Bartow Family Lawyers

Stacey Hendrix McNelis - Experienced Legal Support From A Polk County Native

Stacey H. McNelis is dedicated to the practice of law and helping those in need. She focuses primarily in Criminal, Dependency and Family Law, and Social Security in Polk, Hardee and Highlands counties. She is an experienced trial attorney, having handled numerous cases in the county court as well as at the circuit court level. Over the course of her career, she has argued hundreds of motions and has tried over 30 jury trials.

Prior to founding McNelis Law, Ms. McNelis joined Colón & McNelis, P.A., in 2005 and practiced...

WORK EXPERIENCE Board Certified as a Criminal Trial Specialist by the Florida bar (1999-Present) BOSWELL & DUNLAP, LLP Bartow FL. Partner, Litigation Specialist, 2004 - Present OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY, TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, Tallahassee, FL Assistant State Attorney, Special Prosecution Director. EDUCATION COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Board of Directors Bartow Women’s Care Center, (2009 to Present) Board of Directors, Chairman, Heartland for Children. (2010 to Present) Tenth Judicial Circuit Professionalism Committee (2005-Present) Bartow Chamber of Commerce, Board of...

I am a trial attorney with more than nineteen years of courtroom experience helping individuals, couples, and families in Polk and Hardee Counties. I hold a Martindale-Hubbell AV Rating for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability. Due to the nature of my practice, I appear before the judges in the Family Law division practically every day of the week. Through my years of trial work I have grown to recognize which cases may ultimately have to be tried and which cases may be resolved without going to court. By focusing on solutions to my client’s problems rather than...

As the founder of the legal practice Advocate Law Firm, P.A., Lakeland attorney Melissa A. Wilson devotes her practice to cases of family law, criminal defense and personal injury. She has been working in the legal field since 1998, and she is admitted to practice in both Connecticut and Florida courts. Attorney Wilson is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and Quinnipiac University School of Law. Contact her firm for a free case review.

Deborah Carroll grew up in central Florida, raised her family in central Florida and committed her practice to her hometown area. She graduated in 1999 from University of South Florida with a B.A. in Business Management. In 2002, Ms. Carroll graduated from Stetson University with her MBA and Stetson University College of Law with her JD.

Following law school, Ms. Carroll worked as an Assistant Public Defender with the 10th Judicial Circuit in Bartow, Florida, with both felony and misdemeanor cases. In 2005, Ms. Carroll went into private practice with a well known law firm in Lakeland, FL...

Attorney Darla K. Snead is a Polk County Florida native and focuses her family law and personal injury practice in the Central Florida area. Ms. Snead is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and a Florida Arbitrator. She has been practicing law for over 25 years and has experience representing clients in many different areas of the law including family law, divorce, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and personal injury. Ms. Snead started Darla K. Snead, P.L. in 2009 after leaving a law firm in Lakeland, Florida where she was a partner in a firm practicing on the defense...

Heather Bryan stands as a seasoned trial attorney, wielding extensive knowledge across family law, criminal law, and personal injury law. In 2016, she took a significant step in her legal journey by founding her own law practice, focusing predominantly on family law. In this capacity, Heather has been a guiding force for numerous families, navigating them through the intricacies of the divorce process with compassion and legal acumen. Heather's commitment to the legal profession extends beyond her practice. She has been an integral part of the Polk Association for Women Lawyers since its inception, serving on the Board of Directors and...

Elizabeth Davis has over a decade of legal and courtroom experience. She is licensed to practice in all state and county courts located throughout Florida and focuses her practice on strategizing with each client to work towards the best possible outcome. Attorney Davis has helped hundreds of families navigate the difficult and emotionally charged environment of family law. She aggressively and compassionately represents her clients throughout the legal process. Call today to speak to an experienced Florida attorney about your case.

As a practicing attorney in Polk County, Florida, for over ten years, I'm proud to offer my clients advice and representation in the areas of family law, criminal defense, and elder law. My vision is to bring a personal feel and approach to each of my client's legal concerns. It is my goal to give each client effective advice and craft personal solutions for difficult legal matters. I'm privileged to be part of the Polk County community, and proud to know that when the good people of this community need my guidance and experience, I'll be here for them.

Attorney Brian Monk has lived in the Central Florida area nearly his entire life. In 2000, he graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Business Management and a B.A. in Political Science. Thereafter, Brian earned a Law degree, a Master’s of Education degree and Specialist degree in counseling from the University of Florida. While in law school, Brian earned a Certificate in Family Law and was named a Fellow of the UF Law Center on Children and Families. Following law school, Brian worked as an Assistant State Attorney in Ocala, Florida, prosecuting felony and misdemeanor cases...

