Family Law Attorney in Coral Gables
Don’t Risk Your Future or Your Children’s Futures
When Your Family Is Going Through Something This Hard, the Legal Decisions You Make Right Now Will Follow You for Years
Divorce. Custody disputes. Alimony. Paternity. These aren’t abstract legal matters—they’re the decisions that determine where your children sleep at night, how your finances look five years from now, and what your daily life actually looks like on the other side of this.
The decisions made in the early stages of your case shape everything that follows. A poorly negotiated settlement, a parenting plan with gaps, or an alimony provision that doesn’t account for the future can follow you for years. By the time most people realize something went wrong, it’s already final.
What Families Risk Without the Right Representation
The early decisions are the ones that stick.
In Miami-Dade’s family courts, what gets established early—temporary support orders, initial custody arrangements, how assets get characterized—tends to hold. Courts are reluctant to undo what’s already in place.
Getting it right from the start isn’t just important, it’s everything.
Florida’s laws are more specific than most people realize.
Equitable distribution under § 61.075 doesn’t mean equal—it means fair, based on a detailed set of factors the court weighs. Time-sharing under § 61.13 involves more than 20 considerations a judge evaluates. Alimony under § 61.08 changed significantly in 2023. Without an attorney who knows exactly how these statutes apply to your specific situation, you’re guessing—and guessing in family court is expensive.
The other side has an attorney. You should too.
Even in cases that start amicably, having legal representation protects you from agreeing to something that sounds reasonable but isn’t. We’ve seen too many people come to us after signing agreements that gave away rights they didn’t know they had.
We make sure that never happens to our clients.
What Life Looks Like When Your Case Is Behind You
The right outcome in a family law case isn’t just winning an argument in court. It’s a parenting plan your children can actually thrive under. It’s a financial settlement that accounts for your real life, not just the moment you’re in. It’s knowing that the agreement you signed won’t bring you back to a courtroom two years from now because someone left a gap in the language. It’s moving forward—clearly, cleanly, and on terms you can live with.
Family Law Cases We Take On
Contested Divorce
When spouses can't agree on assets, children, or support, the case moves through Miami-Dade's family court system—mediation, hearings, and potentially a trial. Every marital asset has to be identified, valued, and argued for. We build the strategy and see it through.
Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree, the process is faster—but it still requires precise filings, complete financial disclosures, and a parenting plan that meets the court's standards under § 61.13. A vague agreement today becomes a legal dispute tomorrow. We draft everything specifically so there's no room for future conflict.
Child Custody and Time-Sharing
Florida doesn't use the word custody—it uses time-sharing, and it takes it seriously. A judge evaluates more than 20 factors when setting a parenting plan. For families in Coral Gables with children in local schools, community ties and stability carry real weight. We build parenting plans that reflect your family's reality and hold up in court.
Alimony
The 2023 changes to Florida's alimony law under § 61.08 eliminated permanent alimony and introduced new caps based on the length of the marriage. Whether you're seeking support or being asked to pay it, the outcome depends heavily on how the relevant factors are presented. We know this statute and we use it.
Paternity
Establishing paternity in Florida under § 742.10 isn't just about a name on a birth certificate—it's about legal rights. Parental rights, time-sharing, child support, and inheritance rights all hinge on it. We handle paternity cases for both mothers and fathers and make sure the legal relationship is properly established.
What our customers say
Answering Commonly Asked Questions
How long does a contested divorce take in Miami-Dade?
Most contested divorces in Miami-Dade take between 12 and 18 months—longer when assets are complex, or disputes run deep. Florida requires mediation under § 61.183 before most contested matters reach a judge, and many cases that start contested resolve there. We prepare you thoroughly for every stage so nothing catches you off guard.
Does Florida favor mothers in custody cases?
No. Florida courts don’t give preference to either parent based on gender. Judges in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit evaluate time-sharing based entirely on the best interests of the child—including school stability, each parent’s involvement, and the home environment each can provide. We build parenting plans that make that case clearly.
My spouse and I agree on everything. Do we still need an attorney?
Yes—and here’s the honest reason why. An agreement that sounds fair at the kitchen table often has gaps that become disputes later. A vague asset division, an unclear time-sharing schedule, or a support provision that doesn’t account for future circumstances can all bring you back to court. We make sure the agreement you sign is one you can actually live with.
What if my ex isn't following the court order?
A court order is legally binding—and violating it has consequences. Under § 61.14, we can file for enforcement and ask the court to hold the non-compliant party in contempt. We handle enforcement cases regularly and move quickly when a client’s rights are being ignored.
Can I modify a custody or support order if my circumstances have changed?
Yes, but Florida requires proof of a substantial change in circumstances under § 61.14 before a court will modify an existing order. A job loss, a significant income change, a relocation, or a shift in a child’s needs can all qualify. We evaluate your situation honestly and tell you upfront whether modification is worth pursuing.
Schedule your consultation with Family Life Law Today
If you’re dealing with an estate planning, probate, or family law matter and want to understand your options, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Martha Mendez
Martha Mendez, Esq. is a highly dedicated attorney with seven years of experience specializing in elder and estate planning, real estate, and family law. Her unique professional journey—rising from a legal secretary and paralegal to an attorney—reflects a deep commitment to the field, culminating in a Juris Doctor earned cum laude from St. Thomas University. A member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Martha is passionate about protecting her clients' assets and navigating complex life transitions with expertise. When she isn't advocating for her clients, the Florida International University alumna enjoys boating, kayaking, and traveling with her husband and three children.