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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 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Punctuality
Posted by Sara | March 08, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Shockingly Honest Lawyer
I switched lawyers mid-divorce to Joe Gufford and am so glad I did. My former attorney was leading me on a lengthy and expensive war with opposing council until I was emotionally and financially exhausted. Joe is shockingly honest; no false expectations and he produced everything promised. He not on...
Posted by Karen | December 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Helped to move on
From the onset, I was treated professionally and was able to get an interview appointment quickly. Mr. Gifford provided a thorough account of the process including the role of his expert paralegal team. As he answered my questions his responses reflected his legal acumen and his empathy for my case. ...
Posted by Dane | December 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Unresponsive - Failure To Perform
This attorney is just about the money. Taking it from you - and not performing the services you paid for. I fired him after a month into the case and he kept 100% of the retainer money which was $8100. This is my story: My story: My wife’s sister is 74 years old suffers from dementia and was in a...
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