Marital &
Family Law
Family matters can affect your quality of life and shape your family's future for decades to come. We handle each case with the discretion, strategy, and personalized attention these deeply personal matters require.
When Family Is At Stake
For more than four decades, the Law Offices of Joseph M. Dobkin has counseled Miami families through the most consequential decisions of their lives. Whether the matter is a contested divorce, a complex custody dispute, or the careful drafting of an agreement that will protect your family for years to come, we bring measured judgment and unflinching advocacy to every case we accept.
Resolving Marriages With Dignity
Few decisions reshape a life more profoundly than the end of a marriage. We approach divorce with both the strategic clarity required to protect your financial future and the discretion required to preserve your dignity throughout the process.
From uncontested filings to high-conflict litigation involving complex assets, business interests, and equitable distribution, every matter is handled personally by Mr. Dobkin. You will not be passed off to associates. Your case is his case.
- Divorce — Contested & Uncontested
- Alimony & Spousal Support
- Equitable Distribution of Assets
- Post-Judgment Modifications
Protecting What Matters Most
Custody and support matters carry a weight unlike any other area of law. Decisions made today shape the rhythm of your child's life — and your relationship with them — for years to come. We help you build parenting plans that work in real life, not just on paper.
Whether you are establishing initial custody, modifying an existing order, pursuing relocation, or facing the hard realities of paternity or domestic violence, you will have an attorney who has stood in courtrooms across South Florida fighting for outcomes that put children first.
- Child Custody & Parenting Plans
- Child Support — Establish & Enforce
- Relocation Petitions
- Paternity & Domestic Violence
Drafting The Future, Carefully
Some of the most important family law work happens long before a dispute arises. A properly drafted prenuptial or postnuptial agreement can protect premarital assets, family businesses, and inheritances — while sparing both parties enormous future conflict.
We also guide families through joyful matters — adoptions, name changes, and other status changes — with the same thoroughness and care we bring to litigation. Every document we prepare is built to stand up to time, scrutiny, and the unexpected turns of life.
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Postnuptial Agreements
- Adoptions
- Name Changes
"Family matters are of the utmost importance in our practice — handled with the discretion and personalized attention these emotional cases require."
— Joseph M. Dobkin
Frequently Asked Questions
An uncontested divorce in Florida can resolve in as little as a few weeks once paperwork is filed and the statutory waiting period passes. Contested matters — those involving disputed custody, support, or asset division — often take six months to a year or more. We work to move your case efficiently while never compromising on the protection of your interests.
Many family law matters are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative agreement without ever stepping into a courtroom. Where litigation is necessary, you will be fully prepared and personally represented by Mr. Dobkin — not handed off to junior staff.
Florida courts use the standard of the best interests of the child, weighing more than twenty statutory factors including parental fitness, stability, the child's relationship with each parent, and each parent's ability to encourage a relationship with the other. We help you build a clear, evidence-supported parenting plan.
Yes — when properly drafted with full financial disclosure, independent counsel, and without coercion. A well-crafted prenuptial agreement can protect premarital assets, business interests, and family inheritances, and it can spare both parties significant conflict in the future.
Florida law allows for modification of alimony, child support, and timesharing when there is a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances. We routinely handle modifications on both sides of the courtroom.
Absolutely. The attorney-client privilege protects your communications. Discretion is foundational to family law representation, and it is something we take very seriously at every stage of your matter.
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Confidential consultations. Direct access. Forty years of representation in service of the people of Miami.
- Marcus Centre
9990 SW 77th Avenue, Penthouse #3
Miami, FL 33156-2661 - 305-661-7000
- Fax 305-598-9088
- 24-Hour Availability • Hablamos Español
Voices of Our Clients
“Mr. Dobkin is in a realm of his own. I have never felt so comfortable and confident trusting another attorney. His attention to detail and dedication blew me away.”
“I've been a client of Mr. Dobkin for close to 18 years. He's been extremely helpful in providing sound advice and counsel for the needs of my family.”
“I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility.”
“Called the office on a Friday afternoon with urgent questions and not only spoke with Mr. Dobkin himself — his advice worked in my favor down to the last detail.”
“Great service. The level of professionalism, empathy, and experience that Mr. Dobkin exhibited during my case was phenomenal. You've found the perfect attorney.”
