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Joseph Gufford III
also known as Joe Gufford, Joseph L. Gufford, III
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About Joseph
Biography
Joseph Gufford III is the principal attorney at The Gufford Law Firm in Martin County, Florida, with a primary focus on family law matters. Former Chairman of the Family Law Committee of the Martin County Bar Association, Joe is known for his meticulous approach to divorce, custody, and child support cases. His skilled paralegal team augments his efforts to investigate financial complexities in family law, aiming for equitable solutions. Beyond family law, his practice includes civil litigation, probate, and estate planning. Joe's legal journey began with degrees from the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law, leading to significant achievements like a multi-million dollar product liability judgment. He later gained recognition for his role in AIDS discrimination cases. Respected for his legal insight, Joe holds a "Superb" rating and is an active voice in legal education. His commitment to pro bono work is notable, with numerous awards acknowledging his service.
Do you have a family law, divorce, custody, domestic violence, adoption, Marchman Act, Baker Act , temporary relative custody or guardianship or matter? Call (772) 221-1922 for a FREE consultation!!!
We handle private, step-parent, relative and non-relative adoptions.Call today for free consultation
Alimony is one of the most difficult areas of family law. Don't go it alone. Call us. Free Consult.
Are you the target of unfounded allegations? Are you in need of someone to prove child abuse?
Child Custody laws have changed dramatically in recent years. Call us today for a free consultation
Most people just think that child support is based on a mathematical calculation. It's not. Call us
Going through a divorce is tough enough without having competent counsel on your side. Free Consult!
Domestic Violence has wide ranging implications that can have a huge impact on your future. Call us
We handle family law, divorce, custody, domestic violence, adoption, Marchman Act, Baker Act , temporary relative custody or guardianship matters
We handle all types of Guardianship matters. Call today for your free consultation.
Before you embark upon the sea of matrimony, make sure that you are covered with a solid prenuptial
We handle Probate and Estate matters quickly and efficiently. Call us today for a free consultation
Estate Planning is not just for the wealthy. Let us evaluate your needs today. Free Consultation
Estate Planning is not just for the wealthy. Let us evaluate your needs today. Free Consultation
Practice Areas
14
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
50%
35 years
Child Custody
20%
35 years
Family
10%
35 years
Child Support
6%
35 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 250-350 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2020 2019
...
+
6
2019 2018 2017
...
+
5
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 34 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
The Gufford Law Firm, PA
(772) 934-9873
Mobile
(772) 221-1990
Fax
101 SE Ocean blvd., Suite 201, Stuart, FL, 34994
treasurecoastlawfirm.com/about/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Joseph online.
Joseph Gufford III's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
114 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (114)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (57)
Advocacy (47)
Professionalism (43)
Recommendation (42)
Practice Area Knowledge (28)
General Knowledge (26)
Responsiveness (26)
Staff & Support (24)
Communication Style (21)
Character & Conduct (17)
Trustworthiness (16)
Compassion (14)
Cost of Services (13)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (2)
Showing 6 - 10 of 28 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | December 17, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Professional, Efficient, Highly Recommended
I retained Joe for my divorce. My exwife was trying to relocate across the country with my young child. Bottom line, she is now staying in Florida the next 14 years, I have 50-50 custody of my child now, and I am finally free of the ex. Joe and his staff(Cheryl on my case) will treat you with respe...
Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2020 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent Service and Knowledge of the Law
Joe helped me navigate a difficult jurisdiction action against me from the state of Texas. His knowledge of long arm jurisdiction specifically made the case that I needed to escape being forced to go to Texas to defend the complaint.
Joseph Gufford
Replied last January 22, 2020Thanks for your review. When facing a situation in which you are being hauled into a foreign jurisdiction in any matter, one must be very cognizant as to whether that foreign state has personal and subject matter jurisdiction over you. The concept is frequently referred to as "long arm jurisdiction" and is catalogued in numerous US Supreme Court decisions. If the matter involves a child, then we must also consider the UCCJEA and the concept of long arm jurisdiction.
Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2020
The best!
It's difficult to find an attorney that you trust but will also represent your best interests. The Gufford Law Firm, Joe and his staff, are truly experts in their field. Not only are they exceptionally knowledgeable but prove guidance, support and advice through a difficult time or situation in your ...
Joseph Gufford
Replied last January 22, 2020Thanks for your kind words, especially about my staff as they are the backbone of our practice and are frequently the "unsung heroes" of the day. Family law cases, by definition, are highly stressful. We try to minimize that stress by having constant contact with our clients and by explaining not only the good parts of the case but the bad parts as well. To do otherwise, does not serve the Client's interests.
Posted by Donna | October 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Joe Gufford lll Law Firm gave me my life back
I will forever be indebted to Joe Gufford lll at Gufford Law Firm and his top notch staff Donna and Cheryl for their superb handling of my very complicated divorce case and subsequent court case regarding mediation agreement. Leaving a marriage after 24 years with all of the entanglements was...
Joseph Gufford
Replied last October 20, 2019Thanks Donna, not only for your review of my work, but most importantly for your kind words about the unsung heroes, Donna and Cheryl. Without them, I'm just another guy in a suit. They gather the evidence and put it all together in a nice, neat bow for me when we go to court or mediation.
Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Divorce
I had Mr.Joe Gufford represent me in my divorce case we both knew going in this was going to be a tricky one due to a business being involved in the case. We went to mediation and Joe faught for me and I am forever grateful to him. I must say Joe does know his laws and he will fight for you and for w...
