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Firm Overview
At The Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin, P.A., we are dedicated to using our experience to make a positive difference in our clients' lives. Through client education, a focus on out-of-court settlements, and a passionate approach to our work, Robert J. Merlin and his associate and staff help guide families through the complex areas of family law and divorce.
Practice areas include all issues of divorce, such as timesharing of children, parenting plans, child support, alimony, the equitable distribution of assets and liabilities, the preparation and negotiation of pre- and post-nuptial agreements and settlement agreements. We also represent clients in domestic violence cases and paternity actions.
Robert J. Merlin is experienced in several methods of dispute resolution - collaborative law, mediation, and litigation. Bob is a Florida Bar Board Certified Family Law Specialist and has received special training in the Collaborative Law method. No matter which method our client chooses, the goal of The Firm is to resolve disputes as expeditiously and economically as possible, while always focusing on our client's best interests.
As a general philosophy, we believe clients benefit most when cases are settled without court intervention. We will always attempt to negotiate a settlement on behalf of our client, either directly with the opposing party and/or attorney or through mediation, to try to minimize the costs of the process, both financial and emotional.
Although we are able to settle most of our clients' cases, a few must go to trial. When a trial is necessary, we work closely with our client, the relevant witnesses and appropriate experts to present the evidence and legal arguments that will result in the most favorable decision possible for our client.
How we work with clients
Our first contact with a client is usually through an initial consultation for which there is a reasonable charge. We will spend between one and two hours with the prospective client to discuss the facts of the case, the applicable law, the parties’ rights and obligations and our recommendations for a course of action. At that time, we will also discuss the anticipated cost of our representation and our fee arrangement.
If we and the client jointly decide to proceed with representation, we will enter into a formal retainer agreement that sets forth the financial terms of our employment.
Robert J. Merlin
"Top Lawyers in Florida" Florida Super Lawyers Magazine 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010
"Florida Legal Elite" Florida Trend Magazine 2006, 2008 and 2011
"Top Lawyers in South Florida" South Florida Legal Guide Magazine 2003
Robert J. Merlin Seriously Outstandingonly 5% selected each yearvisit superlawyers.com
Position: Managing Partner
Admissions: The Florida Bar - 1979; U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida and Trial Bar; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit.
Education: University of Florida (B.S., 1976); Mercer University and University of Florida (J.D., with honors, 1978); Cambridge University & The Institute of Law - Polish Academy of Science; Phi Delta Phi; Research Editor, Florida Law Review, 1978.
Author: "The Marital Home - Will It Come Back To Haunt You?" 67 Fla. Bar J. 62, 1993.
Professional Memberships:
The Florida Bar, Family Law Section; Legislation Committee and Mediation and Collaborative Law Committee;
Board Certified in Marital and Family Law through The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education;
Coral Gables Bar Association;
Dade County Bar Association;
American Bar Association and Family Law Section and Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee;
American Bar Association Foundation Fellow
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals;
Collaborative Family Law Institute - President;
Collaborative Family Lawyers of South Florida;
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts;
Florida Chapter of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts - Board of Directors;
Eleventh Circuit Parenting Coordinators Advisory Group;
Advisory Board of the Center on Children and Families, University of Florida Levin College of Law.
Specialized Practice Areas: Family Law, Collaborative Family Law.
Frequent lecturer on Collaborative Family Law
AV rated Martindale Hubbell
Awards:
1998 Eleventh Judicial Circuit Ray H. Pearson Guardian Ad Litem Award;
Leading Florida Attorneys in Family Law with the Network of Leading American Attorneys;
Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent Family Law Attorneys;
2006 Dade County Bar Pro Bono Outstanding Firm Award.
Sarah Hensen
Sarah Hensen joined the firm in 2010. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law with a Certificate in Family Law. While at law school, she received particular training in Collaborative Law, Mediation, Negotiation and Trial Advocacy and was the Fellow for the Center on Children and Families.
Position: Associate
Admissions: The Florida Bar - 2010
Education: Florida State University (B.A., 2003); University of Florida, Levin College of Law (J.D. with Certificate in Family Law, 2010)
Professional Memberships:
The Florida Bar; The Young Lawyers Division of The Florida Bar;
American Bar Association; The National Association of Women Lawyers; The Dade County Bar Association; and The First Family Law American Inn of Court
Community involvement:
Junior League of Miami; Youth soccer league coach
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