William Matthew Kowtko

William Matthew Kowtko

also known as W. Matthew Kowtko, Matt Kowtko

4.3
Rating: 7.1

Licensed for 11 years

Family Lawyer at Sarasota, FL
Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense

1800 2nd Street, Suite 882, Sarasota, FL

About William

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Family 60%

Divorce cases: Uncontested, contested, high asset, simple dissolution; involving alimony, child custody, child support and equitable distribution. Paternity cases including relocation, child support, child custody and modifications.

60%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 11 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2014

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Kowtko Law Group, P.A.

1800 2nd Street, Suite 882, Sarasota, FL, 34236

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William Matthew Kowtko's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

18 Client Reviews

5 star (15)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (3)

Posted by Chad | October 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Just save yourself and family

Just run from this clown. He was no help in bringing peace to my family. He was more concerned with trying to get my easy case to trial. He's a lot of talk with no action. Save your family.

Posted by Grace | July 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Had to hire another attorney

My experience with Mr. Kowtko was not helpful to me in my divorce settlement. At first he said all the right things but things quickly soured when I received the first set of documents to sign and had to correct all the pronouns in the draft. At my second office visit, they moved to a new location an...d never bothered to tell me or even leave a note on the door with instructions on where to find them. I tried to fire him once but realized I would never get any money back (I paid him in full up front - big mistake)so I stuck it out. My ex was emotionally and verbally abusive. I fled my marital home after a particularly abusive event and left with only a few items of clothing. I took $60k out of my 401k to obtain an apartment and buy food, furniture, sheets, towels, kitchen utensils, plates, etc. as I left with nothing. A month and a half later, I was allowed back into the home to collect my personal items and was told by my attorney not to take any furniture or items purchased during the marriage. When I entered the home I realized quickly that he had hidden all our valuables and his guns. I provided Ring camera videos of my ex using a dolly to return items back to our home from a neighbors house. My lawyer did nothing. No motion was ever filed to stop him from selling our marital assets and keeping the proceeds. My ex purchased a $60k truck, sold our marital boat for $36k then took another $20k from our savings account to pay the note off. My lawyer did nothing to stop this. I would not recommend Mr. Kowtko to represent you in your divorce.

Posted by DC | March 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

THE ABSOLUTE BEST!!

Our son was fortunate to be able to retain the services of Matt Kowtko from the Kowtko Law Group. Matt helped us during the most difficult year of our lives. Our son was wrongfully accused and was charged with serious capital crimes. These offenses were to be punishable by life imprisonment with no ...parole and possibly the death penalty. Needless to say, we were horrified. From the moment we met with Matt and his team, we immediately knew they would do their best to defend our son. Matt is truly exceptional, and his legal expertise is top notch. He was always available to listen to ALL our concerns and provided the best possible explanation of the legal system. His aggressive defense strategies as well as his detail to all the research were absolutely astounding. When we started feeling unsure, Matt was able to reassure us that we were in good hands. He will not sugar coat anything; he gives it to you straight. We were also very fortunate that Matt partnered with Attorney Allan Baily who is thorough and very knowledgeable. When you hire Matt, you get it all – he will NOT quit on you. He will put everything he can into defending you and we are forever GRATEFUL. Ultimately, our son was acquitted on all counts!! We recommend Matt Kowtko without reservation to take on any legal matter; he is the best.

Posted by Amy | May 10, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Top Notch Attorney

I've been with children and families for many years in Sarasota, so I know the attorneys. When I needed help I went to the best. She was maxed on cases and referred me to Matt. He exceeded my expectations. As well as being smart, quick, talented, and confident, he's a strategic thinker. Matt blew the... case out of the water, and opposing council has been in practice nearly as many years as he's been alive. Not only did we win, but he did it so well, the judge rebuked the plaintiffs. His team is incredible as well. If you want an attorney who is in it for you, give him a call.

