Family Law

Pensacola Family Law Attorney

Case-Specific Guidance for Divorce, Parenting & Court-Order Disputes

Family law matters often involve several connected decisions about marriage, children, finances, and existing court orders. Our Pensacola family law attorney evaluates how those issues interact so you can understand your options before filing a petition, responding to one, negotiating an agreement, attending mediation, or appearing in court.

We begin by discussing your objectives, relevant documents, financial circumstances, and parenting concerns. That assessment helps us identify which issues may be resolved through negotiation and which may require court action.

Call (850) 495-7977 to discuss your family law concerns and the options available to you.

Family Law Matters We Handle in Pensacola

At Michael J. Griffith, P.A., we represent clients facing a wide range of family law concerns. We serve individuals in Pensacola and throughout the Florida Panhandle, including matters filed in Escambia County and Santa Rosa County within Florida’s First Judicial Circuit.

Our family law services include:

We handle both negotiation and litigation, exploring the available paths for pursuing a resolution that reflects your priorities while addressing the legal and financial issues involved. In parenting disputes, that may include Florida concepts such as parental responsibility, parenting plans, and time-sharing, which are commonly discussed more broadly as child custody.

Representation Tailored to Your Goals & Preferred Level of Involvement

Some clients want a firm approach during a contested divorce, while others need steady guidance through a paternity or parenting dispute. Before developing a strategy, we discuss your needs, preferred approach, and the facts of your case.

You decide how involved you want to be in strategy discussions. You may participate in every session, or we can manage the legal work while keeping you informed so you can focus on your family and daily responsibilities.

We provide clear explanations of your rights, options, and the status of your case. We discuss important decisions with you rather than applying the same strategy to every family law matter. Communication is also available in Spanish and French.

More than 50 Years of Legal Experience

Michael J. Griffith, P.A. has served individuals throughout the Florida Panhandle since 1990 and brings more than 50 years of legal experience to sensitive disputes. Michael J. Griffith is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and has been identified by the firm as a Top 100 Lawyer in Florida. We use that experience to review each case in detail, communicate directly with clients, and prepare for negotiation or litigation.

How Florida Family Law Shapes Your Case

Florida family law uses specific rules and terminology to address property, parenting, support, and existing court orders. The issues that apply depend on the type of case, the relief requested, the parties’ circumstances, and the evidence presented.

Property & Debt Division

In a Florida divorce, equitable distribution is the process used to divide marital assets and liabilities. The law begins from the premise that distribution should be equal, but a court may consider statutory factors when deciding whether a different division is justified. Identifying which property and debts are marital is an important part of that analysis.

Parenting Plans & Time-Sharing

Florida parenting arrangements address parental responsibility, meaning how parents make important decisions for their children, and time-sharing, meaning the schedule for time spent with each parent. A parenting plan generally addresses decision-making responsibilities as well as schedules for overnights, holidays, and other parenting time.

Support & Existing Orders

Child support calculations generally consider financial information and other factors identified in Florida law. Alimony and support obligations depend on the applicable statutes, the facts of the case, and the terms of any existing order. A substantial change in circumstances may support a request for modification, while unpaid or ignored obligations may lead to enforcement proceedings.

Negotiation, Mediation & Family Court Litigation

A family law matter may move through several stages before it is resolved. We evaluate the facts and your objectives before recommending a strategy, and we prepare for both negotiated resolution and litigation when necessary.

Possible stages of a family law case include:

Initial assessment: We review your goals, relevant documents, financial circumstances, and parenting concerns to identify the issues that need to be resolved.
Negotiation: The parties may exchange proposals and work toward agreed terms without asking a judge to decide every disputed issue.
Mediation: The parties work with a neutral mediator in a generally confidential process designed to explore possible agreement outside the courtroom.
Court proceedings: Unresolved issues may require hearings or trial, where a judge considers the evidence and applies Florida law.

If the parties reach an agreement, its terms may be submitted to the court for approval. When agreement isn’t possible, we can prepare the disputed issues for judicial resolution and collaborate with credible outside professionals when technical or financial questions require additional analysis.

