, means “made strong from combat.” When Guichard St. Surin partner with his clients in family law matters, he likes to shield them from battle. “I want them to see past the position they are fighting for and truly get to the root of the issues in order to avoid coming back to court for modification or enforcement proceedings,” he said. He employs a holistic approach to help keep clients’ wellbeing intact, including referrals to financial advisors and psychological counselors to help manage the upheaval that inevitably happens in big transitions. “The reward is knowing that I was able to help a family navigate through the storm and uncertainty of divorce and having them come out confident on the other end.”

Guichard was born in Haiti and grew up in Naples with eight brothers and sisters. Service was a family ethic, which is evident in the career choices of several of the siblings. An older brother served in the U.S. Army, and did tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Another is an officer with the Naples Police Department. A sister that is school teacher. St. Surin also married well – his wife is a school psychologist.

Guichard wanted to be an attorney since high school. “That decision was solidified in my third year in undergrad when I won Best Advocate in a national trial competition in my first year of doing mock trial,” he recalled. “From then on I had a burning passion for being in the courtroom.”

He realizes that what separates him from his clients is often just a matter of happy circumstance. He once worked out a 10-year sentence for a 16-year-old who was charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, punishable by life in prison. “He looked just like my younger brother and I immediately felt a connection with him.” Although his efforts were successful, he felt far from triumphant. “I realized that a lot of these young men have no positive male role models in their life,” he said. Being in a position to serve as such a role model, St. Surin mentors a group of boys on Wednesday nights at his church.

Guichard welcomed his first-born son in the Fall of 2015. "Being entrusted with a child is the greatest blessing that God has bestowed upon me. Being a parent and seeing how much joy my son has when I'm around has brought me a deeper level of understanding and love.  I want every parent to continue to experience that joy and love that only parenthood brings. I want to help them through the painful transition period of separation and work with them to create and develop a schedule that allows both parents to continue to enjoy those priceless moments with their child." 

 

Photos and videos

We believe in the sanctity of marriage. It is our goal to provide you with as many resources to help salvage your marriage. If all else fails, we are here to help you facilitate the divorce process to establish long-term stability that minimizes stress.
We believe in the sanctity of marriage. It is our goal to provide you with as many resources to help salvage your marriage. If all else fails, we are here to help you facilitate the divorce process to establish long-term stability that minimizes stress.
At The Guardian Law Firm, we are committed to providing the kind of service and environment that we all want as consumers. We truly are here to Serve the One.
We believe in the sanctity of marriage. It is our goal to provide you with as many resources to help salvage your marriage. If all else fails, we are here to help you facilitate the divorce process to establish long-term stability that minimizes stress.
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Contact Guichard

Similar lawyers nearby

The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
1919 Courtney Drive
Suite 16
Fort Myers, FL, 33901

