The Gufford Law Firm P.A.

Initially, we detrmine if we can represent a client by asking them a few simple questions and performing a conflict check to ensure that we have not had any contact with the opposing party that would prevent us from taking  the client's matter on and that it is the type of case that we would be competent to handle. We then set the client for a free initial consultation that normally lasts about 1-2 hours. Assuming there is a good fit, we  then get the client on board  and go over initial instructions with the client in great detail and we enact a strategy for the resolution of the matter, whether that be mediation, litigation  and/or settlement efforts.   

University Of Florida- BA in 1988

Stetson University College of Law- Juris Doctorate - 1990

Client Distinction Award- Martindale-Hubbell

2014- 2015- Pro Bono Service Award

19th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Comittee

2013 Pro Bono Service Award

Yes, Mr. Gufford bills at the rate of $300.00 per hour which is very much under  the hourly rates of other lawyers with his level of experience and reputation. Legal Assistants/Paralegals bill out at the rate of $100.00 per hour.  We bill in 6 minute increments and utilize the PC Law Legal Management Platoform for billing and overall case mamangement at a glance.  

Possessing an extensive history in law and business, attorney Joseph Gufford III currently serves clients from The Gufford Law Firm in Martin County, Florida. The former Chairman of the Martin County Bar Association's Family Law Committee, Gufford concentrates on family law and its subsections including divorce, child custody, guardianship law, visitation rights, paternity, prenuptial agreements, child support enforcement actions and spousal support. Family Law practice is very document intensive  and requires  a close examination of each party's assets and income. Joe Gufford has an extensive staff of experienced paralegals that  give him the ability to maximize his efforts on behalf of each and every client.   In many cases, the opposing party will intentionally hide assets or attempt to reduce their income to lessen their exposure to child support, alimony and equitable distribution.  Thus, having an experienced staff to sift through bank statements, Financial Affidavits and  Tax Returns is essential. Additionally, in some cases, it is necessary to  have the right experts to consult with  in order to achieve the client's goals. Whether it is a custody evaluator, a forensic accountant or a vocational assessment, knowing the right experts to call upon if often the key to success in complicated matters.

Other areas Joe Gufford, III practices in range from civil litigation,  probate, landlord/tenant disputes, business organizations and estate and probate law.

Before starting his professional life as a lawyer, Joseph Gufford attended the University of Florida and majored in Political Science and History. During this period, Gufford acquired a commission as a Second Lieutenant after graduating from the U.S. Army Airborne School. Subsequently, he enrolled at Stetson University College of Law and commenced his career as a Clerk with Justin C. Johnston and Associates PA. In his first trial, he was successful at  assisting his client  in obtaining a multi-million dollar judgment against a manufacturer  of a defective heater.
  
Following the receipt of his Juris Doctor, Joe Gufford became an Associate Litigation Attorney with O'Brien & Hooper, PA. At the personal injury firm, he litigated against Cellular One in one of the nation's first AIDS discrimination suits. Later positions at Barber & Gufford; Gufford & Lawrence, Attorneys at Law; Grazi & Gianino, Attorneys at Law; and Brandt & Gufford, Attorneys at Law, enabled him to represent clients in civil suits, family law, and business litigation.

The holder of a “Superb” rating from Avvo.com, Gufford has written and presented on legal issues, such as changes to Florida statutes that affect custody and equitable distribution. Covered by the Martin County Bar Association (MCBA) for his pro bono work, Gufford has also obtained Pro Bono Service Awards from MCBA and Florida Rural Legal Services on multiple occasions. Pro Bono work is important  to Joe Gufford and he does as much of it as possible. All Pro Bono cases that Mr. Gufford handles are referred to him through Florida Rural Legal Services. 

We have represented people from all walks of life. Some are wealthy,some are not. Regeradless, we tailor our representation to insure that whether you are rich or poor, you get the very best representaion possible. We have represented lawyers, professional athletes, politicians and Capatains of Industry or their spouses.  The lawyer cases are the most diffcult because you are typically dealing with someone who knows the law and thus, they can be your hardest critic.