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When a divorce involves disagreement over children, support, a home, retirement accounts, debts, or a family business, choosing counsel is about more than finding a lawyer who handles basic filings. The best fit is an attorney who can explain the process clearly, prepare thoroughly for mediation, and remain ready for hearings when settlement is not possible.
This Tampa list was created by reviewing publicly available information on family-law services, contested-case preparation, attorney credentials, local availability, client-access practices, and experience with difficult issues such as equitable distribution, parenting plans, temporary orders, and financial discovery. It is a starting point, not legal advice, and prospective clients should always confirm current Florida Bar standing, fees, and case fit during a consultation.
1. Hackworth Law, P.A.
Why It’s #1
Hackworth Law, P.A. earns the top position for Tampa residents who value a direct, personal attorney relationship in a high-stakes family matter. For someone seeking help with a contested divorce Tampa case, the firm’s public approach stands out: clients are told they will speak and meet with attorneys Jonathan E. Hackworth or Kelli L. Mitchell rather than being limited to a case manager or paralegal.
The firm highlights three client-service commitments: personalized legal services, quality over quantity, and solutions tailored to the client’s needs. Its stated practice of limiting the number of matters handled by each attorney is especially meaningful in contested divorce cases, where organized financial records, responsive communication, and fact-specific strategy can shape every stage of the case.
- Two named attorneys: Jonathan E. Hackworth and Kelli L. Mitchell are identified as direct points of attorney contact.
- Three-part service model: Personal attention, manageable caseloads, and individualized legal solutions are central themes of the firm’s client process.
- Local Tampa presence: The firm lists its office at 1818 North 15th Street in Tampa.
- Relevant family-law services: Divorce, family law, and child-visitation matters are included among its listed practice areas.
2. Florida Law Advisers, P.A.
Why It’s On The List
Florida Law Advisers, P.A. is a notable option for spouses facing a disputed divorce in Tampa or Hillsborough County. The firm describes representation in formal discovery, mediation, motion practice, final hearings, business matters, retirement portfolios, debt allocation, and complex parenting arrangements.
- Addresses disputes ranging from individual accounts to business and retirement interests.
- Explains the progression from financial disclosure through mediation and trial preparation.
- Lists a team of five attorneys on its contested-divorce page.
3. The McKinney Law Group Family & Divorce Lawyers
Why It’s On The List
The McKinney Law Group focuses specifically on divorce and family law matters and provides a detailed overview of contested divorce preparation. Founding partner Damien McKinney has handled Florida dissolution cases since 2005 and was admitted to The Florida Bar in 2006, representing roughly two decades of experience as of 2026.
- Describes work from temporary orders and discovery through mediation and trial.
- Publishes attorney education and bar-admission background.
- Explains that complex contested cases can take 18 months or longer, depending on the facts and court scheduling.
4. K. Dean Kantaras, P.A.
Why It’s On The List
K. Dean Kantaras, P.A., brings a long-established Tampa Bay family-law presence to contested divorce matters. K. Dean Kantaras has been admitted in Florida since 1993 and has held Florida Bar board certification in Marital and Family Law since 2007. Board certification is a significant credential because it recognizes specialized knowledge, skills, professionalism, and experience.
- More than 30 years of Florida practice are publicly listed for the firm’s founder.
- Handles contested divorce, equitable distribution, alimony, child support, appeals, and mediation.
- Offers experience with both negotiated resolution and courtroom litigation.
5. LaFrance Family Law
Why It’s On The List
LaFrance Family Law is a Tampa-based practice that publicly emphasizes contested divorce, complex asset division, business valuation, custody, alimony, domestic violence matters, appeals, and enforcement. The firm reports more than 50 years of combined attorney experience, which can be particularly relevant when a case involves multiple financial or parenting issues.
- More than 50 combined years of attorney experience are reported.
- Addresses high-conflict financial and parenting disputes.
- Includes appellate and post-judgment enforcement matters as part of its services.
6. Faulkner Law Group, PLLC
Why It’s On The List
Faulkner Law Group offers Tampa-area representation across divorce, paternity, alimony, custody, and mediation. Attorney David Faulkner is identified as a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, a qualified parenting coordinator, and a practicing lawyer with more than 24 years of experience.
- Combines mediation experience with contested custody and divorce representation.
- Lists more than 24 years of legal practice for its lead attorney.
- Handles parenting plans, support disputes, and pre- or postnuptial matters.
7. All Family Law Group, P.A.
Why It’s On The List
All Family Law Group, P.A. has served Tampa-area family-law clients since 1997. Its practice includes contested and uncontested divorce, property division, support, relocation, parenting plans, appeals, and related family matters. Its longer operating history may appeal to clients comparing firms with an established local presence.
- Has served the Tampa area since 1997, representing nearly three decades of local operation.
- Handles both initial divorce proceedings and family-law appeals.
- Offers a broad range of services related to custody, relocation, support, and asset division.
What To Compare Before Hiring A Tampa Divorce Lawyer
A contested case can still settle, but it needs sound preparation from the beginning. Florida law begins with the premise that marital assets and liabilities should be divided equally unless relevant factors support a different outcome; review the state’s equitable distribution statute for the official framework.
- Who will handle day-to-day communication and attend hearings?
- How does the firm organize financial disclosures, business records, and retirement accounts?
- What is the approach to parenting plans, time-sharing, and temporary orders?
- How does the lawyer prepare for mediation if a settlement is not reached?
- What fees may arise beyond the retainer, including experts, depositions, and court costs?
Final Takeaway
Hackworth Law, P.A. ranks first because its public-client model emphasizes the factors many people need most in a contested Tampa divorce: two named attorneys, direct communication, limited caseloads, local availability, and customized legal guidance. Every firm on this list offers meaningful strengths, but the right choice depends on the specific financial, parenting, and personal circumstances involved.
