The Villages Family Lawyers

As a former prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office for Orange and Osceola counties, I now put my experience as a trial attorney to work for my clients.

I'm proud to represent clients against all types of criminal charges. I provide compassionate, personalized attention to every case, with the aggressive representation needed to protect your rights and freedoms.

My experience as a prosecutor includes both felony and misdemeanor trials in Orange and Osceola counties. No case is too big or too small. I have handled 1st degree attempted murder, DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of an accident with death, robbery with...

Attorney Richard A. Heller has been serving the residents of Central Florida since 1988. In that time, he has helped countless individuals to resolve complex legal matters related to bankruptcy, family law, estate planning and criminal defense, earning him and his firm an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. For this reason, if you are searching for high quality legal representation in Orlando, FL, you needn’t look any further than The Law Offices of Richard A. Heller, P.A.

Marital & Family Law Litigation Attorney with 29 years experience. Ann Marie Gilden was an Assistant State Attorney in Lake County from 1987 to 1990, and in Orange County from 1990 to 1995. She obtained a great amount of trial experience as an Assistant State Attorney doing an extensive number of jury trials. She tried a wide variety of criminal cases, including murder cases. She left the State Attorney’s Office in 1995 and started her own law practice. Initially her areas of practice included Marital & Family Law and Criminal Law. She represented clients in trials including...

The hiring of an attorney is a very important decision, and often a very difficult decision. You want to hire someone that you feel comfortable with, but also someone that will take the necessary steps to get you the best possible outcome for your case. This may include skillful negotiations, multiple court hearings, or going to trial if necessary. Emily has almost a decade of experience handling all types of family law cases. In addition, Emily has compassion for her clients and is aware of the sensitive issues that are involved in family law cases. This combination of attributes is...

I am a Florida attorney, AV® rated, by Martindale-Hubbell and licensed in both State and Federal courts. For 15 years, I have provided excellent legal representation to individuals in Central Florida. I was born in Calatayud, Spain and speak both English and Spanish.

"An AV Rating shows that a lawyer has reached the height of professional excellence. He or she has usually practiced law for many years, and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity. "
-- Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory

I am proud to have the highest peer-reviewed rating (an AV Rating) from Martindale-Hubbell, the nation’s largest...

Brian P. Byrd Brian has worked in two of the State Attorney's Offices in the State of Florida: first as a Certified Legal Intern in Tallahassee, Florida from 2011-2012, and second, as an Assistant State Attorney in Orange County, Florida from 2012-2015. This extensive experience provided Brian with the experience of handling several thousand criminal cases. This invaluable experience provides Brian the opportunity to evaluate the facts of a criminal rationally and with neutrality. Brian has prosecuted a variety of criminal cases, and has taken many cases to trial and through to a verdict....

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.

Steven A. Young is a Family Law and immigration attorney at Bogin, Munns & Munns, a full service law firm located in Orlando. With many years of experience, Steven Young can be an excellent resource to individuals dealing with a divorce or a serious immigration matter.

Understanding the difficulties one faces when dealing with these tough issues, Attorney Young can commit to fighting for each client's best interests. If you are looking for a divorce attorney or immigration attorney you can trust, contact Steve Young today!

Professional: Admitted to The Florida Bar on September 17, 2002 (Bar Number 0568831); licensed as a Florida Certified Public Accountant (License Number AC34985) on June 11, 2002; admitted to the Federal Bar, United States District Court, Middle District of Florida, on November 13, 2002; United States Tax Court. on July 29, 2008. Personal: Born Lakeland, Florida, on February 8, 1967. Married to Melody A. Shipley nee Cottingham of New Port Richey, Florida on January 29, 1994. Three sons and two daughters. Education: B.S. in Management, The Florida State University, 1994 B.S. in Accounting, The...

I have been practicing law for more than 35 years, including a five year stint as a circuit judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida.
As an experienced litigator, in both state and federal court, I have aggressively represented clients at all levels of trial courts from criminal traffic matters to first degree murder charges. In the civil courts, I have represented clients in a range of cases involving contracts, business litigation, family matters, personal injury case, professional negligence matters (Medical Malpractice), defamation and cases involving fraud.
I have also had the pleasure of being the City Attorney for the...

Andrew Nickolaou is a founding partner at Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A. He practices exclusively in divorce, marital and family law. Andrew also handles record expungements and sealings.

Andrew and his partner, Ophelia Bernal-Mora Nickolaou, joined forces in March 2016 to form the unique and boutique husband and wife family law team at Bernal-Mora & Nickolaou, P.A. Together, Andrew and Ophelia take a practical and team-based approach to all of their cases and clients to deliver the highest quality experience and representation.

Andrew was born in Chicago, Illinois and relocated to Florida as a teenager where he has lived since. He...

At the Law Office of Paulette Hamilton Divorce Lawyers, we are a dedicated family law firm serving Orlando, Florida. We understand that every case is unique, and we pride ourselves on taking a client-centered approach. While some cases may share similarities, each family’s situation is distinct. That’s why we don’t rely on a one-size-fits-all method when handling family law matters. Building strong, long-term relationships with our clients is a priority, and we tailor our legal strategies to meet each individual’s specific needs and goals. Our commitment to personalized service is backed by a drive to achieve the best possible outcomes...

