Family Law
Experienced & Compassionate Advocacy
Trusted Family Law and Adoption Counsel in Tampa Bay Since 1989
At Brandon Family Law Center, LLC, we offer compassionate, experienced legal representation in all aspects of family law, including adoption, custody, divorce, and more. Our founding attorney, Mary Greenwood McDermott, and her law partner, Karen A. Howe, have been dedicated to providing thoughtful, client-focused counsel to families in the Tampa Bay area.
We believe in resolving family law issues with sensitivity and care, always striving for amicable solutions over litigation. However, we also stand firm in protecting our clients’ rights and the best interests of children when necessary. Our team works diligently to guide you through each step of the process, whether you’re navigating an adoption, resolving a custody matter, or dealing with another family law issue.
Navigating divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences in life, especially when there are children involved. We provide comprehensive legal services to help you through every aspect of divorce. We assist with the division of assets, ensuring that marital property is divided fairly. We also help establish custodial and visitation agreements, child support arrangements, and alimony, making sure that the best interests of both parents and children are protected. Our goal is to reach a fair and just resolution, minimizing conflict and stress during this difficult time.
Life circumstances can change, and so can your need for child custody, visitation, and child support adjustments. If you need to modify a final judgment, whether due to a change in income, living arrangements, or the needs of the children, Brandon Family Law Center, LLC, is here to help. Our experienced attorney will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that any changes made to the original agreement reflect the new circumstances and continue to prioritize the welfare of your children.
Adopting a child is a life-changing, emotional journey, and we are here to make the legal process as smooth and straightforward as possible. Whether you are adopting an infant, a child, a stepchild, or a grandchild, Brandon Family Law Center, LLC offers the legal expertise to ensure a successful adoption. We will guide you through every step, from gathering the necessary paperwork to finalizing the adoption in court, always with a focus on what’s best for the child.
Surrogacy is a beautiful option for growing families, but it can come with complex legalities. At Brandon Family Law Center, LLC, we assist in creating clear, binding surrogate parent agreements that protect all parties involved. From establishing parental rights to ensuring that all medical and financial responsibilities are properly handled, we are committed to providing the legal support necessary to ensure a successful and smooth surrogacy journey.
When a child’s paternity is in question, it can impact both child support and visitation rights. Brandon Family Law Center, LLC helps establish paternity, whether through voluntary acknowledgment or through legal action. We ensure that the child’s rights to financial support and visitation with both parents are upheld. Our firm handles these sensitive matters with care, ensuring a fair and equitable solution for all parties involved.
Before entering into marriage, it’s important to ensure that your separate assets are protected in the event of a divorce. Brandon Family Law Center, LLC assists individuals and couples in drafting prenuptial agreements that clearly outline the division of assets, debt responsibilities, and other important considerations. Our goal is to create a legally binding document that provides clarity and peace of mind, ensuring both parties understand their rights and responsibilities before marriage.
For couples who choose not to marry but wish to outline their rights and responsibilities, a domestic partner agreement is a wise option. Brandon Family Law Center, LLC helps clients establish domestic partnership agreements that cover a range of issues, including property division, financial responsibilities, and healthcare decisions. This legal tool ensures that both partners are protected in the event of separation or other life changes, offering peace of mind for the future.
Fighting for Your Rights When Needed
Litigation as a Last Resort
At Brandon Family Law Center, LLC, we prioritize resolving family law disputes through mediation and negotiation, helping you avoid the time, stress, and expense of litigation. Our approach encourages couples and parents to find common ground and focus on what’s best for their children.
However, we understand that not every situation can be settled amicably. When peaceful resolutions are not possible, Karen A. Howe uses her extensive litigation experience to fiercely advocate for your rights.