“Mr. Dobkin and his staff have great integrity. He'd rather not take a case than waste your time and money — he creates realistic expectations from the onset.”
“Mr. Dobkin was an absolute God-send. His knowledge of the law, court systems, and even the Judge in my case was on point. Exceptional service!”
“Joe Dobkin is an excellent attorney I can recommend without question. A man of integrity, character, and deep concern for his clients.”
“After terrible experiences with several lawyers, I found Mr. Dobkin. A wealth of expertise, caring, commitment, and integrity. Within a short time I got amazing results.”
“Refreshingly down-to-earth. Mr. Dobkin balanced legal theory with practical application — and never once was preachy, condescending, or impatient.”
“One word describes this office: Care. Mr. Dobkin and his legal assistant Patty provide the very best in courtesy, compassion, and understanding.”
“A man with an amazing knowledge of the law and an amazing heart who still believes in core values. He'll always be not only my attorney but my friend.”
“Mr. Dobkin and Patty handled my legal issues with everything that matters most — professionalism, expertise, respect, empathy, and patience.”
“Attorney Dobkin is literally the BEST ATTORNEY in Miami. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Top-notch.”
“An outstanding lawyer who responded immediately, listened carefully, and made us feel important. Smart advice that was spot on and effective.”
“A 5-star firm offering personalized service. Attorney Dobkin places himself in the individual's position. Highly recommended.”
“This is the 2nd time I've worked with Mr. Dobkin and Patty — and both cases were dismissed! An absolute pleasure to work with.”
“Tenacity and integrity drive the best outcomes for his clients. I have trusted Joseph with my legal needs for years and he always delivers results.”
“The most professional, insightful, trustworthy and kind attorney I've had the pleasure of meeting in Miami. He has gained a loyal client for life.”
“Mr. Dobkin is in a realm of his own. I have never felt so comfortable and confident trusting another attorney. His attention to detail and dedication blew me away.”
“I've been a client of Mr. Dobkin for close to 18 years. He's been extremely helpful in providing sound advice and counsel for the needs of my family.”
“I first met Joe when he conducted one of my mediations. He was a delight to have as the mediator, providing a voice of reason in conjunction with a demeanor of tranquility.”
“Called the office on a Friday afternoon with urgent questions and not only spoke with Mr. Dobkin himself — his advice worked in my favor down to the last detail.”
“Great service. The level of professionalism, empathy, and experience that Mr. Dobkin exhibited during my case was phenomenal. You've found the perfect attorney.”
“Mr. Dobkin and his staff have great integrity. He'd rather not take a case than waste your time and money — he creates realistic expectations from the onset.”
“Mr. Dobkin was an absolute God-send. His knowledge of the law, court systems, and even the Judge in my case was on point. Exceptional service!”
“Joe Dobkin is an excellent attorney I can recommend without question. A man of integrity, character, and deep concern for his clients.”
“After terrible experiences with several lawyers, I found Mr. Dobkin. A wealth of expertise, caring, commitment, and integrity. Within a short time I got amazing results.”
“Refreshingly down-to-earth. Mr. Dobkin balanced legal theory with practical application — and never once was preachy, condescending, or impatient.”
“One word describes this office: Care. Mr. Dobkin and his legal assistant Patty provide the very best in courtesy, compassion, and understanding.”
“A man with an amazing knowledge of the law and an amazing heart who still believes in core values. He'll always be not only my attorney but my friend.”
“Mr. Dobkin and Patty handled my legal issues with everything that matters most — professionalism, expertise, respect, empathy, and patience.”
“Attorney Dobkin is literally the BEST ATTORNEY in Miami. He goes above and beyond the call of duty. Top-notch.”
“An outstanding lawyer who responded immediately, listened carefully, and made us feel important. Smart advice that was spot on and effective.”
“A 5-star firm offering personalized service. Attorney Dobkin places himself in the individual's position. Highly recommended.”
“This is the 2nd time I've worked with Mr. Dobkin and Patty — and both cases were dismissed! An absolute pleasure to work with.”
“Tenacity and integrity drive the best outcomes for his clients. I have trusted Joseph with my legal needs for years and he always delivers results.”
“The most professional, insightful, trustworthy and kind attorney I've had the pleasure of meeting in Miami. He has gained a loyal client for life.”