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Terrence M. DeSalvo Jr.
also known as Terry DeSalvo Jr., Esq.
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About Terrence
Biography
A tenacious advocate at the Law Office of Russell D. Knight, Terry DeSalvo Jr. focuses exclusively on family law, serving clients across Southwest Florida. His career is grounded in practical experiences gained as a Judicial Intern for Judge James R. Adams and as a Certified Legal Intern, where he won his first case—a remarkable feat during his 3L year. Licensed to practice law in Florida since 2013 and recognized as a Florida Rising Star in 2021, Terry's expertise is backed by active memberships in the Florida and Montana Bars. Known for his compassionate yet firm approach, he is committed to serving clients with patience and strength. In his personal life, Terry enjoys fishing, family time, and following the Cleveland Browns.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Alimony
15%
Child Custody
15%
Child Support
15%
Divorce and Separation
15%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2026 2025 2024
...
+
7
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 12 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Licensed in Montana for 6 years
State: Montana
Acquired: 2020
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Russell D. Knight
(239) 202-0843
Mobile
1415 Panther Lane, #218, Naples, FL, 34109
divorceattorneynaplesfl.com/about-naples-divorce-lawyer-russell-knight/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Terrence online.
Terrence M. DeSalvo Jr.'s Reviews
Avvo Review Score
89 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (89)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 86 - 89 of 89 reviews
Posted by Rex | October 02, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Performance review of Terrence M. DeSalvo Jr.
In my several consultations with Mr. DeSalvo in person, on the phone and via email he kept me well informed of what was happening with my case and what the future plans were. At one point he kept me from making a big mistake as to what I was willing to accept from the opposing client. His prompt acti...
Posted by Janette | April 11, 2014 | Landlord & Tenant
Detailed and Knowledgeable! Very Much Satisfied!
I had a landlord who did not pay me my security deposit after I moved out. I was incredibly frustrated as time had past, and my landlord promised it would come; only to hear excuses to never receiving it at all. I basically gave up and after almost over a year of trying, I turned to Terrance DeSalv...
Posted by Jim | July 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Terry Desalvo
Terry was well prepared. his attention to detail helped in my case.
Posted by Robert | September 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
I hope you have a lot of money
I did not Hire Mr DeSalvo but I was passed off to him from Matt Irwin one of the partners of the "Men's rights law firm" I told Mr Irwin how much I could invest and the time line I needed things to happen in. He closed me like a used car salesman. Mediation is now set, 2 months past my deadline which...
Terrence DeSalvo
Replied last September 28, 2016Unfortunately, this client has decided to take his frustrations with the litigation process out through entry of a negative rating. The interesting thing here however, is that I have been successful for this client in the courtroom, and have helped to move this case along very well. As this review states from the beginning, and throughout, his issues were with things other than my representation. To be clear, this particular case had proceeded along in a typical fashion, until the opposing side filed a Motion to Dismiss and set it for a hearing. Often times in litigation, there are a lot of unforeseen costs, depending on how contentious the case is. In this case, the parties were highly contentious. What this client did not mention in the review was that we went to the aforementioned Motion to Dismiss hearing and won. It was a great day, and the client was very relieved and happy with the results. Despite those positive results and the amount of work our team put in on this case, unfortunately, the client could not be satisfied. As I do with all of my clients, I have maintained the highest level of efficiency, ethics, and professionalism, while also trying to be sympathetic and understanding, as I know the court process can be long and difficult. I invite this client to contact me directly to discuss his concerns.
Terrence M. DeSalvo Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"Terry was a formidable opposing counsel of real character. He was so good, I ended up making him my partner."
"I endorse this lawyer. I was privileged to serve as mediator in one of Terry's contested cases. I was very impressed with his demeanor, competence and communication skills that, in large measure, facilitated my ability to get the case settled. His composure and professionalism goes well beyond his age and experience and bodes very well for an outstanding career. I would be very confident in any referral I send to him in the future."
"Highly professional and knowledgeable in Family Law matters. I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney DeSalvo represents his Cient's well, and is a true professional, in and out of court. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have had multiple cases with Mr. DeSalvo. I have successfully mediated cases to resolution and tried cases against him. I know Mr. DeSalvo to be a prepared and detailed oriented adversary. He is also a true professional and gentleman throughout the process."
"Mr. Desalvo is highly professional lawyer while still advocating for his client's position. I have known him for a number of years, and I endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Terrence DeSalvo is professional and knowledgeable. I personally have had cases with him and found him to be honest and compassionate about his case and client."
"Terry and I have opposed each other in several family law cases. He is trustworthy and represents his clients well. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. DeSalvo for some time. Mr. DeSalvo is passionate about his work in the family law arena. Mr. DeSalvo is a competent and seasoned attorney who is always prepared to either amicably resolve the case if that is in his clients best interests or litigate the case through trial if settlement negotiations become fruitless."
