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Catherine W. Real, P.A. is a Tampa, Florida Family Law firm which provides family law services (divorce, modifications of divorce decrees, mediation and appeals) statewide. The majority of its clients reside in Central Florida, i.e., Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Sarasota Florida. But the firm practices as far south as Key West and as far north as Pensacola. Family law, as practiced by Catherine W. Real, P.A. addresses all of a client's concerns when pursuing a divorce: the division of property (equitable distribution), child custody, child support, visitation, and alimony. As a Supreme Court Certified mediator, Catherine Real seeks first to settle the case through mediation. If mediation cannot resolve the issues, the trial skills of the lawyers in the firm are formidable. As a well known Tampa, Florida divorce lawyer, Catherine Real not only provides the legal advice and counsel expected of a premier divorce lawyer, she also collaborates with other professionals such as financial advisors, CPAs, mental health counselors, and physicians to provide her clients with all of the services needed to survive their challenging times. Few firms take appeals from orders entered by family law judges. Ms. Real accepts referrals of family law appeals from many Florida family law lawyers.



The Firm

This Tampa based law firm has been in existence since 1981. Located in Tampa's historic Hyde Park district, it is a premier firm that engages exclusively in the statewide practice of Florida family law. Our Tampa family law lawyers understand that divorce, custody disputes, the division of property, and other family law related issues are stressful life events and can be emotionally draining to those going through these circumstances. Our experience in Florida family law allows us to apply the unique facts of each client's case to design a 'legal plan' in an effort to accomplish each client's goals. We use Mediation to settle differences between parties, if possible. Ms. Real is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator. Our Firm engages in Litigation when required. The lawyers in our Law Firm possess formidable trial skills.



Catherine W. Real Curriculum Vitae

Catherine W. Real received her law degree from Stetson University's College of Law. Over 20 years ago, she founded her Tampa Florida law firm to focus on family law: divorce, modifications of divorce decrees, mediation, and appeals. Catherine Real and the lawyers in her family law firm address all of a client's concerns when pursuing a divorce: the division of property, child custody, child support, visitation, and alimony. Although her law practice is state wide, most of her divorce related clients come from Tampa and Central Florida's Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Sarasota counties.



The Practice

Catherine W. Real, P.A. is a Tampa, Florida Family Law (Divorce Law) firm which provides family law services statewide. The majority of its clients reside in Central Florida, i.e., Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Sarasota Florida. But the firm has practiced as far south as Key West and as far north as Pensacola. Family law, as practiced by Catherine W. Real, P.A. addresses all of a client's concerns when pursuing a divorce: the division of property, child custody, child support, visitation, and alimony. As a Supreme Court Certified mediator, Catherine Real seeks first to settle the case through mediation. If mediation cannot resolve the issues, the trial skills of the lawyers in the firm are formidable. As a well known Tampa, Florida divorce lawyer, Catherine Real not only provides the legal advice and counsel expected of a premier divorce lawyer, she also collaborates with other professionals such as financial advisors, CPAs, mental health counselors, and physicians to provide her clients with all of the services needed to survive their challenging times. Few firms take appeals from orders entered by family law judges. Ms. Real accepts referrals of appeals from many Florida family law lawyers.

Divorce

Divorce is much more than the legal end to a marriage. It involves a complete transition of your entire life. With the mere stroke of a Judge's pen, you go from being married to being single and now you have a whole new lifestyle. Our Tampa family practice (divorce) law lawyers will assist you in all areas of the process - both before, during and after your divorce. Issues of physical and emotional health for you and your children; financial and transitional aspects are all a part of our Tampa practice services.



Mediation

Mediation is one of the first courses of action in any family law case and, if successful, can yield the most satisfactory results. Because many people are less familiar with the process of mediation than they are with a divorce, we have reviewed below some of the basics related to mediation. Ms. Real has been a Florida Supreme Court Mediator since 1989. She and her Tampa divorce lawyer associates are committed to the amicable resolution of differences between the parties in all family law proceedings.



Modification

After one gets a divorce, one may be forced to go back to court to "modify" the final judgment because life's circumstances have changed. One parent may want to relocate with the children out of state. Another parent may want to reduce child support because of a loss of a job or a serious illness. An injunction may be needed because one of the parents is alienating the affections of the child for the other parent. Visitation is frequently changed through the modification process. Changes in custody can also occur in this way.



Appeals

Appellate Assessments: Catherine W. Real, P.A. provides assessments regarding the worthiness of the taking of an appeal. The Appeal: If retained to take an appeal, our Firm takes pride in its research capabilities, the creativity of our appellate briefs and our capabilities for oral argument. We invite communications from attorneys or parties who may wish to discuss the prospects of taking an appeal.

This Questions and Answers page is designed to respond to some of your basic questions about getting a divorce in Florida. These questions and answers are provided as general information only. They are not intended to be relied upon for legal advice. You should always consult an attorney directly for definitive legal advice based upon the unique facts of your case.

Florida No-Fault Divorce

These pages answer the questions: What does "no fault" divorce really mean? What is the only ground for divorce in Florida? and Do No Fault Divorce Laws Make Securing Divorces Easier?

The Forensic CPA

This page discusses the possible roles of a Forensic CPA in divorces.

Children In Divorce - Children First!

This page discusses the topics of What will happen to my children? and Child Support. The Family Law Firm of Catherine W. Real takes special care to assure the welfare and well being of children during and after a divorce process.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Although not "romantic" there are many good reasons for pre- & post-nuptial agreements.

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