Sutton Law Firm

Welcome to the Sutton Law Firm, a boutique law firm located in historic Bartow, FL, across from the Polk County Courthouse. Sutton Law Firm concentrates its practice of law in all areas of family law, appellate practice, and business bankruptcy. The Firm also performs select services in civil litigation and business law, primarily for business owners and commercial clientele. The Firm, which also has convenient locations in Lakeland and St. Pete Beach, offers the collaborative law process in family law cases, as well as business and civil cases.

The attorneys at Sutton Law Firm know the anxiety that a deteriorating relationship can have on a family. Many clients hesitate to take action out of fear of the unknown or out of concern for the well-being of their children. In reality, these fears are often misplaced as an unhealthy relationship has a bigger impact on younger family members than parents realize. Other times, spouses in a controlled relationship may worry over the financial uncertainty presented by divorce. They may feel trapped and worried about their ability to succeed on their own. Our Lakeland-area divorce lawyer has helped clients through similar situations and can provide you with a plan of action that can resolve your problems in a safe and supportive manner.

If you are a divorced parent, or planning or filing for divorce, you will likely encounter difficult problems that you can't handle alone. Child support attorney Debra J. Sutton has practiced family law and appellate law in Polk County for 25 years. She is one of less than 1% of lawyers in the state who are board-certified in marital and family law. Ms. Sutton has helped many clients like you navigate even the most complicated divorce and child support cases.

The need to consult a family law attorney can arise from a range of occurrences in Florida. While adoption can be an exciting time for a growing family, a child custody battle can be a stressful process. Regardless of your family law needs, the Sutton Law Firm can provide the legal counsel you need. Debra Sutton is Board Certified in marital and family law and has been advocating for clients throughout Polk County and St. Pete Beach for over 25 years. Our boutique law firm can provide you with the individualized attention you deserve to resolve your family law matters and protect your best interests.

As a business person, you know that sometimes factors beyond your control can threaten your business' existence and your ability to provide for your family. You put your blood, sweat, and tears into your business venture. It's our job to keep your business alive and well. The business lawyers of the Sutton Law Firm can help you protect your business from hostile takeovers, financial issues, and more. Let us handle the legal details so you can do what you do best — run your business.

Debra J. Sutton is a compassionate, ethical, and aggressive victims' rights lawyer who is board-certified in both Appellate and Marital and Family Law. She is one of only 6% of Florida attorneys to achieve certification, with less than 1% earning certification in family law. She welcomes clients from throughout Polk County and surrounding areas. Your safety is our number-one priority, so if you are in a dangerous situation due to criminal activity such as a violent domestic situation, contact us immediately.

Sutton Law Firm works with all types of family law cases, including child custody, child support, divorce, alimony, and more. Our attorneys can provide peace of mind during your spousal support case. Not only can we fight for you now, but we can continue to fight for you throughout the divorce process.

If you feel an unfair decision was made against you during a trial, we can help. Our esteemed lawyers have over 50 combined years of gold-standard expertise when it comes to assisting clients like you with appellate law and other legal needs in the Bartow, Lakeland, and St. Pete Beach, FL, areas. Debra J. Sutton is a member of a small, elite group of Florida attorneys that have achieved Appellate Specialist Board Certification. Our boutique law firm, located in Bartow's historic Mann Mansion, features individualized services and a highly skilled legal team ready to give you laser-focused attention.

If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, attorney Matthew J. Kovschak at Sutton Law Firm can provide valuable legal guidance. He understands that considering bankruptcy is difficult, so he gives his clients individualized attention when helping them achieve the best possible outcome in their case. Matthew J. Kovschak is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association who has been practicing law for more than 30 years. When his peers face complex bankruptcy issues, they turn to Mr. Kovschak because of his ability to see beyond the ordinary solution. Whether you need to file on behalf of yourself, your small business, or your large corporation, he is here to help clients in need. Mr. Kovschak also assists creditors whose debtors file for bankruptcy.

Your relationship with your former spouse does not need to be adversarial. Collaborative divorce allows you to make family law decisions together, with an aim toward mutually beneficial resolutions and amicable outcomes. If this sounds ideal to you, it's important that you contact the Sutton Law Firm. Attorney Debra J. Sutton has helped numerous couples with collaborative law needs. She has more than 30 years in practice and uses her decades in law and background in psychology to closely note the needs of each client based on their relationship with their spouse and their children.

Laws regarding property ownership and medical decisions can be unclear, especially when it comes to minors or family members who can no longer make their own decisions. The family law attorney at Sutton Law Firm can help you with issues related to guardianship, including probate disputes, estate questions, child custody, child support, and more. Ms. Sutton has practiced family law for more than 30 years and is an attorney who can handle complex guardianship cases, providing favorable outcomes for you and your loved ones. In addition to our Lakeland office, Sutton Law Firm also has offices in St. Pete Beach and Bartow, FL.

In most cases, when an individual passes, their estate enters probate. This is the process in which the decedent's will is legally validated, an executor (commonly known as a personal representative in Florida) is appointed, and the assets are distributed according to the decedent's wishes. In a perfect world, probate would be straightforward. In reality, the process is often lengthy, confusing, and costly due to court fees and taxes. That's why it's so important to hire an estate planning lawyer like Debra J. Sutton. Her deep knowledge of probate and family law can save you and your loved ones time and money—and help you potentially avoid probate altogether.

Mediators help divorcing couples find a resolution without going to court. When disputes are settled in court, a judge has all the power to make a decision. When mediation is possible, we truly believe it is the best way to ensure both parties are satisfied with the outcome. Family law attorney Debra Sutton can serve as your divorce mediator and help find a peaceful resolution. As a mediator, she won't tell divorcing couples how to resolve their dispute. Instead, she will simply guide both parties toward a resolution by facilitating productive conversation.