Joseph Gufford
Replied last February 28, 2019Thanks so much for your review of our firm. The case was “tricky” but through our WestLaw access to public records, we had information that was ultimately successful in the resolution of the case.
Joseph Gufford III's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is always very helpful and collegial with his fellow attorneys, and I cannot say that about all of the lawyers I have encountered in this field. Joe is a pleasure"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is a very knowledgeable attorney who is a tenacious advocate for his clients. Joe and I have had many cases together and I find him to be reasonable to work with yet very effective for his clients."
"I endorse Mr. Gufford without reservation. He is a tenacious advocate, smart and well prepared. He is a hard working lawyer who provides direct, personal attention to his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly skilled and respected member of the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe is exceptionally bright, dedicated and aggressive. He tells it like it is, which is what any client or opposing attorney would want to hear. When you get Joe on the other side, you know he is going to represent his clients zealously and aggressively. Joe doesn't take a back seat to anyone. That's what makes him such a great lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. In his responses to questions posted on this website, Mr. Gufford has provided informative and considerate answers reflecting not only his high level of knowledge and expertise in family law and related issues but also his sincere patience and compassion to assist clients during a difficult time."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Gets good results"
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe's honest, candid, and a strong advocate for clients."
"I endorse Joe Gufford and will be sending my guardianship matters over to him whenever possible as I know he will treat each matter with the highest attention to detail!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Gufford is an outstanding attorney with an exceptional reputation. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly recommend his legal services. He is one of the best if not the best family attorney's in his state."
"Joe is one of the most knowledgeable and professional lawyers that I know. He is a tenacious researcher. His intense focus and dedication allow him to outwork other attorneys and gives his clients the greatest chance at success."
"Mr. Gufford is always well prepared and agressively represents his clients. I have referred several clients to him and they have been well represented."
"I've had the pleasure of working against Mr. Gufford in the past on a number of occasions. He is well versed in the law and fights vigorously, but professionally for his clients. I heartily endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Joseph Gufford III works in one of the most demanding fields of law while maintaining his equilibrium and providing no nonsense and practical advice. I am happy to offer him my wholehearted endorsement."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Gufford is a very knowledgeable, professional, and effective family law attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Client Distinction Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
2014 Pro Bono Service Award, 19th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Comittee
2013
2013 Pro Bono Service Award, 19th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Coordinator/ Martin County Bar Association
2012
2012 Pro Bono Service Award, 19th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Coordinator/ Martin County Bar Association
2010
Board of Directors, Florida Rural Legal Services
2010
Board of Directors, Florida Equal Justice Center
2009
2008-2009 Martin County Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award, Martin County Bar Association
2008
2008 Outstanding Pro Bono Service award, Florida Rural Legal Services
2008
Martin County Bar Association Family Law Committee Chairman, Martin County Bar Association
1987
Airborne Wings, US Army Airborne School
Work Experience
2008 - Present
President, The Gufford Law Firm, P.A.
2003 - 2008
Managing member, Brandt & Gufford, Attorneys at Law
2001 - 2003
Associate, Grazi & Gianino
2001 - 2001
Regional Director of Marketing, Bluegreen Resorts
1999 - 2001
Regional Director of Marketing, GoldKey Resorts
1998 - 1999
Regional Director of Marketing, Sunterra Resorts
1995 - 1996
Partner, Gufford & Lawrence, Attorneys at Law
1992 - 1995
Partner, Barber, Gufford & Lawrence, Attorneys at Law
1991 - 1991
Associate, Obrien & Hooper
1989 - 1991
Law Clerk, Justin C. Johnson P.A.
Associations
2013 - Present
Circuit 19 Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
CIVITAS PLACE CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.Board of Directors
1991 - Present
The Florida BarMember
2010 - 2010
Florida Rural Legal ServicesBoard of Directors
2010 - 2010
Florida Equal Justice CenterBoard of Directors
2008 - 2008
Martin County Bar Association, Family Law CommitteeChair
2005 - 2008
American Association for JusticeMember
2001 - 2008
Martin County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - 2008
Florida Bar, Family Law SectionMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Downie v. Dep't of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles
Trial Court Reversed and Law Stricken as Being Unconstitutional
BG v AG
MCBA June 2009 Newsletter
Education
1988
University of Florida
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Stetson University College of Law
law
Speaking Engagements
2008
Changes to Chapter 61 of the Florida Stautes Seminar
The Changes to Chapter 61 of the Florida Stautes
Publications
2008
2008 Changes to Chapter 61- Custody (Parental Responsibility) and Equitable Distribution
2008 Changes to Chapter 61- Custody (Parental Responsibility) and Equitable Distribution
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Joseph earned significant contribution points in 2019.
Legal Answers
Q&A
What do I do if my spouse sent me a simplified dissolution of marriage for me to sign?
16 Dec 2025
Q&A
What do i do next if my ex hasn't sign over the vehicle in which our divorce decree states so? He has even signed it/agreed to.
26 Dec 2024
Q&A
How to get husband to act like he should, a husband?
18 Dec 2024
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Picking a Family Law Attorney: Male, Female, Does It Matter?
02 Jan 2017
Legal Guide
How are Child Custody Rights Determined in Florida (Parental Responsibility & Timesharing)
27 Oct 2013
Legal Guide
What is a Durable Power of Attorney in Florida and Why Should I have One by Joseph Gufford Attorney
29 Jul 2013