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  33 customer reviews
Posted by Matt | August 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent lawyer
I got a dui charge back in March, and I thank God for Mr. St Surin and his staff. Due to their diligence and research they got me down to a reckless driving charge. I keep my license. Can't beat that!
Posted by Margaret | March 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Guardian Law Firm
Guichard St.Surin is a man of his word. He went the extra mile for me in court. This is the second time Guischard at The Guardian Law Firm has represented me, and both times I was more than pleased with the outcomes.
Posted by anonymous | July 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
BRILLIANT ATTORNEY
I contacted Guichard St. Surin just a few days before my hearing for a restraining order. I was nervous because the opposing party had a lawyer and being told how hard it was to get a restraining order. I presented my evidence to Guichard the morning of my hearing. He brilliantly put together and addressed the court with my case that had the opposing party running to offer us a settlement for a 1 year restraining order. Guichard discussed it with me and knew we could go all way and get a permanent restraining order so we declined the offer. In the end the judge came to a decision and granted us a permanent restraining order. I am so grateful to find such a skillful lawyer that could execute my case and present it to the Judge with confidence. Thank you Guichard!
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Posted by Sean | July 25, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
EVERYONE HAS 5 STARS, BUT THIS GUY IS LEGIT!
Guichard is the North Star amongst all the the five stars on Avvo that will give true direction, counsel, and representation. He (and his staff) was a blessing to me during my dissolution of marriage case. He not only represented me, he cared for me. His wisdom to take the long view, while being with me in the moment, helped to bring me understanding, peace, and confidence. In taking the long view, I truly felt that he had my wellbeing, as well as my children's wellbeing, in mind for decades to come. My fatherhood and finances are better for choosing Guichard. This guy is legit!
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Posted by anonymous | July 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and affordable attorney
I needed an attorney immediately, I didn't know how to find the right one. They're so many to choose from. I asked my friend and she told me about Guichard St. Surin , he is amazing. I had a consolation and talked to him about my case and expressed that I don't have a lot of money on hand. I told him what I could afford and he set me up with a fair payment plan. I had many questions about my case and I could call and talk to him directly at any time, he was always available. He also offers an app that has all of our documents, appointments and even a private messager to communicate with him and his employees. The outcome of my Child Custody case was handled perfectly, it benefited my whole family (even the father). He's very personable and wants what's best for everyone in the situation. Now I have a different kind of case and I contacted him on very short notice and he was egear to help me. I am so very glad I found him and I would recommend him to anyone.
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Posted by Steve | July 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Honest, Caring & Proactive Team
I have had a wonderful experience working with the entire team at Guichard St. Surin and as unpleasant as it is to face legal issues for me they have all made helped my experience to be more compassionate than I had thought possible. THANK YOU
Posted by anonymous | April 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
One of the best, honest, reliable, straight forward, hands on attorney in Lee County
From the first time I sat on his office he was straight forward with me. He was there and understood EVERYTHING on a personal level that I was going through. He never judged or passed judgment on anything. I would beyond recommend him to ANYONE, he is an amazing attorney and I thank him for coming into my life.
Posted by Jacqui G | April 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Kindest, most understanding lawyer ever !
I was at a point where I was ready to give up and give in just to have peace back in my life. I only had a few days to have someone take care of my divorce for me and while searching online I was led to this Attorney and he literally saved me and made sure my future would be secure. I've worked with Attorneys, hired Attorneys in the past and known them in all walks of life but this is the first time that I ever felt I was talking with someone who was on my level and just a real good person. He's friendly, honest and truly has your best interest in his heart. If ever I need him again I will not hesitate to call him.
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Posted by anonymous | March 15, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Secure feeling
Was looking at fighting a case that would have jail time and probation involved. (Driving without a license) Wanted to plea my case and see what else could be offer. So instead of going to the court appointed attorney I went on a search for a qualified attorney. Thankfully I was recommended to see Mr Surin. Once I was done speaking with him I knew I was in good hands and had a secure feeling of knowing he was going to help in any way possible. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney that you need to feel secure in.
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Posted by Mitchell | February 20, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Modification of my court order
