Practice Areas

At Chapman for Families, PLLC, we cover a comprehensive range of practice areas to provide clients with the highest level of legal expertise and support. From business disputes and contract law to property settlements and fraud defense, our team is dedicated to offering tailored solutions that address each client’s unique circumstances. We combine deep industry knowledge with a commitment to personalized service, ensuring that every legal matter is handled with precision, professionalism, and care. Whether you are an individual seeking guidance or a business navigating complex legal challenges, our practice areas are designed to deliver effective results and peace of mind.

Legal Practice Areas

Divorce

In Florida, “divorce” is legally referred to as a Dissolution of Marriage. Our firm guides clients through every stage of this process with clarity, professionalism, and compassionate advocacy. Florida is a no-fault divorce state, meaning a marriage can be dissolved simply on the grounds that it is “irretrievably broken,” without the need to prove wrongdoing. A dissolution of marriage may involve several key issues, including equitable distribution of assets and debts, alimony, time-sharing and parental responsibility, child support, and attorney’s fees. Whether your case is uncontested and cooperative or highly contested and complex, we work to protect your rights and secure outcomes that support your long-term stability. Our attorneys provide strategic representation tailored to each client’s circumstances, helping you understand your legal options, navigate court procedures, and make informed decisions during a challenging time. We are committed to resolving matters efficiently while safeguarding your interests—inside and outside the courtroom.

Custody disputes

Child custody in Florida, legally referred to as time-sharing and parental responsibility, focuses on one core principle: the best interests of the child. Our firm represents parents in both cooperative and high-conflict custody disputes, ensuring that your rights as a parent are protected while prioritizing your child’s well-being. Florida law encourages shared parental responsibility whenever possible, but courts may award sole decision-making authority or modify time-sharing when circumstances require it such as in cases involving domestic violence. Custody cases can involve complex issues such as parental relocation, emergency timesharing concerns, allegations affecting parental fitness, and modifications to existing parenting plans. We guide clients through every step of the process from negotiating parenting plans to litigating contested matters always with a clear strategy and a child-centered approach. Our attorneys work diligently to secure stable, practical solutions that support your relationship with your child and promote long-term family stability.

Protective Orders (Injunctions for Protection)

In Florida, individuals facing threats of violence, harassment, or violence may seek legal protection through Injunctions for Protection, commonly known as protective orders. Our firm represents both petitioners seeking safety and respondents defending against allegations, providing knowledgeable and strategic guidance through this urgent and highly sensitive process. Florida offers several types of protective injunctions, including those for domestic violence, repeat violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Each type has its own legal standards and evidentiary requirements, and obtaining (or defending against) an injunction can have significant consequences for custody arrangements, housing, employment, and firearm rights. We assist clients with every stage of the injunction process from preparing petitions and gathering evidence to representing you at hearings and ensuring compliance with court orders. Our attorneys act swiftly and decisively, helping you protect your safety, your rights, and your future.

Criminal Defense

Facing a criminal charge can be overwhelming, but having skilled legal representation can make all the difference. Our firm provides strategic, assertive defense for individuals accused of crimes throughout Florida. We handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including DUI, drug offenses, theft crimes, domestic violence, probation violations, and violent offenses. From the moment you retain our firm, we focus on protecting your rights, analyzing the evidence, and identifying the strongest defense strategies. We challenge improper police procedures, negotiate with prosecutors when appropriate, and fight aggressively in court when your freedom and future are at stake. Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your circumstances, answer your questions, and build a tailored defense plan. Whether you are under investigation, facing charges, or seeking to clear your record, our attorneys provide the experience, advocacy, and commitment you need during a critical time.

LGBTQIA+ Family Rights

Our firm is proud to support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families navigating Florida’s family law system. We understand the unique legal challenges that LGBTQIA+ families may face and provide affirming, knowledgeable representation to protect your rights, relationships, and family structure. We assist clients with a wide range of matters, including parentage and adoption, surrogacy and assisted reproduction agreements, marriage and divorce, time-sharing and parental responsibility, and estate and family planning. Our attorneys stay current on evolving laws that impact LGBTQIA+ families to ensure your rights are recognized and upheld. Every family deserves security, respect, and equal treatment under the law. Whether you are growing your family, protecting your parental rights, or addressing complex family transitions, we provide guidance grounded in compassion, clarity, and a deep commitment to equality.

Survivor Advocacy

Survivors of sexual and domestic violence deserve safety, dignity, and strong legal support. Our firm is dedicated to advocating for individuals who have experienced abuse, providing compassionate guidance and strategic legal representation throughout the process. We understand the emotional, financial, and practical challenges survivors face, and we work to protect your rights while helping you regain stability and control. Our services include assistance with injunctions for protection, safety planning, victim compensation, representation in related family and criminal law matters, and coordination with community resources when needed. We approach every case with sensitivity and respect, ensuring that you are heard and your story is taken seriously. Whether you are seeking immediate protection, navigating the court system, or rebuilding after leaving an abusive situation, our attorneys stand with you. We prioritize your safety, advocate for your best interests, and provide steady, informed support at each step.

Adoption

Welcoming a child into your family through adoption is a meaningful and life-changing experience, and our firm is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process with confidence and care. Florida law offers several pathways to adoption, including stepparent adoption, relative adoption, domestic adoption, private placement adoption, and adult adoption. Each option has its own procedures, requirements, and timelines. Our attorneys handle all aspects of the adoption process from preparing and filing necessary legal documents to representing you at hearings and ensuring compliance with state requirements. We work to make the journey as smooth and supported as possible, addressing any challenges that arise and protecting the best interests of the child. Whether you are expanding your family, formalizing an existing bond, or navigating a complex adoption situation, we provide knowledgeable, compassionate representation tailored to your unique circumstances. Our goal is to help you create a stable, secure, and loving future for your family.

Our Core Values

We center empathy in every client interaction. You are more than your case, and we honor your experiences with care and respect.

Inclusive Practice

Trauma-Informed

Empowered Advocacy

Transparency