Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Find a Lawyer >
Business Law lawyers serving Duval County, FL >
Diane Paull
Back to Search Results
Diane Paull
Simpson & Paull, P.L.
1510 2nd Street South
Suite A
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: (904) 249-7288 | Fax: (904) 249-1779
http://www.simpson-paull.com
Put Compassion, Skill and Experience on Your Side
Legal Topic
Business Law
Preferred New Clients
We handle divorce, separation, child support, paternity, changes in custody or child support, relocation, domestic violence and any other family law related matter.
Sub-Categories
Business Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Liquor Licenses
- Business Successions
- Buying & Selling
- Closely Held Businesses
- Corporations
- Directors' & Officers' Liability
- Franchising
- Joint Ventures
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Divestitures
- Nonprofits & Tax-Exempt Corporations
- Partnerships
- Professional Corporations
- Public Offerings
- Shareholders' Rights
- Trade Associations
- Breach of Contract
- Contract Disputes
- Contract Drafting & Review
- Employment Contracts
- Franchises
- Creditor's Rights
- Garnishees
- Judgments
- Locating Funds
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
We handle divorce, separation, child support, paternity, changes in custody or child support, relocation, domestic violence and any other family law related matter.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
We handle divorce, separation, child support, paternity, changes in custody or child support, relocation, domestic violence and any other family law related matter.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Bar Admissions
MI, Nov 1982
Bar Number: P-34443
FL, Jun 2003
Bar Number: 645605
Other Court Admissions
Michigan State Courts 1982; Michigan Federal Courts 1983; Florida State Courts 2003 and Florida Federal Courts 2004.
Association Memberships
The State Bar of Michigan and the Florida Bar Association.
Continuing Education
Attend seminars and classes for training on up-to-date topics as well as camaraderie with other attorneys; also handle one or two pro bono cases in any given year to assist clients who otherwise would not have access to an attorney.
Papers and Publications
I was a contributing author and part of the editorial staff of U of D Law Review, Michigan State Bar Corporate Law Journal and Michigan State Bar Tax Law Journal.
Example Cases
1. One particularly meaningful case involved a teenage girl from Oklahoma who was trying to find her biological father with whom she'd never had any contact. She located him in this area only to find out he had died suddenly two months before she found him. I was successful in obtaining a Court Order designating him as her legal father post mortem, to fulfill this child's desire to have a "real" father on her Birth Certificate.
2. We also handled a child retrieval case where the father fled the state with a three-year old child to an Indian reservation and we successfully obtained the return of the child to the Mother in Jacksonville.
Reported Decisions:
1. Citizens Commercial and Savings Bank vs. Lorraine Raleigh
159 Mich App 110; 406 NW2d 479 (1987)
2. Trissler v Trissler
987 So.2d 209 (Fla. 5th DCA 2008)
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
Oakland University
City:
Rochester
State:
MI
Year:
1979
Focus and Accomplishments:
Four-year BA obtained in three years.
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
University of Detroit Law School
City:
Detroit
State:
MI
Year:
1982
Focus and Accomplishments:
Editor of Business Law Review; Best Oral Advocate.
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Florida and Michigan
Firm Focus and History
We are a small local firm operating at the Beaches since 1982; we pride ourselves on our personal, family-like atmosphere with genuine caring and compassion for the difficulties every family faces during divorce. We use technology to optimize our service, but maintain a personal touch to help you through the legal process.
Kurt Simpson opened the Firm with our legal assistant, Kathy, in 1982, after serving several years with the Florida State Attorney's Office. He maintained the Firm with professionalism and integrity, earning a BV rating from the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory. I joined the Firm in 2001 as an assistant to Kurt while studying for the Florida Bar. Upon admittance, I began practicing with Kurt and took over as Managing Partner in 2005.
Previous Employment Summary
I've worked for several major financial institutions while raising my family. After one too many bank mergers, I decided to take the Florida Bar and begin private practice. I worked as an assistant to Kurt, our senior partner, while studying for the Bar and then joined the Firm as an attorney in 2003; I took over as Managing Partner in 2005 and continue to run the day-to-day operations.