I am a 49 year old male single parent of two girls now thanks to the Guichard Law Ferm. What I most like about working with this law firm was they put my children and my needs first and foremost. They worked continuously in timely fashion on bringing my case to court and obtaining a winning decision for me. So to all the men in this world that think that they can't win custody of their children. I am living proof that you can with the help of this law firm. May I see at this time thank you for everything you've done for me in this process. GOD BLESS YOU.
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Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2015
Fisrt time visit was great
I came into his office worried regarding the case I had. Unfortunately he could not take my case , but was able to guide me and help with what my concerns where. Any other cases I have or any of my family, he will be the one to take over. Overall I was glad I spoke to someone that was knowledgeable .
Posted by Robin | March 31, 2015
The most sincere lawyer I've ever met (and I've met a lot)
I saw Attorney St. Surin and his partner on a FOX morning show and being that I'm a good judge of character, once the program ended, I called the lawyer's office for a consultation. I was greeted by a very warm staff, with no superiority attitudes, which was wonderful. Then the time spent with Attorney St. Surin was such a great exchange of communication (absent from many lawyers), that although we decided he was not going to be able to help me specifically, I would most definitely refer him to friends. Additionally, I would be back in a heart-beat should I have an area of law in which he could serve me as a client. It is not often that I have been with any attorney with any legal matter, that a sense of trust, and it being as much about me as his fees, was evident. Attorney St. Surin is an asset to the Florida Bar and the state of Florida.
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Posted by Angie | October 7, 2014
The best lawyer I've come across thus far!!!
I hired Mr.St Surin to represent my husband with his criminal case. My husband has been in the county jail since June 2014 being represented by a public defender and was facing 10 years to life in prison for 6 gun charges and drugs. That's when I found Mr.St Surin in September. He was upfront and honest about everything pertaining to my husband's case, himself and absolutely no hidden fees. He took my husband's case and immediately started investigating it. He went to my husband's court hearing in October and got all 6 gun charges dropped leaving him with just the drug charges. He got him a great deal of 3 years probation the first time going to court as my husband's attorney, so my husband will be home in November. With having 8 kids he did exactly what I needed him to do in such a short amount of time and he always always kept in contact with me about my husband's case. My family and I will forever grateful to Mr.St Surin for giving my husband another chance to do right and get his life back on track. The money is well worth the job he's done for us and I will definitely be referring him to any and everybody I know who needs a great attorney. I will now be hiring him to work on my brother's case. Thank you Mr.St Surin.
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Posted by Daniel | August 31, 2014
He's a guy you can count on.
This guy gave me a second chance. I made a mistake in life that could have had some serious consequences, but Guichard reduce those drastically . I had a few D I'm eternally grateful to this man. He might be a young attorney, but he's one with respect and trust. He'll give you the right advice and tell you how it is. The second i left his office i felt a burden lifted off my shoulders. He kept in contact with me and updated me during the whole process. This guy really saved me from a long life of regret.
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Posted by Colleen | August 8, 2014
Highly Recommend
I cannot express how greatful my family is to Guichard St. Surin. From the moment I contact him he was right on my daughters case. He put my mind at easy regarding a very stressful time. He did everything that he said he would do with much success. I highly recommend Mr. St. Surin to all as I feel he is a lawyer that possess honestly and integrity.
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Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2014
He is the Man!
He does his homework. He is reasonable. He is a great lawyer. He keeps you updated with your case and let's you know what is going on. He offers payment plans and works with you. Fights for your freedom. I highly recommend him.
Posted by Steve | June 13, 2014
Great Lawyer for hard times
This lawyer was recommended to me by my bail bondsman. He is very knowledgeable and kind. He gave me the results I was looking for in a timely manor. I highly recomend his services.
Posted by anonymous | June 11, 2014
Excellence
GUICHARD ST. SURIN immediately takes control of the situation. He is very professional and experienced! I live in another state but I needed him to handle a situation for my family member and Guichard proved to be extremely reliable and trustworthy!! I truly thank him for all of his help!
Posted by Ramos | April 30, 2014
Best Attorney in town
My husband and I our very picky people we sat down with tons of attorneys in Lee County and Guichard was the one that stuck out. He makes you feel as if you are part of the family and has never treated us as if you are just another case. He is honest and gives your case the extra miles it needs we've learn to never doubt him because at the end of the day he has our best interest in hand.
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Posted by current client | April 26, 2014
A great lawyer to have on your side
I hired Mr. St. Surin the day of my trial... Mr. St. Surin has showed me great determination and the ability to take on and handle a case on short notice. His professionalism and aggressive approach with my case has given me great confidence. Thank you Mr. St. Surin.
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Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016.

