Orange Park Family Lawyers

Scott Merl graduated from Miami Law in May of 2011. A Miami native, Scott graduated from the University of Florida with a double major in Political Science, cum laude and Business Administration General Studies with a specialization in Education. During his law school career, Scott served as the 2010 Orientation Vice Chair, was a leading force in the Student Ambassador program, and was an intern for the Street Law program where he taught at Coral Gables High School.

After graduation, Scott held a one year Post-Graduate Fellowship in which he served as a liaison between the student body and the...

Attorney Nisha E. Bacchus, a founder of Bacchus Law Firm, received her Juris Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center. While attending Nova Southeastern University, Ms. Bacchus was an active member of the American Trial Lawyers Association and earned a scholarship through The Florida Bar for her pro bono work throughout the community. Ms. Bacchus ultimately graduated and received the prestigious Order of the Barrister's Award for her trial advocacy skills. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Bacchus graduated with Honors from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in...

Alessandra Pino, an associate attorney at Hertz • Sager, has been a member in good standing since September 2023. Ms. Pino graduated from Florida International University School of Law in May 2023. It was at FIU, where she discovered her passion for family law. Ms. Pino worked in the family law section of the Community Lawyering Clinic at law school where she learned the fundamentals of dissolution of marriage and guardianship law. FIU Law recognized Ms. Pino for her outstanding contributions and hard work in the Community Lawyering Clinic. In addition to having gained experience in law school, Ms. Pino had the...

Ramie Altawil, a zealous advocate for justice, brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to his legal practice. Hailing from Amman, Jordan, Ramie found his calling in Miami, where he has become known for his compassionate representation and tireless pursuit of favorable outcomes for his clients. As an Assistant Public Defender in Miami, Ramie honed his skills over four years, handling a diverse range of cases spanning misdemeanors to first-degree felonies. His steadfast commitment to his clients' rights has been evident in numerous trials, where he served as lead counsel, ensuring their voices were heard and their interests vigorously defended. Driven...

Mark R. Wegmann joined Vilar Law, P.A. in April 2015 and handles all aspects of family law, including divorce, paternity, child support and post-judgment matters

Anna-Maria Capizzi is a partner with the firm and focuses her practice in the area of family law. Anna-Maria was born in Offenbach am Main, Germany, to Sicilian parents. Her cultural background has a tremendous influence on how she interacts with her clients and practices law. Anna-Maria pays attention to her client’s needs and her compassionate approach makes them feel at ease when discussing sensitive issues at a time of immense distress. However, her keen attention to detail and aggressive approach to motion practice has proven excellent client results. Anna-Maria moved from...

David L. Hirsch Esq. has been practicing family law for over 45 years. He is a founding partner of Brawer Hirsch and Associates, P.A., a trained family law mediator, a Circuit Court Arbitrator, a member of the FL Bar, GA Bar and AL Bar as well as Federal Courts in each state. He is a member of the Seminole Tribal Court. Honorably discharged from the US Army Reserve. Graduated UGA 1971 BBA and Samford Law School in 1975 JD. Taught Political Science Columbus State Univ. and Business Law Chattahoochee Community College. Author and copyright holder "NO HARM DIVORCE COURSE...

Addiction Recovery Legal Services, LLC Position: Director Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL Description: Addiction Recovery Legal Services, LLC is a legal partnership focusing on working with families to obtain court ordered drug and alcohol intervention, assessment and stabilization for anyone with a substance abuse problem. We can also help to ensure that future treatment is ordered and monitored by the Court. We recognize the unique issues and difficulties faced by families forced to deal with a loved ones substance abuse or drug addiction. We further understand and are experienced in dealing with legal issues associated with individuals who have a dual diagnosis for both substance...

I have been a resident of the Sarasota area for most of my life, attended Pine View School, and am fluent in Spanish. Upon obtaining my law degree, I knew I wanted to return to the Sarasota County area and started work immediately as an Assistant State Attorney in Sarasota County, where I worked as a misdemeanor and juvenile prosecutor for several years. Since leaving the prosecutor’s office, I have practiced in the areas of civil litigation, insurance defense, family law, domestic violence and criminal defense. My practice is focused on all aspects of the firm’s...

I have represented hundreds of clients in Orlando and Central Florida for more than 16 years, handling all types of family law cases, including divorce, paternity, custody, modifications and step-parent adoption, as well as all types of criminal defense cases. We look forward to putting that experience to work for you and your family. We treat our firm like family, and treat our clients as members of that family. This is more than a business. We know dealing with Divorce/Custody issues, and Criminal allegations can be the most painful and difficult times for our clients. We will take the time to...