Mr. Hancock is the Managing Partner at Hancock & Associates, P.A. He graduated from undergraduate school at the University of Central Florida in 2003, where he received his Bachelors of Science in Psychology. He attended and graduated from Florida A&M College of Law, in Orlando, FL, and received his Juris Doctor in 2010. He has been a member of the Florida Bar and a practicing attorney since September, 2010. During law school, he was a summer associate at McCreary & Hancock, P.A., in Orlando, Florida, and later was a clerk for the Judge of Compensation Claims in Orlando, FL....

Mr. Persad has worked in the legal profession for over 20 years. He is licensed to practice law in Florida, the United States Virgin Islands, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He earned his Juris Doctor degree and his Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Akron in 1993 and 1994, respectively. He also holds a Bachelors of Arts in Business Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and a diploma in paralegal studies from New York University. Mr. Persad's experience in the legal field...

Paige L. Carlos devotes the majority of her practice to Real Estate Law. She also has ample experience practicing Family Law and handling dissolutions of marriage, child support issues, child custody disputes and mediations. She takes her work very seriously and enjoys being able to help her clients through difficult times. Paige has a real passion for people and she strives to put forth her best effort to serve those who cannot serve themselves. Paige grew up in Southern Connecticut. In 2009 Paige received her Bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York where she majored in Africana...

Zuhair D. Fanash Founding Partner Attorney Zuhair D. Fanash has been practicing law for more than 13 years. Attorney Fanash has focused his career in the area of Family Law exclusively. During law school, at the University of Denver School of Law, Attorney Fanash had internships with the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Denver district attorney’s office, and with two litigation firms. After graduating from the University of Denver law school, Attorney Fanash accepted a position as fellow with the Eighteenth Judicial District. The internships and fellowship experience allowed Attorney Fanash to see the judges’ perspective and how judges dealt with...

This Florida native attended University of Florida Law School after graduating from Duke University. She is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell peer review rating system. This is their highest rating. Avvo national ratings gave her an excellent rating. The office practice includes bankruptcy, landlord tenant, foreclosure, family law, estate planning including wills and trusts, and probate and guardianship matters.

For 25 years, Russell Hershkowitz has continuously served his community in Altamonte Springs as the founding family law attorney for Russell S. Hershkowitz, L.L.C. He is a proud graduate of the University of Florida and Western Michigan Cooley Law School. Attorney Hershkowitz is a member of the Family Law Section of Florida Bar Association and the Bankruptcy Committee of the Orange County Bar Association. He focuses his practice on divorce cases with complex asset and financial matters. The Altamonte Springs divorce lawyer is committed to protecting his client’s best interest. Set up a free consultation with Russell S. Hershkowitz, L.L.C....

Originally from the great State of Texas, Mr. Archer has sought the practice of law as his second career. After graduating high school in 1992, Mr. Archer enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a Munitions Systems Specialist and a Training Manager/Instructor until he discharged in 2000. Upon completion of his bachelors degrees at McMurry University (Science) and University of Central Oklahoma (Business Admin.), he attended Barry University School of Law and received his Juris Doctorate in 2005. Mr. Archer began his practice in 2006 and has continued in the areas of Family Law and...

As a former prosecutor, I understand the complexities of working a case inside and outside a courtroom. Having experience working in cases involving investigators, law enforcement, civilian witnesses, evidence departments, parenting coordinators, guardian ad litem coordinators and attorneys, Department of Children and Families’ case managers and attorneys, as well as counsel for other parties, I have been able to understand and have the ability to work towards the resolution of any situation, in my covered areas of law. As a current Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator, as well as, an attorney for children (Attorney ad...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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....

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.

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...

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...

Shannine Anderson, Esquire is the founder of Regalis Law, P.A. Attorney Anderson practices business, real estate, wills, trusts, probate, and personal injury law. She served as a Senior Trial Court Law Clerk in the Ninth Judicial Circuit and the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, working closely with judges on various trial and appellate legal issues. Attorney Anderson graduated with honors from Florida State University College of Law. During law school, she interned at the First District Court of Appeal, the Public Interest Law Center, and was also selected as a Kellogg’s Law Fellow. Ms. Anderson obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration...

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...

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...

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...

As the founder of Hartbrodt Law, P.A., Attorney Barbara J. Hartbrodt is committed to trustworthy and passionate legal representation that focuses on a client-centered approach and collaborative lawyering.

As a native and lifelong resident of Central Florida, Ms. Hartbrodt attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida for her undergraduate education. In 2015, Barbara graduated with honors, Cum Laude, from Florida A&M University College of Law (“FAMU”) at the top of her class. During her law school career, Ms. Hartbrodt held office as the Treasurer of Law Students for Reproductive Justice, a student organization.

Prior to admission to the Florida Bar, Ms. Hartbrodt interned...

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...

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...

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.