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Wendy K. McGinnis, Esquire
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Wendy K. McGinnis, Esquire
McGinnis Law Firm, P.A.
410 S. Ware Blvd.
Suite 1031
Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: (813) 235-4650 | Fax: (813) 681-7323
http://www.McGinnisLawFirm.com
You put your family first. We do too.
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Our law firm represents clients throughout Central Florida, primarily in marital and family law, from simple, uncontested matters to complex, contested matters.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Our law firm represents clients throughout Central Florida, primarily in marital and family law, from simple, uncontested matters to complex, contested matters.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
FL, Oct 2001
Bar Number: 513441
Specialty Certifications
Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator.
Other Court Admissions
All Florida County Courts.
Association Memberships
The Florida Bar Association (Family Law Section), Hillsborough County Bar Association (Family Law Section), Brandon Bar Association, and Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on various topics, including Family Law, Divorce, Mediation, and Ethics.
Example Cases
Our firm has successfully handled multiple family law cases in various counties throughout Central Florida, including but not limited to divorces, paternity actions, adoptions, name changes, post-judgment modifications, relocations, and enforcement/contempt actions.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
University of Delaware
City:
Newark
State:
DE
Year:
1996
Honors:
Italian Honors Award.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Major in Political Science and Minor in French.
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Seton Hall University School of Law
City:
Newark
State:
NJ
Year:
2000
Honors:
Phi Alpha Delta Member.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Florida
Firm Focus and History
At McGinnis Law Firm, P.A., our goal is to provide high-quality, personalized representation to family law clients in a comfortable atmosphere throughout Central Florida. We facilitate the legal process for our clients, which may include settlement negotiations and court proceedings. We look into the specifics of each case to advise our clients of the best approach. In addition to representing clients in all types of family law matters, our firm offers family mediation services to help people resolve their family law issues, as I am also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator.
The law firm was established in 2007 in Hillsborough County to provide effective and efficient legal representation to clients primarily in the areas of marital and family law.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to opening my own law firm in 2007, I practiced for three years at a private law firm in Polk County where I headed the family law department and handled cases in Polk, Hardee, Highlands and DeSoto Counties. Before that, I had practiced family law exclusively for three years in private family law firms in Hillsborough County handling cases in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Sarasota Counties.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I highly recommend that clients educate themselves on the relevant legal issues of their case. However, it can be difficult for non-lawyers to find reliable sources for legal information. As such, I always encourage clients to seek legal advice and information from a licensed attorney who has the experience in the specific area of law that pertains to their case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We are certainly willing to review documents prepared by clients that have retained our law firm to represent them in their case. However, we normally only review any such documents for the purpose of gaining information to be used in their case.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We do not coach clients who want to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My older brother attended law school when I was a teenager, which sparked my interest in the law and led to my choice of political science as my major in college. My parents then divorced when I was a freshman in college and that personal experience greatly influenced my desire to be a family law attorney.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I grew up overseas and did not live in the United States until I was in 5th grade and as a result I have experienced many different cultures and can appreciate different points of view. I made the decision to work as a paralegal at a law firm in Manhattan after college before attending law school so I could have a solid basis of the law, not only from my education, but also from an applied perspective. Having experienced divorce first-hand from my parents' divorce, I understand the emotional issues that stem from divorce for not only the adults involved but also for the children. I also have significant experience working in various counties in Central Florida and I am a Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator as well, which is certainly helpful in negotiating settlements.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Family law allows me to work with people directly and provides a good balance between negotiation and litigation. It is rewarding to be able to give people peace of mind with my knowledge of the law during a time of turmoil and stress.
What do you like best about your career?
In being a family law attorney, I am able to work with a variety of people with different issues and assist them through some of most difficult situations of their lives. It is not only fulfilling but also exciting to see and be a part of our constantly changing legal system.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner, so all of my clients receive my personal attention throughout their case and I am dedicated to providing my clients with exceptional legal service.
What are your strengths and style?
I provide my clients with compassionate service. However, I am not afraid to aggressively fight for my clients' rights if necessary. When a settlement is not the best alternative, I am a tough trial lawyer who advocates for my clients.
Personal Interests:
Since I am married with four children, most of my free time is spent with my family. I am Girl Scout Troop Leader as well as the Secretary on the Board of Directors at the Brandon Area Youth Soccer League. I enjoy reading, cooking and traveling.
Fax
(813) 681-7323
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evening and weekend appointments available upon request.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Brandon, FL
Office Mailing Address:
Post Office Box 6637
Brandon, FL 33508-6011
Tampa, FL
410 S. Ware Blvd.
Suite 1031
Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 235-4650
St. Petersburg, Lakeland and Bartow, FL
Upon request, meeting locations available in
St. Petersburg, Lakeland and Bartow, FL
(800) 945-0028
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We do offer flat rate fees for certain uncontested matters on a case-by-case basis plus costs, i.e. filing fee, copies, postage, etc. In contested matters, we charge a reasonable initial non-refundable retainer which is billed out hourly and determined on a case-by-case basis plus costs, i.e. filing fee, copies, postage, etc.
Hourly Rates
$175 to $250.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer a free initial consultation which can last from thirty to sixty minutes depending on the type of case and issues involved.
Typical Retainer
Typically, the initial non-refundable retainer for contested matters ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the circumstances and complexity of the case. However, we do offer payment plans on our initial retainers and we accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
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.
