Choosing the right family lawyer in Tampa is one of the most important decisions you can make during one of the hardest periods of your life. Family law cases — divorce, child custody, alimony, parenting plans — are not just legal matters. They reshape your finances, your relationship with your children, and your future. At Mindi Lasley, P.A., Tampa family law attorney Mindi Lasley has spent years guiding clients through divorce and family law in Hillsborough County and across the Tampa Bay area.
Family Law Practice Areas in Tampa
As a full-service family law firm in Tampa, Lasley Family Law handles every aspect of divorce and family law for individuals and families across the Tampa Bay region. Our core practice areas include:
- Tampa Divorce Attorney — contested and uncontested divorce representation throughout Hillsborough County
- Alimony Attorney Tampa — spousal support awards, modifications, and terminations
- Child Custody Lawyer Tampa — parenting plans, time-sharing schedules, and custody modifications
- Child Support Attorney Tampa — calculation, enforcement, and modification of support orders
- High-Asset Divorce — complex asset division including businesses, real estate, and retirement accounts
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements — drafting and enforcement of marital agreements
- Hillsborough County Divorce Attorney — local court experience and knowledge of county-specific procedures
- Modification & Enforcement — post-judgment modification of custody, support, and alimony orders
What a Tampa Family Law Attorney Does For You
A family attorney in Tampa does far more than file paperwork. In contested matters, your attorney is your advocate in mediation, negotiation, and court. They analyze what you are entitled to, build a strategy around your goals, and protect you from decisions you may regret later. In uncontested matters, your attorney ensures the final agreement is fair, enforceable, and accounts for things you may not have thought about.
Specifically, working with a Tampa family lawyer means:
- A realistic assessment of your case strength and likely outcomes
- Strategic negotiation to reach agreements that hold up over time
- Preparation of all court filings, motions, and legal documents
- Representation in Hillsborough County family court hearings
- Guidance through mediation required by Florida courts
- Post-judgment enforcement or modification when orders are violated or circumstances change
Divorce and Family Law in Hillsborough County
Family law in Florida is governed primarily by Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes. Cases in Tampa are heard in the 13th Judicial Circuit — Hillsborough County Family Law Division. The judges there have specific preferences and procedures. A family law attorney in Tampa, FL with local experience knows how to prepare cases for that court specifically.
Florida is a no-fault divorce state. You do not need to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce — only that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” However, conduct can still matter in alimony and custody determinations. Understanding when it applies and when it does not is part of what your Tampa family lawyer brings to your case.
Child Custody and Parenting Plans in Tampa
Florida does not use the term “custody” in its statutes — instead, the law focuses on parental responsibility and time-sharing. Courts are required to develop a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child. Florida courts favor shared parental responsibility in most cases unless there is a specific reason one parent should have sole decision-making authority.
A well-crafted parenting plan protects both parent and child. It covers:
- Regular time-sharing schedule (weekdays, weekends, overnights)
- Holiday, school break, and vacation schedules
- Decision-making authority for education, healthcare, and extracurriculars
- Communication between the child and each parent
- Protocols for schedule changes and disputes
How Lasley Family Law Works With Clients
Many family law firms in Tampa are high-volume operations where your case gets handed off to paralegals and associates. At Lasley Family Law, Mindi Lasley personally handles your case. You have direct access to your attorney throughout the process — not through layers of staff.
We represent clients in Tampa, Plant City, Brandon, Riverview, Temple Terrace, and across all of Hillsborough County. Our office is located at 1005 N. Marion Street in Tampa — convenient to downtown and the Hillsborough County Courthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions — Family Lawyer Tampa
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much does a family lawyer cost in Tampa? | Hourly rates for Tampa family attorneys typically range from $250–$450/hr. Lasley Family Law offers consultations to review your case and discuss fee structures. |
| How long does a family law case take in Tampa? | Uncontested cases can resolve in 30–90 days. Contested cases often take 6–18 months depending on the issues. |
| Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce? | Not legally required, but strongly recommended. Mistakes in divorce agreements are hard to undo after they’re entered by the court. |
| What court handles family law cases in Tampa? | The 13th Judicial Circuit, Hillsborough County Family Law Division, handles all divorce, custody, and family law matters in Tampa. |
| Can I modify a custody order after divorce? | Yes, if there has been a substantial change in circumstances that affects the child’s best interests. |
| Does Florida favor mothers in custody cases? | No. Florida law requires courts to evaluate both parents equally without favoring either based on sex or religion. |
Local Resources for Family Law in Tampa
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough County Family Law Division | Court filings, self-help resources, and family court information | fljud13.org |
| Florida Bar — Family Law Section | Resources, attorney search, and legal information for Florida family law | floridabar.org |
| Florida Statutes Chapter 61 — Dissolution of Marriage | Complete Florida family law statutes governing divorce, custody, and support | leg.state.fl.us |
| Hillsborough County Clerk — Family Law Self-Help | Forms, fee schedules, and filing instructions for Hillsborough County | hillsclerk.com |
Talk to a Family Lawyer in Tampa — Call Lasley Family Law Today
If you are facing divorce, a custody dispute, or any family law matter in the Tampa area, do not wait to get legal guidance. Early legal advice can protect your rights and your relationship with your children. Mindi Lasley is ready to help. Call (813) 873-9047 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation with a Tampa family lawyer who will fight for you.
About Mindi Lasley, P.A.
We are a Tampa-based divorce and family law firm founded by attorney Mindi Lasley, P.A. Located at 1005 N. Marion Street, Tampa, FL 33602, the firm serves clients throughout Hillsborough County and Tampa Bay in divorce, child custody, alimony, and all aspects of family law. Call (813) 873-9047.