Posted by Paulette | October 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Lawyer

From day one with Matthew I felt I had chosen well. He is very confident, assertive and well prepared. His staff is exceptional. Would Highly Recommend if you want to get a desirable outcome. My case was very difficult and I received exactly what I asked for....Very likable Man.. Thank You for secu...ring my Future ✨✨

See All Client Reviews

William Matthew Kowtko's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
Ryan Aaron Chapman headshot
Ryan Chapman

Family lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He will fight for you. He is a very capable intelligent attorney."

Kevin Scott Neiman headshot
Kevin Neiman

Unknown lawyer | Feb 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Kowtko displays genuine concern in every question he answers on Avvo. Attorney Kowtko's answers reflect a solid understanding of the law and a quick grasp of the applicable law in every situation. He also gives practical solutions. I endorse this lawyer for Family matters."

Patrick Ruster headshot
Patrick Ruster

Family lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent family lawyer. Intelligent, honest, and professional. He will zealously represent his clients. It's a pleasure working with him."

Eric Russell Hanson headshot
Eric Hanson

Family lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt could be in Websters as the definition of an attorney. He is extremely intelligent, professional, always well prepared, and a passionate advocate. I fully and completely endorse this lawyer."

Louis Montone headshot
Louis Montone

Family lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is very sharp and knows how to get to the bottom of a family law issue while keeping client costs in mind. He always spends extra time on client care. He is genuine and his clients appreciate his constant guidance throughout difficult times. I endorse him."

Richard Sanvenero Jr. headshot
Richard Sanvenero

Family lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is the definition of what every lawyer should strive to be. He cares about his clients, pays the up-most attention to detail in making sure he is providing the most current and up to date legal advice. Matt and I have spoke on the law over various legal matters and the knowledge he possesses is like none other. If you are looking for an attorney that cares more about his client then they money then Matt is the right attorney for you! Best of Luck to you Matt! Keep setting that great example for young lawyer and experienced lawyer out there!"

Jessica Marie Hallgren Kendrick headshot
Jessica Hallgren Kendrick

Family lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Friend

"The first words that jump to my mind when a client asks me who Matt Kowtko is.....professional, loyal, honest and aggressive. All the qualities you want win a family law attorney. He knows the law better than anyone I know, fights aggressively for him clients and is always available whenever you need him."

Bonnie Klein Rhoden headshot
Bonnie Klein Rhoden

General practice lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"These are the first things I think of when I have the opportunity to work with Matt. After many years seeing him execute complicated issues with a keen eye and the endurance to see things through I am able to offer my professional and my personal recommendation. You will be in good hands with Matt as your attorney and advocate. I am quite sure you will be impressed with his legal abilities."

View All Endorsements
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Jay Seigel

Foreclosure lawyer

Richard Sanvenero Jr. headshot
Richard Sanvenero

Unknown lawyer

Louis Montone headshot
Louis Montone

Unknown lawyer

Angela Davis Tobaygo headshot
Angela Tobaygo

Family lawyer

Kenneth Erwin Rhoden headshot
Kenneth Rhoden

Unknown lawyer

Annamaria Farrell headshot
Annamaria Farrell

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.1 (Very Good)

Honors

2015

Pro-Bono Recognition, The Florida Supreme Court and Legal Aid of Manasota

Work Experience

2015 - 2015

Intern, The Law Offices of Sean Smallwood, P.A.

2012 - 2015

Intern, Cohen Battisit, P.A.

Associations

2015 - Present

Sarasota Pregnancy Center

Volunteer Attorney

2015 - Present

Sarasota County Bar Association

Member

2015 - Present

Sarasota County Barr Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD)

Member

2015 - Present

Sarasota Women's Resource Center

Volunteer Attorney

2014 - 2015

Legal Aid of Manasota

Volunteer Attorney

2012 - 2013

VITA

Volunteer

Sample of Legal Cases

Bryant v. Bryant

Marriage dissolve; MSA accepted

See More Legal Cases

Education

2013

Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2013

YAL - Internal Event

YAL - Libertarianism and the Law

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution