St. PetersburgFamily Attorney

Dedicated Representation in Divorce, Child Custody, and Child Support Cases
When facing a family law issue, having an experienced and dedicated attorney by your side can make all the difference. At the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman, we provide knowledgeable and compassionate legal representation for individuals and families in St. Petersburg and the surrounding areas. Whether you are going through a divorce, fighting for custody of your child, or seeking protection from domestic violence, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact our St. Petersburg family attorney for immediate assistance or to discuss your needs and goals.
A Family Law Attorney Committed to Your Case
Attorney Kevin F. Coleman has spent the past decade focusing almost exclusively on family law, making him well-versed in the challenges of Florida’s complex family law. He is not just a legal professional but an active member of the family law community, staying current with legal developments and maintaining strong relationships with fellow attorneys and judges. His in-depth knowledge and dedication ensure that his clients receive informed, strategic, and results-driven representation.
With a background as a former prosecutor, Kevin brings valuable trial experience to his practice. He understands what it takes to build a compelling case, gather strong evidence, and effectively argue in court when necessary. While many family law matters can be resolved through negotiation and mediation, having an attorney with courtroom experience ensures that your rights and interests are protected if litigation becomes necessary.
Kevin is a skilled negotiator who strives to resolve cases efficiently and amicably whenever possible, reducing stress and legal costs for his clients. He is also a strong advocate in family law mediation, helping clients find fair and practical solutions outside of court. However, when settlement is not an option, his trial experience gives him the ability to fight effectively on behalf of his clients, ensuring they are fully prepared for litigation when needed. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, Kevin is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every client.
Personalized Attention and Direct Communication
Unlike larger firms where cases may be handled by junior associates or paralegals, when you hire the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman, you work directly with Kevin. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, he remains your primary point of contact. He personally handles all aspects of your case, including representation at trial if needed, ensuring that you receive the individualized attention and tailored legal strategies you deserve.
Practice Areas
Our St. Petersburg family lawyer focuses on key areas of family law, including:
- Divorce: Whether your divorce is uncontested or involves disputes over assets, alimony, or child custody, we provide strategic guidance to protect your interests.
- Child Custody & Support: We advocate for fair custody arrangements and child support determinations that prioritize the best interests of your children.
- Domestic Violence: If you need protection from an abusive partner or have been wrongfully accused, we are here to help you navigate restraining orders and other legal protections.
- Equitable Distribution: We help clients ensure that marital property, assets, and debts are divided fairly in accordance with Florida law.
- Alimony: We assist clients in seeking or contesting spousal support arrangements, ensuring that financial support is fair and appropriate for their situation.
- Modification and Enforcement: We help clients modify or enforce existing court orders related to child custody, child support, and alimony when circumstances change or compliance becomes an issue.
- High Net Worth Divorce and Complex Divorces: We provide experienced legal representation for divorces involving significant assets, business ownership, and complex financial matters, ensuring a fair resolution through negotiation, mediation or litigation.
- Paternity: We assist clients in establishing legal paternity to secure parental rights, child custody, and child support obligations.
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements: We draft and review agreements that protect assets, clarify financial expectations, and help couples plan for the future before or during marriage.
St. Petersburg Family Law FAQs
Family law matters often come with a lot of uncertainty. Whether you’re facing a divorce, seeking custody of your child, or trying to understand your rights as a parent, it’s natural to have questions. At the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman, we’re here to provide clarity and guidance. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about family law in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Divorce FAQs
Q: How long does it take to get a divorce in Florida?
A: The timeline depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce may be finalized in as little as 3–4 months, while a contested divorce involving disputes over assets, custody, or support may take several months or even over a year to resolve.
Q: Do I need to prove the other spouse’s misconduct to get a divorce in Florida?
A: No. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don’t need to prove wrongdoing such as adultery or abuse. You only need to state that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”
Q: What is a high-asset divorce?
A: A high-asset divorce involves significant or complex assets, such as business interests, real estate, retirement accounts, and investments. These cases require detailed financial analysis and skilled legal representation to ensure a fair division of property.
Child Custody and Support FAQs
Q: How does the court determine child custody in Florida?
A: Florida courts prioritize the best interests of the child. This includes evaluating each parent’s involvement, the child’s needs, the ability to provide a stable home, and any history of abuse or neglect. In contested cases, each side presents evidence on these factors and argues their cases to the judge. Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules are tailored to each family’s circumstances and based on parental input where possible.
Q: Can both parents have equal time with the child?
A: Yes. If it is in the child’s best interest, the court may order a 50/50 time-sharing arrangement. However, every case is different, and the final plan depends on many factors.
Q: How is child support calculated in Florida?
A: Child support is calculated based on both parents’ income, the number of overnights each parent has with the child, and expenses like health insurance and childcare. Florida uses a standardized formula to determine the appropriate amount.
Q: Can child support or custody orders be changed?
A: Yes. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as a job loss, relocation, or a shift in the child’s needs, you can petition the court for a modification of an existing order.
Paternity FAQs
Q: Why is establishing paternity important?
A: Establishing paternity gives both parents legal rights and responsibilities. It allows the father to seek custody or visitation and ensures the child can receive child support, inheritance, and access to medical and family history.
Q: How is paternity established in Florida?
A: Paternity can be established voluntarily through a signed acknowledgment or involuntarily through a court order and DNA testing. Our office can assist with both methods.
Domestic Violence FAQs
Q: What legal protection is available for domestic violence victims?
A: Victims can seek a domestic violence injunction (restraining order), which can provide immediate protection by prohibiting or restricting the abuser’s contact with the victim and removing them from a shared residence.
Q: What if someone falsely accuses me of domestic violence?
A: False accusations can have serious legal consequences. Although a temporary restraining order can be granted based on allegations of abuse, you have the right to a hearing before any long-term order can be put in place. We represent individuals facing unfounded claims and work to protect their rights and reputation throughout the legal process.
Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreement FAQs
Q: Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in Florida?
A: Yes, as long as the agreement is voluntarily signed, both parties fully disclose their finances, and the terms are not unconscionable (patently unfair to one side). A prenuptial agreement can address property division, spousal support, and more.
Q: What’s the difference between a prenuptial and a postnuptial agreement?
A: A prenuptial agreement is signed before marriage, while a postnuptial agreement is signed during the marriage. Both serve similar purposes—protecting assets, defining financial responsibilities, and providing clarity in the event of divorce.
General Family Law FAQs
Q: Do I need a lawyer for my family law case?
A: While it’s possible to represent yourself, having an experienced attorney can help protect your rights, reduce stress, and ensure your case is handled correctly. Family law is complex and often emotional—an attorney provides both legal guidance and objective support.
Q: What areas of St. Petersburg do you serve?
A: We assist clients in Seminole and throughout St. Petersburg, including neighborhoods such as St. Petersburg Beach, Snell Isle, Coquina Key, Gulfport, Shore Acres, Historic Kenwood, North Kenwood, and South Pasadena, among others.
Serving St. Petersburg and Surrounding Areas
- Coquina Key
- Gulfport
- North Kenwood & Historic Kenwood
- Seminole
- Shore Acres
- Snell Isle
- South Pasadena
- St. Petersburg
Call our Skilled St. Petersburg Family Attorney for a Free Consultation
We understand that family law matters can be emotionally and financially challenging. That’s why we offer a free initial phone consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Let our St. Petersburg family law attorney provide the guidance and advocacy you need to move forward with confidence.
Call the Law Office of Kevin F. Coleman today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward resolving your family law matter.