I have been licensed to practice law since 1987. I have tried over 400 jury trials from DUI's to First Degree Murder. I am licensed throughout the State of Florida and the Middle District of Florida for federal cases.

Brett Szematowicz is originally from Chicago, Illinois, but moved to Tampa when he was in 1991. He attended high school locally at Tampa Preparatory School and graduated in 1999. Mr. Szematowicz attended college at The American University in Washington, D.C. and graduated with a B.A. in Justice. While at The American University, Mr. Szematowicz was a member of the highly selective Leadership Program in the School of Public Affairs. Mr. Szematowicz attended South Texas College of Law, located in Houston, Texas. During law school, Mr. Szematowicz interned with the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office in...

Your family and your financial security are two of the most important areas of your life. At Quinn & Lynch, our attorneys have over 40 years of experience in the area of Marital & Family Law. Mary Quinn is a Florida Bar Board Certified Lawyer in the area of Marital & Family Law. Board Certification recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism in ethics in practice. Mrs. Quinn is also rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell reflects an attorney’s skill, experience, integrity, and overall...

In January 1997, I founded the law firm of Lynette Silon-Laguna, P.A., now known as All Family Law Group, P.A. We are experienced and responsive attorneys concentrating in the areas of divorce, child custody/visitation/child support, stepparent and relative adoptions and name changes, as well as criminal defense, and consumer, personal bankruptcy.

Our objective is to provide professional and informed representation in the most expeditious and economical manner possible in consideration of each client's circumstances. Amicable settlement is the ultimate goal, if it is possible, to avoid the financial and emotional cost of litigation. Although we strive for an amicable resolution...

Providing quality legal representation and mediations for family law clients and offers fair, flat fee pricing in addition to hourly billing options. Attorney Nicole P. Vette is a trial lawyer who focuses her work exclusively on family related legal issues including complex divorce litigation. Vette received her Juris Doctor (summa cum laude) from Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University, where she was ranked in the top three percent of her class. Vette is licensed to practice law in Colorado and Florida. Vette has represented numerous clients in dissolutions of marriage, custody disputes, paternity matters and domestic...

Christopher G. Frey is an accomplished lawyer with vast experience in representing clients in a wide range of cases. He has interned with State Attorney Mark Ober and clerked for the U.S. Supreme court. Chris was media consultant for numerous national media outlets and lectured on the law. He is a former Vice President of the Hernando County Bar Association and is actively involved in the community. Chris has tried over 250 jury trials to verdict and is currently practicing at Frey Law, P.A. in Tampa, Florida.

Stann W. Givens is the founding partner of Givens Law Group. An accomplished family law attorney, he regularly assists clients throughout the Tampa area in all manner of complex divorce, child custody, and related matters. Stann Givens is Board Certified in Family Law by the Florida Bar, making him one of very few attorneys who can claim to be an expert in this area of law.
Stann Givens was awarded Lawyer of the Year for Tampa Family Law by The Best Lawyers in America® and has earned the highest possible peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell®: AV Preeminent®. Recently, the Family...

Attorney Jason M. Melton, is a founding partner of Whittel & Melton. As a former state prosecutor, he continues fighting for victims bringing in some of the largest single event results in Central Florida. Jason is a lifetime member of the Multi-Million and Million Dollar Advocates Forum, AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and continues to be listed among SuperLawyers in Florida by Thomson Reuters. He is a Founding Member of the National Academy of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, and in 2023 was named President. Attorney Melton is dedicated to providing clients with personalized, high-quality representation. We handle Auto Accidents, Slip and Fall, Injury, Nursing...

Jonathan May, Esq., M.A. studied communications at the University of Illinois, the University of Miami and Law at Nova Southeastern University. Attorney May developed skills in leadership, teaching, coaching and physical training as a collegiate football coach with the University of Miami, University of Illinois and Florida International University.
Attorney May then became a communications professor and has taught at over sixteen schools in the area. This is a unique background that has helped contribute to his success in the legal field. Most people are not aware that a communications background involves education and the development of...

David Pilcher is an attorney for the Central Florida law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. He specializes in Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Administration, Guardianship, Business Entity Formation, Business Law, Commercial Litigation, and Civil Litigation.

He is a native to Florida, born in Orlando and raised in Sanford. He attended Brigham Young University on a full academic scholarship, receiving his B.S degree in Computer Science.

He worked for large companies including IBM before deciding on a career in law. David Pilcher returned to Brigham Young University (once again on scholarship) to its J. Reuben Clark Law School...

