1. Home
  2. Find a Lawyer
  3. Florida
  4. Lakewood Ranch
  5. Divorce & Separation
  6. Paul McDermott

Paul Michael McDermott

Divorce and separation Attorney at Lakewood Ranch, FL

5.0   17 reviews
Message
  • State Years
    Florida - FL 8 years
    Texas - TX 12 years
    Virginia - VA 22 years
  • Licensed for 8 years
    State FL
    Acquired 2015
    Status
    Member in Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 12 years
    State TX
    Acquired 2011
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 22 years
    State VA
    Acquired 2001
    Status
    Associate No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

The best
Andrew
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
A Good Experience
David
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Read more reviews

About Paul

Learn Paul’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    90%
    All divorce cases including contested and uncontested divorce and collaborative divorce

    22 years, 1,500 cases

  2. Family
    10%
    Marital and Family Law including modification of alimony, parental rights including time sharing (child custody and visitation), child support and more.

    22 years, 1,500 cases

Mr. McDermott is the founder of McDermott Law Offices, PLLC where he is dedicated to serving clients exclusively in marital and family law matters.  With 20 years of law practice experience representing a broad range of clients, Mr. McDermott is uniquely qualified to handle your family law case.  He recognizes the intense emotional, financial and spiritual difficulties individuals and families face in divorce and family law cases. After law school, Mr. McDermott also earned a second Bachelor’s Degree in Practical Theology with an emphasis in pastoral care to so he could help guide his clients through the tough challenges. Mr. McDermott is dedicated to being a compassionate and zealous advocate for your cause.  He is also trained in Collaborative Divorce, an emerging area of family law that seeks to help clients resolve their case outside of court and the traditional litigation process.  Collaborative Divorce attempts to reduce the time and cost involved in resolving a divorce case.  Every case is as unique. Mr. McDermott will seek to understand your situation and provide strategic and specific guidance to navigate your case to accompish your objectives.

Photos and videos

McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, a marital and family law firm serving Manatee County and Sarasota County, FL.

Photos and videos

McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, a marital and family law firm serving Manatee County and Sarasota County, FL.

Contact Paul

Similar lawyers nearby

McDermott Law Offices, PLLC
6151 Lake Osprey Drive
Suite 300
Lakewood Ranch, FL, 34240
Message Get Directions

Reviews

Write A Review
5.0 / 5.0
  17 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by Andrew | January 2, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best
Paul and Louise did a great job for me. Paul has a great work ethic, uses fair billing, and knows his stuff. He is well-respected in the community. I highly recommend him.
Posted by David | August 9, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A Good Experience
I needed a court order to modify the settlement agreement from my 2014 divorce. Paul immediately understood the somewhat complicated nature of the request and got it done quickly, effectively, and at a very reasonable cost. His assistant, Louise, was a joy to work with. The McDermott team made the entire process smooth and uncomplicated for both my ex-wife and for me. I highly recommend the McDermott Law Office. It couldn’t have been a better experience.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | February 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and honest
Mr. McDermott and Ms. Dube handled a difficult situation very professionally and were very responsive to questions. They worked hard to resolve the case as quickly as possible. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr. McDermott's office.
Posted by Joanne | July 11, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
Paul McDermott and his assistant, Louise, were wonderful through the whole process of my divorce. From the consultation with Mr. McDermott all the way to the very end, he was professional, knowledgeable, prompt in my returning my calls and above all else, kind to the situation at hand. I truly felt that he did everything possible to keep the negotiations peaceful and to keep all the legal fees fair and reasonable as opposed to collecting a ridiculous retainer fee and adding up unnecessary costs. I highly recommend Paul McDermott and his team. They are excellent and they care.
Read less
Posted by Ron | January 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Representation
Working with Paul and his staff through this significant life event could not have been any better. Not only did he provide a thorough and efficient legal service, but also he counseled me at a personal level calling upon his theological background to walk through challenges of the process from a spiritual perspective. The office never left me guessing as to the status of my case, and was extremely effective at maintaining constant communication with me. They were also extremely diligent in follow-up with the judicial system and the opposing party, and brought closure to the event in a rapid manner. Paul was more than fair with fees for his effort, and notified me regularly by way of detailed invoicing. His practice and approach is one of high integrity and professionalism, with a truly personal focus on the individual. I recommend Paul, without hesitation, to represent anyone looking for a unique approach to domestic relations cases.
Read less
Posted by Trent | November 28, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Supreme Individual To Be Represented By
Paul represented me with a traumatic event in my life. He represented me for around 8 months and successfully helped me conclude my case. His skills, communication, and demeanor is what I was searching for and I got it. I would highly recommend scheduling a consultation.
Posted by Heather | June 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Compassionate
Very responsive and understanding of individual situations. Was a pleasure working with! Was able to keep me sane while dealing with a very difficult case.
Posted by Madison | December 29, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney
Mr. McDermott represented me in a professional manner in my child custody case. Custody cases are never fun, but he helped ease my worries. He always returned communication with me in a timely manner. I highly recommend him for your family law needs.
Posted by Pete | December 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Great attorney handled my mediated Child support with great understanding and guidance. Have me the best result possible. Always informed me every step of the way. More like family. He knows his still without a doubt. You won't be disappointed.
Posted by Andrea | November 25, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
One of Sarasota's best
Paul McDermott of McDermott Law Offices, PLLC was the right choice for me when searching for a top-notch law firm. His expertise, insight and guidance was appreciated, and I strongly recommend this firm to others who seek help with matrimonial issues and divorces. More important, I felt like he truly cared and he put my mind at ease and gained my trust as a new client.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional
Mr. McDermott handled a very difficult situation in my life in the best and most professional way. Although my situation was terrible, I feel I was guided and given good advise and provided exhalent information by both Paul McDermott and Amanda Worth. I would recommend this law office to anyone seeking excellent, professional, and accurate information dealing with Divorce, family or child custody issues.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | March 26, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Good advice
Realistic about expectations. Good advice.
Posted by Quin | March 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding
Mr. McDermott has been a blessing during my difficult time. I don't have the words to thank him for what he has done for me. If you want a five star attorney who will fight for your rights he is the man. His experience and confidence is like none other.
Posted by Hannah | November 29, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Efficient and knowledgeable
I used Paul McDermott for representation during a custody dispute following my divorce. He was extremely prompt and did his best to make sure I got the most of his services for the retainer. He always returned my correspondences quickly with the information I needed. Highly recommended.
Posted by Amy | November 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely Incredible
Mr. McDermott is an amazing attorney, he has guided me through the remaining paperwork that I had yet to file, cleared up any questions and concerns but most importantly he was able to get a hearing within days for temporary time-sharing, he is honest to the point, flexible with timing and and has quick response times. I'm happy to have him on my side and would recommend him to any person looking for an absolutely incredible family law attorney!
Read less
Posted by D. Chung | January 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Service
Mr. McDermott & his team handled my divorce with the highest level of professionalism & knowledge, fortified with their years of experience. I would highly recommend Paul to anyone seeking the expertise of a qualified, patient & collected Family attorney.
Posted by Mark | December 7, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
OUTSTANDING ATTORNEY!!!
I hired Paul McDermott to handle my long distance child support case and received excellent service. I was very happy with the end result that he produced. He kept me informed the entire time via email and/or phone calls. Very efficient and professional. You will be in great hands if Paul handles your case. Highly recommended.
View all reviews
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 150-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.4 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • McDermott Law Offices, PLLC
  • 2016 - Present
  • Managing Partner
  • Beaulieu Law Group, PA
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Partner
  • McDermott Law Firm, PLLC
  • 2011 - 2015
  • Partner
  • Paul M. McDermott, P.C.
  • 2005 - 2014
  • Associate
  • Gross & Robinson, PC
  • 2002 - 2004
View all work experience