"I endorse Terry. He is an up and coming attorney, with impeccable judgment and insight. Terry is highly motivated. He will make his clients proud, as he does his fellow workers."
"Terry has been a member of our firm since January 2015. In that time, I have come to know Terry as a caring professional who goes the extra mile for his clients. Terry takes the time to understand each case and to advocate for his client's position."
"Mr. DeSalvo truly knows his Florida Statutes and case law. Never compromises on ethics, and always maintains his professionalism. A great attorney in this writer's opinion."
Russell Knight
Family lawyer
Vernon Guirguis
Family lawyer
Dustin Butler
Divorce and separation lawyer
Christopher Whitney
Family lawyer
Douglas Spiegel
Family lawyer
Joseph Cerino
Family lawyer
Matthew Irwin
Family lawyer
Laurence Smith
Family lawyer
Ginine Hanco
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Client's Choice, Avvo
2024
Client's Choice, Avvo
2024
Florida Rising Stars List, Super Lawyers
2023
Client's Choice, Avvo
2023
Florida Rising Stars List, Super Lawyers
2022
Client's Choice, Avvo
2022
Florida Rising Stars List, Super Lawyers
2021
Client's Choice, Avvo
2021
Florida Rising Stars List, Super Lawyers
2020
Client's Choice, Avvo
2019
Client's Choice, Avvo
2018
Client's Choice, Avvo
2018
Very Good, Avvo
2017
Very Good, Avvo
2017
Client's Choice, Avvo
2017
Pro Bono Challenge, Florida Rural Legal Services
2012
Highest Grade Book Award (Alternative Dispute Resolution), Florida Coastal School of Law
2012
Dean's List (Spring), Florida Coastal School of Law
2012
Cum Laude, Florida Coastal School of Law
2011
Best Opening (Trial Practice), Florida Coastal School of Law
2011
Dean's Scholar List (Spring), Florida Coastal School of Law
2010
Dean's List (Fall), Florida Coastal School of Law
2007
Magna Cum Laude, Florida Gulf Coast University
2007
Dean's List (Spring), Florida Gulf Coast University
2006
President's List (Summer), Florida Gulf Coast University
2006
Dean's List (Spring), Florida Gulf Coast University
2005
Dean's List (Fall), Florida Gulf Coast University
2003
Dean's List (Spring), Youngstown State University
2002
Dean's List (Fall), Youngstown State University
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Senior Partner, Law Office of Russell D. Knight
2020 - 2025
Partner, Family First Legal Group
2019 - 2020
Junior Partner, Family First Legal Group
2015 - 2019
Associate, Men's Rights Law Firm
2014 - 2014
Associate, Dennis Hernandez & Associates, PA
2013 - 2014
Solo Practitioner, The Law Office of Terrence M. DeSalvo Jr., PLLC
2011 - 2011
Certified Legal Intern, State Attorney's Office (20th Circuit)
2010 - 2010
Judicial Intern with County Court Judge, Lee County Justice Center
Associations
2020 - Present
Montana State BarMember
2020 - Present
Collier County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Florida BarMember
2013 - Present
Florida Bar, Family Law SectionMember
2013 - 2019
Lee County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
16-DR-4876
Final Judgment of Paternity, Granted
08-DR-3148
Former Husband's Emergency Motion for Return of Minor Child, Granted
12-DR-5847
Father's Motion for Contempt and Enforcement Granted, Mother found in Contempt.
15-DR-1326
Husband retained 100% time-sharing with the minor child, with the Wife retaining supervised time-sharing.
15-DR-031783
Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection against Domestic Violence for Husband, Granted.
15-DR-031764
Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection against Domestic Violence, on behalf of the children, Denied.
Education
2012
Florida Coastal School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2007
Florida Gulf Coast University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2026
The Desert Summit - RDK Annual Retreat (Scottsdale, AZ)
Organization Strategies and Philosophy in the Practice of Law
2020
Firm Workshop
Administrative Hearings and The Department of Revenue
2013
Networking
Legal Services
Publications
2025
Law Office of Russell Knight Linkedin
Welcome Terry DeSalvo, Senior Partner
2024
The Florida Family Law Podcast
Attorney Spotlight - Partner Terry DeSalvo
2021
Gulfshore Business Daily
DESALVO NAMED PARTNER AT FAMILY FIRST LEGAL GROUP
2021
2021
Super Lawyers Magazine
Super Lawyers Magazine - 2021 Florida Rising Stars - DeSalvo, Jr., Terrence M.
2021
The Adverse Witness, Collier County Bar Associatio
Collier County Bar Bulletin Board Announcements - DeSalvo Named Partner
2015
Family First Legal Group
Facebook
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers