If you’re searching for a divorce lawyer in Orlando, you’re probably not doing it casually. This is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make — and who you choose to represent you will directly affect the outcome of your case, your stress level throughout the process, and your family’s future. The problem is that not all family law attorneys are the same, and the search can feel overwhelming before you’ve even made your first call.
This guide walks you through what actually matters when choosing a divorce attorney in Orlando — from the questions you should be asking to the red flags that should send you looking elsewhere. It’s written by a team that handles these cases every day, so you’re getting a practical, honest perspective rather than a polished sales pitch.
Why Specialization Matters More Than Firm Size
A quick search for divorce lawyers in Orlando will surface dozens of results — many from large firms that list family law alongside personal injury, criminal defense, immigration, and a half-dozen other practice areas. On the surface, a bigger firm might seem like a safer bet. In practice, it often isn’t.
Family law is highly specialized. Custody disputes, child support calculations, equitable distribution of complex assets, domestic violence injunctions, and alimony disputes are each their own area of depth. An attorney who practices family law daily — not occasionally between car accident cases — will be more current on Florida-specific developments, more practiced in the courtroom, and more attuned to the strategies that actually work.
Martell Family Law has made a deliberate choice to focus exclusively on family law rather than branching into other practice areas. In 2026, the team is growing — but every addition deepens the firm’s family law expertise rather than diluting it. That includes staying current on recent changes like Florida’s new 50/50 timesharing presumption and evolving child support guidelines that directly affect how cases are negotiated and litigated today.
What to Look for in an Orlando Divorce Attorney
Courtroom Experience AND Negotiation Skills
You need both — and they’re not the same thing. Over 90% of family law cases settle before trial, but your attorney’s courtroom reputation has a direct impact on how the other side negotiates. An attorney who is known for going to trial when necessary creates different dynamics than one who always settles.
Josh Martell has spent over a decade litigating family law cases and thousands of hours negotiating settlements throughout Central Florida. That combination — genuine courtroom experience paired with skilled negotiation — is what allows him to pursue the best outcome whether your case settles or goes before a judge.
A Team That Actually Answers the Phone
One of the most consistent complaints people have about attorneys: they disappear after you sign the retainer. You return calls to a paralegal you’ve never met, emails go unanswered for days, and you’re never sure where your case stands.
Look for a firm where the support staff — paralegals and legal assistants — are experienced, responsive, and treat your case like it matters. At Martell Family Law, Amy Reinert and Monica Pershad bring decades of combined paralegal experience to every case. Clients consistently cite their responsiveness and genuine care in reviews — not as a bonus, but as a core part of the experience.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
The best outcome in a divorce case isn’t always the one that ends in a courtroom victory. Sometimes the faster, less expensive, and less emotionally damaging path is reaching a negotiated resolution — and a skilled attorney knows how to tell the difference.
Josh Martell is a Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator, which means he can offer clients the option of alternative dispute resolution when it’s appropriate. If you ask a prospective attorney “what’s your approach when the other side is being unreasonable?” — the answer tells you everything about how they think about your case.
Transparent Communication About Costs
Divorce is expensive enough without billing surprises. A trustworthy attorney will explain their fee structure clearly, provide realistic timelines, and won’t promise outcomes they can’t guarantee. If an attorney guarantees you full custody or a specific settlement amount before knowing the details of your case, that’s a red flag — not a selling point.
At Martell Family Law, we believe informed clients make better decisions. That starts at the first consultation.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
Most people walk into a first attorney meeting without knowing what to ask. These questions will help you make a more confident decision:
- How many family law cases have you handled in the past year? Ask about recent experience, not career totals.
- Who will actually be working on my case? Will you hear directly from the attorney, or primarily from support staff?
- What’s your approach to custody disputes? Listen for a balance between advocacy and realistic problem-solving.
- How do you handle communication? What’s the typical response time for emails and calls?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine? Think about complexity level, contested vs. uncontested, high-asset situations, military divorce, etc.
A good attorney will welcome these questions. If the consultation feels rushed or the answers feel rehearsed, trust that instinct.
Red Flags When Choosing a Divorce Lawyer
- They guarantee a specific outcome (“I’ll get you full custody”)
- They can’t clearly explain their fee structure in the first meeting
- Family law is one of eight practice areas listed on their website
- There are few or no client reviews — or the reviews are vague and generic
- They seem distracted, rushed, or disinterested during your consultation
- You’re handed off to a paralegal before the consultation even ends
Your gut is often right. If something feels off in the first meeting, it will likely feel off throughout your case.
Why Orlando Families Choose Martell Family Law
Martell Family Law is an exclusively family law firm serving Central Florida from our office in downtown Orlando. Here’s what that means in practice:
- Focused practice — divorce, custody, support, modifications, domestic violence injunctions, mediation, and collaborative divorce. Nothing else.
- A growing team deepening its expertise — in 2026, the firm has expanded to serve more families with the same focused representation.
- Over a decade of courtroom experience paired with Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitration certification — Josh Martell can fight or find common ground, depending on what your case calls for.
- Proven support staff — clients consistently recognize Amy Reinert, Monica Pershad, and the rest of the team for their responsiveness and genuine investment in each case.
- Strong client reviews — nearly a 5-star Google rating across dozens of verified reviews from real clients throughout Central Florida.
We’re located at 618 E. South Street in downtown Orlando and serve families throughout Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and surrounding counties.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Finding the right divorce lawyer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with a confidential consultation — not to commit to anything, but to understand your situation, your rights, and what the process actually looks like for your family.
At Martell Family Law, your first conversation is the beginning of getting your questions answered. There’s no pressure, no judgment, and no obligation beyond showing up and being honest about where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Orlando?
Divorce attorney fees in Orlando typically range from $250–$450 per hour, with retainers starting between $3,000–$10,000 depending on case complexity. Uncontested divorces cost significantly less than contested cases. During your initial consultation, a reputable attorney will explain their fee structure and give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.
Do I really need a lawyer for my divorce in Florida?
Legally, no — Florida allows pro se (self-represented) divorce. Practically, representing yourself in anything beyond the simplest uncontested divorce with no children and minimal assets carries real risk. Family law involves complex calculations for child support, equitable distribution of assets, and custody arrangements that have long-term consequences. An experienced attorney protects your rights and often saves money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes.
How do I know if my divorce will be contested or uncontested?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all major issues — property division, custody, support, and debt allocation. If there’s disagreement on any of these, it becomes contested. Most divorces start with some disagreement, but a skilled attorney can often negotiate resolution without going to trial. At Martell Family Law, we focus on finding practical solutions first and litigate only when necessary.
What’s the difference between a divorce lawyer and a family law attorney?
In practice, these terms are often used interchangeably. A family law attorney handles all matters related to family relationships — including divorce, but also child custody modifications, paternity actions, domestic violence injunctions, and alimony disputes. Choosing an attorney who practices family law exclusively — rather than as one of many specialties — means deeper expertise across all of these connected issues.
Can I change divorce lawyers in the middle of my case?
Yes, you have the right to change attorneys at any time during your case. While there may be some transition costs and a brief adjustment period, staying with an attorney you don’t trust or who isn’t communicating effectively can cost you far more in the long run. If you’re considering a change, most family law firms — including ours — offer consultations to discuss where your case stands and how to move forward.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a divorce lawyer?
Bring any existing court documents or agreements, a summary of your assets and debts, recent tax returns, pay stubs for both spouses if available, and a list of your primary concerns and goals. Don’t worry about having everything perfectly organized — your attorney’s job is to help you sort through it. The most important thing is to be honest and thorough about your situation.