Charles R. Maxwell II is a Florida native. He attended the University of Florida from 1991 through 1999 where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance with Honors, a Masters in Business Administration, and a Juris Doctorate degree. Upon completion of his studies, Mr. Maxwell was admitted into the Florida Bar and immediately began practicing law in 1999. He started his career working with the law firm of Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A, where his practice primarily focused in the areas of debtor in possession financing in Chapter 11 corporate bankruptcies, affordable housing, and municipal bond law. Next,...

Sherri K. DeWitt was born and grew up in Middletown, New York. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1982 and has been authorized to practice before the U.S District Court of the Middle District of Florida since 1983 and before the U.S. Court of Appeal since 1985. She received her B.A. Cum Laude in 1973 and Ph.D. in 1977 from State University of New York at Binghamton. Dr. DeWitt received her J.D. Degree from Cornell University in 1982. She was an editor of the Cornell Law Review and is the author of a book and numerous articles. Dr....

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...

Keersten Heskin Martinez has over 20 years experience and is one of the few attorneys that is board certified in Marital and Family Law. A partner at a civil litigation firm for many years, she recently started The Heskin Martinez Law Group to focus solely on family law. Keersten tries to resolve cases amicably if possible. However, if not possible, she has the experience necessary to aggressively represent her client's interests in Court.

George Chandler was a born in the Central Florida area and has practiced here his entire career. From taking on the Florida Attorney General to guiding families through difficult times; George has always practiced with the best interests of his clients in mind. He received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration in Finance from Stetson University and his Juris Doctorate from the Florida A & M University College of Law.

George has spent his entire career helping individuals prepare for and navigate the intricacies of the legal system. He has had success in trials throughout multiple disciplines of law and...

Experienced divorce attorney located in the Clermont, Florida area and practicing only Family Law, including, but not limited to, divorce, child support, parenting plans and timesharing arrangements (custody and visitation issues), alimony, paternity, parental relocations, step-parent adoptions, modifications and other Family Law matters. Our firm is dedicated to aggressive, successful and honest representation of our clients. As your lawyers, we believe that communication is key to a positive outcome. Therefore, we strive to always be as accessible as possible to our clients through direct, personal contact, prompt returning of phone calls and via cutting edge technology, such as instant notification...

Those facing criminal charges in the area of Brooksville, Florida can turn to attorney Ashley Aulls for personal attention to their individual case. At The Law Office of Ashley Aulls, Ashley uses his more than 25 years of legal experience to guide his clients through the stressful and tough issues they are facing. Ashley is a graduate of Georgia Southern University and studied law at Thomas Cooley Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1997. For his whole life, Ashley has been surrounded by respected legal professionals. His father has served as an attorney for more than 40 years....

AnnMarie Jenkinson is an attorney and sole owner of Jenkinson Legal PLLC. She graduated from Rollins College Cum Laude in 2005. AnnMarie began the journey to her legal career in 2006 when she commenced her legal education at Barry University – Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law. During her education at Barry University, AnnMarie was President of the St. Thomas More Society. An organization whose purpose is to promote high ethical and moral standards in the legal profession. She also earned high honors in Healthcare Law and Trial Advocacy. In addition, AnnMarie also participated in a clinical internship at Barry...

I was born and raised in the farmlands of the Midwestern United States. I earned an Associate in Science degree from Lincoln Trail College, marking a significant milestone as the first person in my family to obtain a college degree. My educational journey continued at Southern Illinois University, where I achieved both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry. My legal education began at the University of Houston and concluded at Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis, Indiana, where I graduated with a Juris Doctorate cum laude in 2008. During my time in law school,...

EXPERIENCE: President, University of Miami School of Law Family Law Society 1999-2000, Criminal Law Society, Author: Drugs a Process of Death Florida Police Chiefs Association, Computer Animation Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, Will it Become Tomorrow's New Form of Substantive Evidence? If so, Should it Be? University of Miami School of Law. CALI Award for RICO University of Miami School of Law, Member Golden Key National Honors Society University of Central Florida; Chief of Police City Of Oak Hill Florida 1988-1991Youngest Police Chief In Florida; Lake County Sheriff's Office, Investigator in Charge of Intelligence and Organized Crime 1985-1988; Lead Investigator 5th...