Admonishment issued in FL, 2016
updated on 08/15/2016

An admonition means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The Bar gives the lawyer an admonition in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Guichard's comment: “This was a singular occurrence that was due to the results of two disgruntled previous criminal law clients. I always try to do my upmost for every single client and I am sorry the results were what they were but I did everything in my power to obtain the best outcome. Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any questions about this instance.”

Work Experience

  • CEO
  • The Guardian Law Firm, P.A.
  • 2012 - Present
  • Assistant State Attorney
  • State Attorney, Twentieth Judicial Circuit of Florida
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Certified Legal Intern
  • Public Defender, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida
  • 2011 - 2011
  • Certified Legal Intern
  • State Attorney, Ninth Judicial Circuit Of Florida
  • 2010 - 2010
  • Judicial Law Clerk
  • Eleventh Judicial Circuit In & For Miami Dade County, Fl
  • 2009 - 2009
  • Family Law Clerk
  • The Eleventh Circuit Court Of Florida
  • 2009 - 2009
  • Intern
  • State Attorney, Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida
  • 2009 - 2009
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2011
  • Florida State University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 2008

Associations

  • Association of Family Law Professionals (Southwest Florida)
  • Board of Directors
  • 2015 - Present
  • Lee County Law Library
  • Board of Trustees
  • 2015 - Present
  • Calusa American Inn of Court
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Florida Bar
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • University of Florida Levin College of Law Trial Team
  • Liaison
  • 2011 - Present
  • Lee County Legal Aid
  • Board of Directors
  • 2015 - 2016
  • National Bar Association -Isaac Anderson Chapter
  • President
  • 2014 - 2014
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Fort Myers Chapter)
  • Vice President
  • 2014 - 2015
  • Florida Bar, Standing Committee Student Education & Admissions To The Bar
  • Committe Member
  • 2013 - 2016
  • Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2012 - 2015
  • Collier County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2012 - 2015
  • Lee County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2012 - 2015
  • National Bar Association -Isaac Anderson Chapter
  • Vice President
  • 2012 - 2014
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2011 - 2015
  • University of Florida Fredric G. Levin, College of Law Entertainment Law Review
  • Member
  • 2009 - 2011
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Creole

Honors and Awards

  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Esteemed Member
  • The Global Who's Who
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2013
  • Top 40 under 40
  • The National Trial Lawyers Association
  • 2013
  • Outstanding Certificate of Achievement in Pro Bono Service
  • University of Florda, Fredric G. Levin College of Law
  • 2011
  • Outstanding Certificate of Achievement in Community Service
  • University of Florida Frederic G. Levin College of Law
  • 2011
  • Final Four
  • Black Law Student Association Southern Regional Mock Trial
  • 2009
  • Regional Best Attorney
  • American Mock Trial Association
  • 2006
View all awards

Publications

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • CLE
  • Court Room Decorum
  • 2016
  • CLE
  • Ethics
  • 2015
  • CLE
  • General Ethics
  • 2014
  • CLE
  • Ethics
  • 2013
  • School Psychologist meeting
  • Haitian Culture in the Classroom
  • 2012
  • Chapter Meeting
  • Effective use of Social Media
  • 2012
  • 1st Annual Career Panel
  • Career Seminar
  • 2012
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (29)
Given (32)
Endorse Guichard
Unknown Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services."
Family Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jun 26
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Guichard is a very capable lawyer who cares about people. A good man who brings integrity and honor to our profession. He is truly one of the good guys. I would not hesitate to refer a matter to him."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. St. Surin is a reliable source to refer my clients too and the clients are appreciative of same. I believe he cares about the people he represents."
Family Attorney | Mar 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Guichard provides excellent service to his clients by being knowledgable on the law, communicating with clients, and being prepared for court. I have seen him in action and he is always willing to zealously advocate for his clients."
Family Attorney | Sep 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Friend
"Guichard cares about his clients and has the experience to get the job done right! He gives his clients the best shot at a victory in Court. I fully endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Atty. St. Surin represented one of my family law clients in a DUI matter and did a wonderful job. He explained everything in great detail to the client, so that no requirements would be missed. He also got a very favorable outcome for the client. I have recommended him to other clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Guichard St. Surin is intelligent, hard working, and a great attorney. I would highly recommend his services."
Unknown Attorney | Oct 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Guichard is active in the legal community, knowledgeable, and works hard for justice for his clients."
Family Attorney | Sep 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. St. Surin is an exceptional attorney and his clients are very fortunate to have him on their side."
View more endorsements
Personal injury
Criminal defense
Divorce and separation
Criminal defense
Personal injury
Immigration
Car accident
Personal injury
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Divorce and separation
Personal injury