Small text sizeMedium text sizeLarge text size Print this page
Back to Search Results
Lynette Silon-Laguna

Lynette Silon-Laguna

Lynette Silon-Laguna, P. A.
6314 U.S. Highway 301 South
Riverview, FL 33578

Phone: (813) 672-1900  |  Fax: (813) 672-1661
http://www.familymaritallaw.com

Contact Lynette Silon-Laguna

Divorce/Family/Bankruptcy * Se Habla Español

Legal Topic

Family Law

Preferred New Clients

I opened my firm in 1997 specializing exclusively in family and marital law and providing effective, ethical and informative representation to our clients at reasonable fees. Our goals are to attempt amicable resolution for our clients and to avoid the emotional and monetary costs of litigation. However, if that is not possible, then we will aggressively represent our clients' desires as to that which is legally possible.

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Name Changes
  • Restraining Orders
  • Enforcement Actions
Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
Children
  • Adoptions
  • Child Support
  • Custody
  • Paternity
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
  • Marriage
  • Power of Attorney
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Legal Topic

Divorce

Preferred New Clients

I opened my firm in 1997 specializing exclusively in family and marital law and providing effective, ethical and informative representation to our clients at reasonable fees. Our goals are to attempt amicable resolution for our clients and to avoid the emotional and monetary costs of litigation. However, if that is not possible, then we will aggressively represent our clients' desires as to that which is legally possible.

Sub-Categories

Divorce
  • Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
  • Annulment
  • Child Support
  • Custody/Visitation Rights
  • Delinquent Support Payments
  • Division of Property
  • Restraining Orders
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • Collaborative Law
  • Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights

Legal Topic

Bankruptcy

Preferred New Clients

I opened my firm in 1997 specializing exclusively in family and marital law and providing effective, ethical and informative representation to our clients at reasonable fees. Our goals are to attempt amicable resolution for our clients and to avoid the emotional and monetary costs of litigation. However, if that is not possible, then we will aggressively represent our clients' desires as to that which is legally possible.

Sub-Categories

Bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13
  • Chapter 7
  • Debt Relief
  • Chapter 11
  • Family Farmer Bankruptcy Chapter 12
  • Foreclosures

Bar Admissions

FL, Oct 1995
Bar Number: 067260

Other Court Admissions

All Florida County Courts, U.S. District Court and Middle District of Florida.

Association Memberships

The Florida Bar Association (Family Law Section), Hillsborough County Bar Association (Family Law Section), Clearwater Bar Association, Pinellas County Trial Lawyers Association (Secretary 2000-2002).

Continuing Education

I attend continuing legal education seminars on topics including, but not limited to, Family Law, Divorce, and Bankruptcy.

Example Cases

We handle divorce, paternity, adoptions, name changes, post-judgment modifications in child support or time-sharing. Furthermore, we handle consumer and business bankruptcies, foreclosure relief, and workouts to avoid bankruptcy, if possible.

Education

Degree:

B.A. in Legal Studies

School:

University of Central Florida

City:

Orlando

State:

FL

Year:

1992

Honors:

Graduated Summa Cum Laude (Top 1% of my class), Phi Kappa Phi (Honor Society). Achievements: Founders' Day Honors, March 31, 1992; Certificate for Outstanding Achievement, April 5, 1992

 

Degree:

Juris Doctorate

School:

University of Florida, College of Law

City:

Gainesville

State:

FL

Year:

1995

Honors:

Graduated with Honors

Number of Attorneys

4

State Licensed In

Florida

Firm Focus and History

We are experienced in divorce and family law, including adoption and name changes. We have helped thousands of individuals and families resolve these issues in a caring, supportive and responsive environment. I have employed highly qualified associate attorneys and legal staff to assist me in reaching my goal of providing excellent legal services to my clients.

As property is divided in divorce, and one household is divided into two, divorce sometimes has the unexpected consequence of serious financial issues leading to bankruptcy. I, my associate attorneys and legal staff, provide experienced Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy law legal services. Even without divorce, we can help if your debt is unmanageable, you are threatened by home foreclosure, or you have any questions regarding restructuring business or consumer debt unrelated to bankruptcy.

Previous Employment Summary

I founded the law firm of Lynette Silon-Laguna, P.A., in 1997 to provide effective, amicable and empathetic legal solutions exclusively to family law issues including:

• Divorce
• Child Custody
• Visitation
• Support—Alimony
• Assets/Debt Division
• Retirement/Pension Division (Military & Private)
• Enforcement and Modification of Final Judgments
• Paternity
• Adoptions
• Name Changes
• Domestic Violence
• Pre and Post Marital Agreements
I have expanded my firm to include Bankruptcy, Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13, as debt and foreclosure issues often arise in divorce and family law situations.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I believe that clients should educate themselves on legal issues; however, it is definitely preferable for clients to follow the advice of their attorney, as there is contradictory legal information available. Although this information might apply to one case, it may not apply to another with similar circumstances.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

We do not review documents prepared by clients, except to use the information contained within the document to assist in their case with us.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

No.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I decided to become an attorney after my own divorce case. I was so impressed with my attorney, that I decided to emulate her, and I did! I am very happy with my choice, because I love the practice of law. There is nothing else I would rather do!

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I can empathize with people going through divorce or having other family issues, as I, as well as others I know, have had to deal with these issues.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I have always had a great interest in the fields in which I practiced before and during law school. For family and divorce clients, our goals are to reduce stress and to resolve cases amicably, if at all possible. Usually it is possible. If not, then we aggressively represent the client before the Court as to all legitimate matters. Bankruptcy and other debt issues are often a part of a divorce and even if they are not, we give personal attention to our clients throughout their case.

What do you like best about your career?

I find working with the law and helping people a great combination. I have been doing it exclusively for over twelve years and intend to continue to do so.

Tell us about your law firm:

I have great people working at my firm! They are committed to providing excellent service.

What are your strengths and style?

My strengths, as well as the strengths of my associate attorneys and legal staff, are that we are assertive, dependable, ethical and treat our clients, as well as all who are involved in the case, with consideration, timeliness and respect. Our style is one of desiring to resolve issues amicably and this is what we portray to the other party, his or her attorney, and the assigned judge. We return phone calls, emails, etc. as expeditiously as possible, and if we cannot do so within a reasonable time, someone will contact the party and let him or her know that we have the message and will get in contact at a designated time. I have worked hard to build an excellent reputation in the community, and I intend to keep it that way.

Personal Interests:

I love walking my dogs, exercising, snow skiing, computers, business, learning new skills and traveling with my husband (when possible, etc.)

Office Manager/Assistant

Becky Stoner.

Fax

(813) 672-1661

Office Hours

Monday through Thursday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

Spanish.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

I do not have a flat fee for family law or divorce cases; however, we do have initial retainers which are geared to the individual client and the estimated amount of work to be done. I do offer flat fees for Bankruptcy Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.

Hourly Rates

$300 for Lynette Silon-Laguna, $225- $195 for associate attorneys, $125 for legal assistants and paralegals. I also have very well-qualified associate attorneys and legal staff who are experienced enough to handle all family law, divorce, and bankruptcy cases.

Free Initial Consultation?

I offer a 30-minute free initial consultation with one of my attorneys.

Typical Retainer

Normally $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the case. If the case is very complex, the retainer could reach $10,000.

Understanding Fees

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.