Cheri Hobbs is a co-owner and managing partner of Compass Law. Cheri grew up in a family where service was not just something that was talked about, but something that was practiced daily in their lives. As a daughter of missionaries, she grew up helping people from all walks of life. From living with Indian tribes in the Amazon forest, to serving the needy in orphanages, to taking in domestic violence victims into their home, Cheri has always seen first-hand the real need that exists in all of humanity. It is this perspective and sincere compassion that propelled her into...

Taylor is an associate attorney in our Orlando office, serving numerous counties throughout Central Florida. She helps parents, spouses, and families envision their new normal outside of the legal process. She provides a unique quality to the legal practice, as she has been noted for being able to hone in on the individual and family within each case and provide a level of service that leaves client’s feeling heard, acknowledged, and aggressively represented. Taylor was one of three students in her graduating class to participate in the accelerated law degree program, allowing her to complete her undergraduate degree and law degree...

Attorney Ophelia Bernal-Mora graduated with her law degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2004. She was admitted to The Florida Bar and the U.S. Middle District Court of Florida, Mrs. Bernal-Mora has represented well over 1,000 clients in her career thus far.

Mrs. Bernal-Mora's has a strong litigation background, her experience and the focus of her practice remain with family law. Divorce, child custody, mediation, paternity, domestic violence, child support, alimony, and family law appeals are just some of the cases in which Mrs. Bernal-Mora has assisted her clients.

What differentiates Ophelia from other lawyers is over 10 years of experience...

Justin G. Hausler has worked in the criminal area of practice since being admitted to the Florida Bar. He began his legal career as a Prosecutor for the 18th Judicial Circuit in Seminole County, FL as an Assistant State Attorney. While serving as a Prosecutor, Mr. Hausler conducted many jury trials regarding Driving under the influence (DUI), driving while license suspended/cancelled/revoked (DWLS), drug, domestic violence, theft, violation of probation and various other types of cases. After serving as an Assistant State Attorney, Mr. Hausler dedicated himself to representing individuals that had been accused in the criminal justice system. In...

I am Julian Kemp, a seasoned criminal defense and trial attorney working with families and individuals across Central Florida. My practice encompasses family law, juvenile dependency, delinquency, and other civil litigation areas. I defend clients accused of DUI, drug possession, theft and grand theft, sex offenses, and violent crimes. Additionally, I represent both individuals and companies facing grand jury subpoenas, and I regularly communicate with prosecutors and case agents on these matters.

Robert A. Morris, Jr. has been practicing law in Hernando County since 1991 when he started his career as an Assistant State Attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit . While working at the State Attorneys Office he prosecuted a variety of crimes including DUI’s, misdemeanors and felony offenses. Born in Indiana Robert graduated from Culver Military Academy in 1984 and then continued on to received his undergraduate degree from Ball State University located in Muncie, Indiana in 1988. Robert graduated Law School from Valparaiso University School of Law, which is located a short distance from Chicago Illinois, in...

Lee Karina Dani received her B.A. in psychology from Florida State University in 2000 and is a 2003 graduate of the University Of Florida College Of Law. Ms. Dani was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2004 and has been an associate with Korshak & Associates, P.A., since her admittance. Since joining the firm, Ms. Dani has handled hundreds of cases including civil litigation, probate, guardianships, divorces, child support, child custody, stepparent adoption, landlord/tenant, disputes with homeowners' associations, personal injury, and commercial and residential closings. Ms. Dani is the managing attorney for the probate, family law and guardianship sections of...

Michael Severe attended Revelle College at the University of California, San Diego, graduating with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science, and minoring in English Literature. After graduation from University, Mr. Severe worked for seven years at Costco Wholesale as a department manager. During this time, Mr. Severe came to understand value of interacting with consumers. Mr. Severe prided himself on ensuring that both he and staff provided the highest quality care to the warehouse members. Mr. Severe left Costco in 2007 to spend some time in the area of finance assisting overseas investors, mainly form the U.K., to enter...

Pi Sigma Alpha; Pi Gamma Mu. Recipient, Chester H. Ferguson Scholarship. Certified Family Law Mediator, 2000-2006. Co-Editor: "Modification of Child Support," Florida Proceedings After Dissolution of Marriage," Ninth Edition (2008). Speaker, "Working With Divorce Clients and Opposing Counsel," Half Moon Seminars, (2002). Member, Family Law Inn of Tampa, American Inns of Court, (2000-2005). Member, Board of Directors, Vetmade Industries, Inc.