Education

  • Regent University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2001
  • University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1998

Legal Cases

  • Wexel v. Wexel
  • Successfully argued to Court that marital home was husband's separate property due to pre-marital acquisition. Also successfully argued that husband's business should not be included in equitable distribution.
  • McCoy v. McCoy
  • Judge granted Protective Order to my client and husband ordered out of the marital home due to substantial imminent threats of violence;

Associations

  • Sarasota Collaborative Professionals
  • Associate Member
  • 2022 - Present
  • Family Court Professional Collaborative
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • Sarasota County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2017 - Present
  • Manatee County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • Florida Bar, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Florida Bar
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Virginia State Bar
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • Palm Beach County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - 2017
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Collaborative Law Training Certificate
  • Next Generation Divorce
  • 2017
  • "Leadership Delray" Certificate
  • Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • 2016
  • Certified Family Law Mediator
  • Florida Supreme Court
  • 2016

Speaking Engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)
Given (1)
Endorse Paul
Lydia Ailes Worden headshot
Lydia Worden
Family Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Paul is a very ethical attorney that is passionate about assisting families through the difficulties experienced in a family law or related matter. He has experience in many different areas of the law that becomes valuable to the unique facts of each individual case. As his client, you will be treated with respect and compassion."
Matthew Z. Martell headshot
Matthew Martell
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Paul is very professional and has strong negotiation skills. He is ethical, polite, and easy to work with. He does not engage in unnecessary posturing. Instead, he gets right to the point and works to get things resolved in a reasonable and fair manner. He cares about his clients and seeks to obtain the best possible outcome for them. I strongly recommend this attorney."
Shelly Renea Steiner headshot
Shelly Steiner
Family Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Paul is a great attorney who will be able to follow through and help his clients in their time of need."
Isaul Verdin headshot
Isaul Verdin
Immigration Attorney | Oct 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Paul on some immigration related matters. He is a true professional."
Mark Randolph Matney headshot
Mark Matney
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 19
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Paul and I represented opponents in a contested divorce case. He was consistently zealous in advocating for his client yet always maintained a professional manner. I readily endorse him as a capable lawyer who is concerned that he obtain the best results for his clients."
Timothy J. O'Hare headshot
Timothy O'Hare
Personal injury Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Paul is a good lawyer and good man who truly cares about his clients. If you want someone who is attentive and who will fight for you, Paul is an excellent choice."
John Darin Greenside headshot
John Greenside
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Paul is an excellent lawyer. He is thorough, hardworking, smart, and has terrific communication skills. I give him my highest endorsement."
Raymond Austin Wilkerson headshot
Raymond Wilkerson
Family Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I've known Paul for several years, and we have worked on several matters together. Paul is attentive to his clients, fair in his dealings with other parties, and an outstanding person. I endorse Paul wholeheartedly. He is a very good attorney."
View more endorsements
John Darin Greenside headshot
John Greenside
Speeding and traffic ticket
Lakewood Ranch Divorce and separation Lawyer Paul Michael McDermott
Paul Michael McDermott
Divorce and separation Attorney
Lakewood Ranch, FL
Licensed for 22 years
Message