Discuss Your Family Law Concerns in Pensacola

We provide individualized case analysis, direct communication, and representation prepared for negotiation or litigation. We can explain how Florida law may apply to your circumstances and discuss the next steps available to you.

Contact our office online or call (850) 495-7977 to discuss your specific family law concerns with one of our experienced lawyers.

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"Mr. Griffith is the one to call!"
Mr. Griffith, Cheryl, and their entire team stood by me and fought for me during the two most difficult years of my life. He is compassionate and truly cares about his clients. His ability to pair his vast knowledge of the law with incredible intuition makes him a master of his craft. I will never be able to thank him enough for giving me my life back. If you find yourself in need of someone to fight for you and winning is the only option, Mr. Griffith is the one to call. Trust him, be patient, and don't get discouraged. It is difficult but he can and will make it happen.

- Former Client
"Thank goodness for Michael!"
What a professional!! A young person, for whom I care dearly, made a mistake that could have landed him in prison for five years, with a felony on his record to boot. Needless to say, we were distraught and needed the very best attorney we could find in the Pensacola area...that was Michael Griffith. Michael certainly knows what he is doing and his staff kept me informed all along the way with letters of upcoming court dates and full disclosure of all materials pertaining to the case. He was always available for discussion of the case, either immediately or with a timely returned call. If you're looking for an attorney who fully understands the legal system and how to handle a client's case for the best outcome, that's Michael. In the end, with Michael's skilled negotiations, the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor and the young person was given the option of probation or to serve a short sentence and have no probation. It was a totally unbelievable outcome, considering the result that could have been. Now this young person, who has realized how close he came to ruining his life, still has a chance to be successful with all doors open to him. All I can say is thank goodness for Michael!

- Diane
"This man works miracles!"
Michael Griffith is by far the best attorney you could get to represent you. He genuinely cares about each and every client he represents and coming from someone that works in the legal profession, know that is something hard to find in an attorney. Trust him and the processes of his office. If you have questions he is only a phone call away and always returns calls within 24 hours. It is truly remarkable to see an attorney care about his clients' futures and well being the way Michael Griffith does. He got me results better than anything I could have ever expected because of the hard work and knowledge his office puts in. If you hire Michael Griffith, do so knowing you have the best possible representation and will get the best possible outcome for your particular case. This man works miracles!

- Kelci
"Amazing work!"
Mr. Griffith is a true monster in the courtroom. Saved my son twice, from ruining his future. He is worth every penny. Believe in what he does. He has your best interest at heart. Just don't call him every five days. He already has your case figured out the first time you are in his office. He just won't tell you because, he doesn't want you messing it up. Just listen to him, show up to court, and enjoy the show. Wish you could live forever brother. The work you do is amazing. Thanks again Mr. Griffith.

- Yuki
"Absolutely amazing!"
Mr. Griffith was absolutely amazing and one of the sweetest, most professional people I have met in Pensacola. I was charged with a felony and Mr. Griffith helped me get my felony completely dropped from my record. He is very personal and treats you like a human being rather than just another client who has made a mistake. I DEFINITELY RECOMEND Micheal J. Griffith!

- Lauren
"Worth every penny!"
Great, experienced attorney. Delivered beyond our expectations and saved our son by getting him a second chance. Worth every penny! We visited other so called criminal attorneys who just gave us lip service and wanted the cash. We highly recommend Mr. Griffith.

- L.H.
"He went above and beyond for me!"
Michael Griffith is hands down the best attorney. I had traveled to Pensacola from out of state and unfortunately got into some legal trouble. I was able to reach attorney Griffith on a Sunday and get in to see him the following Monday. He went above and beyond for me, stayed in touch with me as I had to return to my home state. He was constantly updating me and always asking if I had any questions. He fought hard on my case and the outcome was far better than I expected.

- Amanda
"Had my best interest in mind."
I've used this attorney for years and I always feel that he has my best interest in mind at all times and the complete staff is professional and polite.

- B.G.

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Why Choose Michael J. Griffith, P.A.?

Attorney Griffith levels the playing field with his extensive experience, skills, and client service

Over 50 Years of Experience
Proven Track Record of Success
Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court
Passionate About Fighting for Those in Need

Hard-Hitting Advocacy

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