An experienced trial attorney, Robert Whittel provides his clients with strong, disciplined, results-oriented representation. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. Robert graduated from both law school and the United States Merchant Marine Academy with honors, and served on the esteemed Florida Law Review. Before co-founding Whittel & Melton, a full-service law firm, Robert gained valuable experience in the court room both serving as a former prosecutor and representing large corporations in complex litigation and transactional matters. Robert is devoted to fighting for his clients’ rights. He handles all types of criminal...

I am a personal injury attorney with Farah and Farah.

As one of the co-founders of the Family Law Advocates and Plog & Stein P.C., Stephen J. Plog is a highly skilled divorce lawyer who truly cares about helping his clients successfully resolve family law issues. The Chicago native has handled cases in all the district courts of the Denver metropolitan area, which has allowed him to gain unique and invaluable experience in regards to how judges tend to rule on certain matters. If you need help with a family law case, he is the kind of lawyer you want advocating on your behalf. He is admitted to practice in...

Shiobhan Olivero was born in Plant City, Florida, and as a native Floridian, has lived in the Tampa Bay area her entire life. She enjoys spending time with her family. She is an active scuba diver, and enjoys traveling to local and distant sites to dive. Shiobhan earned as Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies from Hillsborough Community College. She worked for approximately ten years as a paralegal for criminal attorneys in the Tampa Bay area prior to, and during law school. She then earned her undergraduate degree from St. Leo University receiving a B.A. degree in Criminal...

Gary Jodat enjoys living in Sarasota with his wife, 2 younger children and their dog Drake, a Yorkshire Terrier. During leisure time, his family enjoys swimming, boating and the beach. The 3 older children attended Manatee County schools and are no longer at home. Gary R. Jodat is the founding attorney of Jodat Law Group, P.A. started in 1994. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from Stetson University College of Law in 1993 and his undergraduate degree from Roger Williams University. Fresh out of law school he was an Assistant Public Defender trying criminal, Juvenile...

Sarah is a trial-tested litigator Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar who also is experienced in collaborative divorce. She is a Certified Family Law Mediator by The Florida Supreme Court and serves as a Guardian ad Litem. Sarah is passionate about supporting her community by helping families resolve, reduce and perhaps even prevent family conflicts in positive, effective, efficient, and dignified ways. Because Sarah is experienced in both private dispute resolution and litigation, her family law and special needs law clients can choose from options that are the most beneficial to their cases....

Michelle received her B.B.A. at Hofstra University and later went on to study at the City University School of Law at Queens College, where she received her J.D. in 1997. That year, she began practicing law in New York, where she worked for the Insurance Defence Specialty Firm of Longo & D’Apice, Esq. There, she specialized in civil litigation and gained valuable experience as a trial attorney while representing defendants and Insurance companies.

She moved to Florida in 2001, where she began to focus exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases. She feels that her experience working for insurance companies...

Jacobs Family Law Firm is a courteous, friendly, and compassionate divorce and family practice. We are a strong and experienced advocate for our clients to establish and protect their parental and financial rights. Our family practice is centered on paternity and divorce law. These two areas are truly rewarding because we help people when they need us the most. Family law issues can be really stressful. Let us know how we may help you during this tough time in your life. Among our sub-areas of family practice are collaborative divorce, uncontested divorce, and unlawful detainer lawsuits. Collaborative divorce and uncontested...

Attorney Kevin A. Fuller has been representing injured victims and defending the accused since 1992. If you have been injured or accused of committing a crime, please call the office to ask questions and get answers. Benefit from more than 25 years of courtroom experience.

Andrea Anderson is an Of Counsel attorney for the Central Florida full service law firm of Bogin, Munns & Munns. Ms. Anderson is a graduate of Touro College, having received her J.D. in 1998. Since then, she has become licensed to practice law in Connecticut, New York, and Florida. Ms. Anderson practices a wide variety of areas, including Family Law, Probate, and Personal Injury. Her focus is in Bankruptcy and Criminal Law.

Family Diplomacy is dedicated to helping clients restructure their families privately and respectfully. We practice exclusively in out-of-court dispute resolution, with a focus on collaborative divorce and family law, mediation, direct negotiations, and unbundled legal services. We maintain this out-of-court practice because we strongly believe that family disputes should be resolved in a private conference room, not in a hostile and public courtroom environment. This unique perspective on family law stems back to Adam B. Cordover’s experience studying International Affairs in Washington, D.C., and abroad. Adam had the rare opportunity to work closely with...