Biography
I have over 25+ years working in complex family law matters in the Tampa Bay Area. My experience and commitment to the practice of family law has earned me Board Certification in Marital & Family Law in the state of Florida and more recently the honor of becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Florida Chapter. I founded KLK Family Law upon the understanding that although most of us have been “touched” by divorce or a family law matter in some way, the complexity of it is unknown until you personally are faced with it.
Having experienced divorce personally, I understand the emotional burden the process places on individuals and their families. The multi-faceted areas of the law that must be considered during a divorce or other family law matter require careful consideration and legal creativity. I assist my clients in developing a cohesive plan with a goal toward an effective and efficient conclusion.
I am very passionate about actively listening to my clients' needs and goals and I work with them individually to develop appropriate legal strategies geared to their unique situation. Although I have provided representation in hundreds of cases, each client is unique. My approach is a personalized to each individual and family that I represent. I have also received advanced Collaborative Law training, volunteer with local charitable organizations, and actively speak at seminars on various family law topics.
While I am not working with clients in the office or representing them in court, I enjoy spending time with my husband fishing, diving, boating, exercising, traveling and playing with our pups, Molly and Waylon.
Education
- Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport/St. Petersburg, Florida
- Juris Doctorate - 1996
- University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- Bachelor of Science - 1992
- Moscow Linguistics University, Moscow
- Intensive advanced study abroad of the Russian language - 1991
Past Positions
- Koch, Hoffman & Kaszuba, P.A., Partner
- The Solomon Law Group, Partner
- Buddy D. Ford, PA
- St. Arnold & Stearns, Chartered , Associate
Published Works
- Sumner v. Sumner, 28 Fla. L. Weekly D2670 (Fla. 2d DCA, 2003), Re: dissolution/equitable distribution
Professional Associations
- Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Florida Chapter
- Clearwater Bar Association, Collaborative Law Section, Chair
- Tampa Bay Academy of Collaborative Divorce, Member
- Next Generation Divorce, Member
- Clearwater Bar Association, President, 2017 to 2018
- Canakaris Inn of Court, Executive Director, 2013 to 2015
- Florida Bar Family Law Committee, Member
- Florida Bar’s Family Law Section Legislation Committee, Member, 2013 to 2014
- Florida Judicial Nominating Commission for the 6th Judicial Circuit, Committee member, 2013 to 2017
- Florida Bar Grievance Committee , Member, Group 6c, 2016 to 2017
- Leadership Pinellas Class of 2011
Certified Legal Specialties
- Board Certified in Marital and Family Law
- Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Certified Family Mediator, Supreme Court of Florida
- 5.0 AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®
Practice Areas
- Family Law
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 1997
- U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida, 2002