When dealing with family issues, you need a skilled Lakewood Ranch family lawyer who will take the time to understand the specific complexities of your case and advocate for you.

At James Horne Law, PA, we understand each family case is unique and sensitive. Our Lakewood Ranch family lawyer will advocate for and support you as you make these challenging decisions. Our experienced trial attorney isn’t afraid to fight for your best interests in negotiations or at trial.

     
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  We had a great experience working with James Horne. He was always prompt with communication, professional, and genuinely compassionate throughout our injury case. He took the time to listen, made us feel understood, and treated us with kindness and respect every step of the way. We truly appreciate everything he did for us and highly recommend James to anyone in need of an outstanding attorney.
   Tammy Palladino 
 19 July 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I was very happy with the results that James Horne got for me. He worked hard to do the best that he could for my situation! I would recommend him to anyone!
   Dave Mayberger 
 16 July 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I am pleased to personally recommend James M. Horne for anyone seeking representation in a personal injury case in Florida. James is not only an exceptional attorney, but also someone who genuinely cares about the people he represents. I felt cared for in my case. What stands out most about James is his compassion, honesty, and dedication during my case. He takes the time to listen, explain the legal process clearly, and make sure his clients feel supported during what is often one of the most difficult times in their lives. His professionalism and attention to detail give clients confidence that their case is being handled with care and determination. James has earned a strong reputation for fighting tirelessly for injury victims and their families. Whether dealing with insurance companies, negotiating settlements, or preparing for trial, he approached my case with integrity and commitment. He is respected not only for his legal knowledge and courtroom skill, but also for the personal attention he gives to every client. As he did me. I would confidently recommend James M. Horne to anyone in need of a trustworthy, experienced, and compassionate personal injury attorney in Florida. Additionally he fought to make sure I recieved every penny I was entitled to and then some!
   Linda Rit 
 19 May 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Referred to firm by Florida Bar. Despite not having the capacity to handle my full case, James quickly and proactively managed to fulfill the first Next Step for me. What’s more, it was an action that no other law firm had volunteered to tell me about or even handle! Kudos to the team, and many thanks! You are on my Keeper Lust.
   Karen Stark 
 31 March 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  It was a pleasure working with Mr Horne and I definitely recommend him for anyone looking for a fair and honest and work for you attorney.
   Debi Droulers 
 26 February 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Family law can be complicated but having Mr. Horne and Christian, the paralegal, on my side curbed my concerns! They are timely, very knowledgeable, professional and caring. They answered my questions and gave me peace of mind. I would recommend Horne Law Group to anyone who needs an exceptional attorney.
   Kim Wall 
 24 February 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Our experience with Mr. Horne and his team was exceptional. The communication and support was timely, candid and very professional. We are very appreciative for everything they did and bringing our case to a successful conclusion.
   billm 
 16 February 2026
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  James is one of the best lawyers in the area. He genuinely cares about his clients and fights tirelessly for them. Highly recommended
   Rashaud Walters 
 14 December 2025
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I called Mr. Horne and left a voice mail and five minutes later my call was returned and with the most kindness, helpful person and I would recommend him to anyone in need of help.
   Jennifer Larsen 
 26 September 2025
 
 
 
 
  
      
 
 
    Posted on Google  
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  I would like to thank you for sending me the right direction. I just feel lost and sad.for What happened to my daughter, but thank you for having a kind heart to direct me. In the The right direction and thank you. I highly recommend you and your team for contacting me.
   Dimittria Valenzuela 
 24 July 2025

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Our Practice Areas

Cases involving family law can be challenging and contentious. At James Horne Law, we provide compassionate representation to our clients while passionately advocating for you in court. Our Lakewood Ranch family attorney tailors our representation to each client’s needs because we know each client has different goals in a family law proceeding.

Our family law attorney in Lakewood Ranch provides representation in family law issues, including:

Paternity,
Child support,
Child custody and visitation,
Divorce,
Division of marital assets, and
Collaborative divorce.

If you are looking for an experienced family lawyer in Lakewood Ranch who isn’t afraid to provide aggressive representation in court, look no further than James Horne Law.

Florida Divorces

When you get married, divorce may be the last thing on your mind. However, divorce may be the best decision for you, your spouse, and your children as time passes.

