They made promises they never intended to keep and over billed for services AFTER their services…read morewere terminated. Don't expect your retainer to include everything they say it would include.

From the owner: Our firm represents clients in the areas of family law, criminal defense, and wills\probate. We…read morehave extensive experience in divorce, child custody, child support, and step-parent adoption. In addition, we defend clients with both misdemeanor and felony criminal charges, including domestic violence, drug possession, sexual offenses, and violations of probation. We pride ourselves in making client experience and satisfaction the top priority. Our firm handles cases in Bartow, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and throughout Polk and Hardee counties. With over 40 years of experience we are ready to represent you, whatever your case may be. Call our office or contact us online today to schedule a free initial consultation.

I retained this law firm in December 2025 to assist in divorce proceedings involving custody and…read morechild support matters governed by existing agreements from Ecuador. At the time of engagement, I clearly disclosed that jurisdiction would be a key issue, and the governing agreements were provided to the firm immediately. On December 17, during a phone conference, I raised specific concerns about jurisdiction. I was advised that there were no jurisdictional issues and my situation was compared to that of a military family. However, on January 6, I was later informed that jurisdictional challenges did in fact exist. In late January, due to time-sensitive concerns, I contacted the firm multiple times requesting assistance. On January 26, I was told the attorney was unavailable for over a week due to trial preparation, and an appointment was scheduled. Later that same day, I was informed that the firm did not have the time or capacity to continue representation. Following termination, my trust balance was returned, but the retainer was retained as "earned." I was not provided with itemized billing, time records, or a detailed explanation of the work performed to support that conclusion. I also filed a complaint with The Florida Bar. The firm was required to respond by a specified deadline, and, to my knowledge, no response was provided within that timeframe. Based on my experience, there was a lack of consistency in the assessment of a key legal issue, limited availability during a time-sensitive matter, and insufficient transparency regarding billing. I would recommend that prospective clients ask detailed questions about jurisdictional analysis, attorney availability, and how fees will be documented and supported.

From the owner: Sutton Law Firm in Bartow is led by family law attorney Debra Sutton. Our office offers services to…read morethose in need of a family law attorney, divorce attorney, collaborative law attorney, & more. Debra J. Sutton is an accomplished attorney who has achieved board certification from the Florida Bar in both appellate practice and marital and family law. She is joined by Matthew J. Kovschak, with whom she has practiced law since 1993. Matthew brings more than 30 years of experience to the firm. Along with the rest of our team, our attorneys help our clients achieve favorable resolutions to both common and complex legal matters. You can request your consultation at one of our offices by filling out our online form or giving us a call.

Karie and Denise were professional and actively provided the services I required from the firm. I…read morewas informed at each stage of the negotiations with options provided to best meet my objectives. Thank you for your guidance and help. I would definitely use your firm again.

I wish I could rate less than one star! Absolute worst experience! She is unprofessional and her…read moreassistant is terribly rude! I echo what others have said about her assistant! They both are nice & professional until they get your money! In a nutshell: I had a virtual hearing where Karie was not only late but lied to the judge and said she was going to log in from home and then 15 mins into the hearing she still isn't on the call but comes strolling in the door holding a coffee. Needless to say the judge was not happy with her punctuality and made it known that we would not be able to accomplish everything which happen to effect me financially...of course she didn't care. At the end of the hearing I was upset because she was late and it was obvious the judge took it out on me. She was not prepared at all since she just walked in the door. I was letting her know I was upset and she told me it didn't matter "this judge is a 50-50 judge and she doesn't follow the law" she went on to call her a "shit judge" and talk terrible about her. Then the phone rings and its the judge! Karie had not hung up the phone and the judge was calling to reprimand her because she heard everything. Karie did not back down and continued to argue with her! Because of this I had to retain another lawyer. Karie knew she messed up my entire case that she actually offered to refund a portion of my retainer if I recused the judge with another attorney. Which I did move forward with however I have not seen a refund yet. I haven't even been able get a billing statement from her office! She set in motion the downfall of my entire case...and cost me at least 10k more in attorneys fees! STAY AWAY FROM THIS ATTORNEY!

GREATFUL!!! Attorney Dicks and Connie were awesome God sent. I was looking at a felony 2 charge…read morethrowing a deadly missile at a dwelling in Polk County FL. Crazy what wording can be used for throwing a brick paver through a front glass window. So if you find that you just have to do that definitely higher Attorney Dicks, I was looking at loosing a 25 year career over something I did. Attorney Dicks also represented me in another case I got into both of my charges were drastically reduced. I felt Connie understood why I did what I did on my first charge and assured me I would be fine, I will say I was one of those crazy clients that thinks I am their only client..lol.. be patient and you will be fine in the end. For what I was charged with on both cases I felt the fee's were reasonable. If you find yourself in a situation in Polk County FL or Hillsborough County don't hesitate to reach out to this law firm. Also be proactive on your part do what your required and your year probation end in 3 months. Thank you Attorney Dick, Connie and staff.

If you are looking for a family or criminal attorney look no further. Michael represented my…read morefamily in a minor family court matter and although it was minor they treated us as if we were the most important people in the world. From the second we walked through the office door to the time the case was dismissed (WE WON!) everything was top notch. Michael is a genuine person on top of being a great attorney. Connie and the office staff are AMAZING. Connie walked us through the process, made sure all of our questions were answered and made sure Michael had all the information he needed about our case. Michael and Connie truly care about the people they represent and I can not thank them enough.

I have had a couple small issues where I needed legal advice, & I found Ms. Snead to be prompt,…read morecourteous, & knowledgeable. I was not made to feel that my needs were insignificant as I have with other law firms. I will definitely use her services for future needs.

Darla Snead has closed her practice but will still be working in the industry from what I…read moreunderstand so I felt compelled to write a reivew. I have a narcissistic co-parent that I needed to have visitation and child support updated. All that I am about to share is 100% factual. She charged me over 30k over 4yrs to say she needed to redo the plaintiffs numbers, she needed to look into getting expert witnesses, she needed 1.5k to prepare for court etc. At the 4th year I spoke to her and she mentioned she thought I was the plaintiff and I was not. She said 1mth prior to a court date that the Plaintiffs lawyer didnt file the paperwork right. Our court date seemed to only address child support so if I wanted to have parenting plan updated I would have to pay more money and have a different court date. At one point I wanted to just negotiate it out and gave her my bottom line (and made it clear it was my bottom line) for negotiations. She gave THAT to plaintiffs lawyer right away. Who does that? You dont hope to buy a car at 30k and offer your max offer of 45k out the gate. Not this lawyer! FINALLY one month prior to the court date she fired me saying I didnt respond to her emails which had NO questions in them. Needless to say my trauma that kept me away from dealing with all my ex's issues ended up costing me over 30k. Stay far away from this woman.

I highly recommend working with Family Law Legal Docs and More for any of your Paralegal related…read moreneeds! Bernadette is kind, educated, experienced and took the time to answer all of my questions. She came to me, followed through on everything we discussed and was incredibly prompt, efficient and reasonably priced. If you're in need of Divorce, Name Changes, Temporary Legal Custody, Time Sharing, Paternity or a Mobil Notary and Signing Agent, you'll be delighted with the excellent service provided by Family Law Legal Docs and More.

From the owner: With 15 plus years as a Family Law Case Manager in the state court system. I have the knowledge,…read moreskills, and ability to assist you in a professionalism and at an affordable rate.