Activities and Awards
I have several published articles, including my work as contributing author and editorial staff of University of Detroit Law Review, Michigan State Bar Corporate Law Journal and Michigan State Bar Tax Law Journal. I was voted Best Oral Advocate in Moot Court competition during law school competitions.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I strongly encourage clients to learn whatever they can about the process and decisions they face during divorce. Books and online information can be very helpful, when accompanied by the guidance of an experienced litigation attorney. You can find the basics in the books and publications, and we make materials and books available at the office as well. What you can't find in a book is the skill, strategy, style and experience that come with practicing before the local Judges. This representation can really impact the outcome of your case, and I recommend hiring an experienced family law attorney.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We regularly review documents drafted by clients to provide necessary "tweaks" and suggestions to better meet their needs. I use a checklist of items with clients that must be addressed in a Final Judgment of dissolution of marriage, urging them to review this list and determine their position on each issue.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Very rarely do I suggest this course, as most clients are just too nervous and uncertain of what to expect. The cost is minimal to do it right the first time.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My high school yearbooks reference my decision to become a lawyer all the way back to sophomore year. My mom says I was born to do it, as I love to read and love to talk! I enjoy the history and philosophy of the American legal system. I believe our role as lawyers is to ensure this unique system of equal access to justice is maintained with professionalism, integrity and competence.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Life experiences shade and color who we are, each one of us unique in our own way. I believe as a parent, wife, daughter and lawyer, I bring a well-rounded common sense approach with a zealous advocacy for the children caught up in this adult process. I believe in the right of each child to a happy, stress-free childhood without adults bringing them into difficult legal matters. Each party is entitled to protection of their legal rights in court, but common sense and compromise must be considered.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I originally started in corporate law as a law school intern, then was hired right out of law school by one of the corporations I clerked for during school. I stayed with the corporations during the time my family was young - I wanted to be a part of my child's life. I enjoyed success as a corporate attorney, earning the rank of Vice President before I was 35 years old. We moved to Florida for a job offer from Barnett Banks, but, after one too many mergers and a fond attachment to Jacksonville, I decided to "bite the bullet" and take the Florida Bar. I assisted Kurt during that time and he thought I had a great attitude towards the clients and the work in family law. I have enjoyed protecting clients' rights through a difficult process, helping them navigate this very unhappy time in their lives.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy helping clients feel a bit more comfortable about the legal process. I educate them and explain the steps we are taking, helping them learn what to expect, managing those expectations and making joint decisions about their case along the way. My favorite part is about a year later when a client stops in to update us on their life since the divorce, or we receive a Christmas card telling us how well they are doing after the divorce. I keep a binder full of thank you cards, family pictures, children's artwork, etc., that clients have sent over the years. It inspires me after a not so great day to know I have helped these families.
Tell us about your law firm:
Kathy Skoblow has been with Mr. Simpson since he started the Firm in 1982. She helped him before the doors were even opened and has been an integral part of the success of this Firm.
What are your strengths and style?
I am very organized and well prepared. I enjoy researching and "treasure-hunting" for just the right piece of evidence or information that will help my client. I am outspoken and not afraid to express my opinion. People often describe working with me as "What you see is what you get." I don't pull any punches. I work towards a fair and reasonable negotiated settlement, always preferable to costly litigation. I am adept at developing creative solutions to the complicated and unique issues presented by each family's personal circumstances.
In family law cases, the parties remain connected by their children throughout their lives. Making matters more contentious and negative only hurts the children, and doesn't always result in a better outcome for the parties.
But when negotiation is met with unreasonable demands and uncompromising positions, I enter the courtroom prepared to protect my client's interests with thorough research, preparation and the experience of a seasoned litigator.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy reading, gardening and home improvement projects. I grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan, the "Motor City", and my husband and I share a love of what made the Motor City famous, classic cars of the 50s and muscle cars of the 1960s and 1970s.
I like to vacation in the Caribbean, even though I live in sunny Florida, taking along my snorkel gear and a good book. I have been blessed with one of God's most special children, my daughter, Samantha, who graduated from UNF in 2008 and now works for the City in Historical Preservation. Although I am around divorce law all day, I have been further blessed with a wonderful husband, Tom, my best friend, with whom I have shared my life.
Fax
(904) 249-1779
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Weekends by appointment for exceptional cases.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes - Will and Estate Documents for $450; real estate closing $1,000; small business organization and set-up $1,500.
Hourly Rates
$250 for an attorney.
Free Initial Consultation?
No - we offer a consultation for unlimited time with the attorney for $100 to answer questions, discuss ideas and educate the client on the process. No obligation, no time limit, to be certain clients have ample time to ask all the questions they may have about the legal decision they are facing.
Typical Retainer
$1,500 to $5,000 est. for divorce.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