Florida has complicated divorce laws you should carefully follow to give yourself the best chance of getting a positive outcome. For any divorce, we recommend consulting with an experienced Lakewood Ranch family law attorney, such as James Horne Law, to help you navigate these complex laws and procedures.

Grounds for Divorce in Florida

Under Florida law, you must state a specific legal reason for filing a divorce. In Florida, there are only two legal reasons for filing a divorce:

Irretrievable breakdown of the marital relationship, or
One of the parties is mentally incapacitated.

Florida does not have a fault-based ground for divorce. Most Florida divorces are based on an irretrievable breakdown in the marital relationship. This means neither spouse has to prove the other is to blame for the marriage’s end.

You can also file for divorce if your spouse has been mentally incapacitated for at least three years before filing the divorce. You’ll have to serve the divorce papers on your spouse’s close relative or guardian.

Understanding the legal reasons for a divorce may be confusing. Consult with our Lakewood Ranch family lawyer to better understand the legal grounds for divorce.

Contested Versus Uncontested Divorce

Perhaps you’ve heard the terms “contested divorce” and “uncontested divorce.” The difference between a contested and uncontested divorce is whether the spouses can agree on all of the issues in the divorce, such as the grounds for divorce, the division of marital assets, alimony, and child custody if children are involved.

If the spouses can quickly resolve these issues without a judge, it’s an uncontested divorce. However, if the spouses can’t agree and must resolve the case through the judicial process, it’s a contested divorce. A knowledgeable Lakewood Ranch family law attorney can help you manage an uncontested divorce or litigate a contested divorce.

Collaborative Divorce

Floridians also have the option to pursue a collaborative divorce. A collaborative divorce is a divorce that takes place outside of the judicial process. Both parties must agree to use the collaborative process. Then, the parties attempt to resolve all of their issues in the divorce through settlement discussions. This process can save a great deal of time and stress because the parties don’t have to worry about a judge making the final decisions in their divorce. If you are interested in a collaborative divorce, contact the James Horne Law office to discuss if this option would work for you.

Case Results

$7,000,000

Car Crash

$1,500,000

Medical Malpractice

$1,262,000

Car Crash Verdict

$850,000

Medical Malpractice

$510,000

Medical Malpractice

$501,000

Negligent Supervision

See All Case Results

Marital Asset Division

A dispute about the division of marital property is typically why a divorce becomes a contested divorce. In Florida divorces, courts divide marital property equitably. An equitable division isn’t necessarily an equal division.

The factors courts look at when determining how to divide marital property include:

The earning potential of each spouse,
The length of the marriage,
Whether one spouse will be primarily responsible for minor children,
Whether a spouse made sacrifices for the other spouse’s education or career, and
The health of each spouse.

A court can also look at other factors it deems relevant. The court will then divide the assets according to the needs of both parties and the children, if there are any. An experienced family attorney can help you navigate the division of marital assets and fight for your fair share.

Need a Lakewood Ranch Family Lawyer? Contact Us Today

Child Custody

Your children’s custody can be handled as part of the divorce or as an entirely separate matter. Florida courts make all custody decisions based on the child’s best interests. There are numerous factors the court looks at when deciding on a child’s best interests. A family lawyer near Lakewood Ranch will be able to explain these factors and how they might apply to you and your children.

In a custody case, a court decides, or the parties negotiate, two issues: parenting time and parental responsibility. Parental responsibility refers to the power each parent is granted to make significant decisions on behalf of the child. Generally, courts favor both parents sharing parenting responsibility unless one parent committed abuse or has other issues.

Each parent will also be allocated parenting time. To allocate this time, the parties or the court develop a schedule called a parenting plan. Courts usually favor a schedule that evenly splits parenting time between the parties unless one party has a history of abuse or violence.

Contact an Experienced Lakewood Ranch Family Lawyer

Your family law case requires an experienced, compassionate, and aggressive attorney who will fight for your best interests. Lakewood Ranch family attorney James Horne Law will develop a strategy tailored to your needs. Whether you’re negotiating a collaborative divorce or need an attorney to fight for you in the courtroom, James Horne Law can help you resolve your family law issues.