Lawyer of Firm Description

About Law Office of Paul E. Gifford — Divorce Fort Lauderdale Florida

The Law Office of Paul E. Gifford handles divorce Fort Lauderdale matters for spouses and parents across Broward County. The firm focuses on dissolution of marriage, equitable distribution of assets, alimony, child custody, and post-judgment modifications. Cases proceed through the Broward County Family Division at the Edward A. Pace Courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. For more options, see the Fort Lauderdale lawyers directory.

Paul E. Gifford works directly with clients rather than passing files to junior staff. The firm prepares financial affidavits, parenting plans, and marital settlement agreements that comply with Florida Statute Chapter 61. Because uncontested cases can resolve faster than contested ones, the firm explains both paths during the initial consultation. Clients receive plain-English updates at every stage.

What Clients Say

Reviewers describe a calm, methodical attorney who keeps emotions in check during a stressful process. Clients note prompt callbacks, fixed-fee quotes for uncontested matters, and clear explanations of Florida’s no-fault divorce framework. Several reviews highlight effective negotiation in mediation. The firm also receives praise for steady representation in contested custody disputes.

Divorce Fort Lauderdale — Practice Areas & Services

Uncontested and contested dissolution of marriage under Florida Chapter 61
Equitable distribution of marital property, including homes and retirement accounts
Alimony — bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, durational, and permanent forms
Time-sharing and parenting plans aligned with the child’s best interests
Child support calculations using Florida’s statutory guidelines
Post-judgment modifications for income changes and relocation requests

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in Fort Lauderdale?

An uncontested case in Broward County typically finalizes within 4 to 8 weeks after filing, while contested cases often take 8 to 14 months. Florida requires a 20-day waiting period after the petition is served before a final judgment can issue. Mediation, which Broward courts strongly encourage, can shorten contested timelines significantly.

How much does a Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney cost?

Uncontested flat fees in Broward County generally run $1,200 to $3,500, while contested matters bill hourly at $275 to $475. Filing fees with the Broward Clerk are $409 plus service costs. Many firms offer free initial consultations and written engagement letters that itemize fees.

Where are Fort Lauderdale divorce cases heard?

Cases are filed at the Broward County Edward A. Pace Courthouse, 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale. The Family Division handles dissolutions, parenting matters, and modifications. Self-represented filers can use the Self-Help Center on the courthouse first floor for forms and procedural guidance.

Quick Facts: Divorce in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Florida divorce rate: Florida recorded roughly 3.4 divorces per 1,000 residents in recent CDC data — among the higher rates nationally — CDC National Vital Statistics System
Filing fee: Broward Clerk charges $409 for a dissolution petition — Broward County Clerk of Courts
Residency requirement: Florida requires at least one spouse to live in the state for 6 months before filing — Florida Statutes §61.021

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

The Law Office of Paul E. Gifford in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is renowned for its expertise in various legal categories including Divorce Law, Civil Law, Criminal Justice, Elder Law, and Family Law. Many clients commend Paul Gifford for his extensive experience, dedication, and ability to navigate complex legal matters effectively, often highlighting his caring approach and strong communication skills. Overall, clients express high satisfaction with his services, recommending him as a reliable attorney who genuinely cares about achieving the best outcomes for his clients.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

If could give him 0 stars I would. Had to pay a retainer upfront and he proceeds to do nothing but prolong the process yet blame me. Then weeks later he tells me the retainer has run out and to pay him hundreds each month. The man is a grifter and scam artist.

He is a great attorney very smart helped me out with numerous cases I highly recommend him

Did absolutely nothing for me, but did help my x get everything..be careful who you hire as a lawyer to represent you. You get what you pay for. And in some cases worse. If you’re looking for a divorce attorney don’t look here.

Paul Gifford is a very smart, dedicated and accomplished attorney. I have worked with him and recommend him for family law and criminal defense matters.

Paul has accomplished my case by clearing my record I recommend people to use him he was the only lawyer in ft.lauderdale to clean up my record 100percent

Paul is older and sometimes a bit difficult to work with, but he is very smart and has more experience than most firms combined! Very polite kind and helpful. Be patient and he will get the job done and done right!

Paul Gifford is a great attorney . He has a lot of experience and a strong working knowledge in a legal system as he has been practicing law for decades. Paul is a very smart attorney who will help you to resolve your issues as best as he can. He helped me with my family custody case and we ended up winning the trial . Paul brought me a justice that I have been fighting for three long years. I could not be more grateful to Paul for winning my children and getting my life back on track! I highly recommend Mr.Paul Gifford as he is an ethical lawyer who is driven by his strong passion for law and justice!

I have had many attorneys, I am so thankful I met Attorney Paul Gifford. He is a caring and experienced attorney, mediator and has been a judge in the past. He has helped me with my family case and with my recent lawsuit & bankruptcy. He has given me the great advise with other legal matters. He is such a blessing. I highly recommend his services.

Paul is the WORST lawyer ever. DO NOT HIRE HIM! He will steal your money and pretend that he did work. I’ve been working with Paul for the last 3 weeks and he never even filed a notice of appearance for me but then charged me $1000 for his services. Lesson learned! I’ll be filing a complaint with the Florida Bar. He’s also RACIST! I’m 23 years old and I’ve been living in the USA my entire life. He told me that I’m illiterate. Why? Because I’m black! I’m well educated which is why I’ll be following the proper steps to make sure he does not do this to anyone else! Please take the warning, save your money and find another law firm to handle your case. He does not care about your personal situations at all. He left the conversation telling me that I would have to give up my daughter. Which is crazy to me being that my daughter has been in my custody her entire life. He says things to hurt you which is something a caring human being wouldn’t do. Especially not Count your days Paul. You’ve been doing this for 25 years and God willing this year will be your last.

Mr. Gifford and his staff were very patient and professional. Mr. Gifford and Laura answered all my questions and concerns promptly. Mr. Gifford eased my nervousness by making me aware of what to expect as far as documents needed and what to expect at my hearing. I was very pleased if you need a good attorney please call Mr. Gifford.

Paul is such a caring person. I searched far and wide for a good attorney. The Bar Association recommended him. He is very experienced in many areas of law…Family, Bankruptcy, Contracts & Probate. I am so thankful for his help with my family appelate case. He always returns my calls in a timely manner if he can’t take my call right away. He has become a good friend and has given me great legal advice and services. I recommend him to all my friends.

I went to Paul for an opinion on a civil case I was dealing with and he was very professional and clear. He was able to help me with figuring out what path was best for me and didn’t charge me very much to represent me. Overall very highly recommend.

Really excellent lawyer who truly cares about his clientele. I went to Mr. Gifford to get help on a Will and to also get some advice on a Family Matter. He was awesome: Mr. Gifford was precise, meticulous, and a very caring person. He explained every part of the process to me so that I understood, and charged me a very reasonable price especially if you compare his price to others in SoFlo. He also provided me very clever and excellent advice with my Family matter and I very much appreciate that. Overall, highly recommend this guy, and I’ll be back if I need anything else!

After several bad experiences with other FL attorneys, Mr. Gifford came to my rescue. He was professional and expedient, but most importantly, was able to remedy my divorce case when other failed. As a retired member of the military (JAG Officer), he was able to relate to my active duty military demands and the nuances that being on active duty place on a case. He succeeded where others failed.

Paul was a very thorough and professional attorney. He handled my case with ease and is very knowledgeable of the law.