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Dependency Lawyer In Boca Raton

What does dependency mean? Can the State take away my child?

We think everyone would agree that NO ONE wants to be served with a lawsuit by the Florida Department of Children’s and Family Services. How you respond to a lawsuit filed by DCF will determine whether the State of Florida removes your child(ren) from you on a temporary basis, permanent basis or not at all. Thus, it is critical you contact the team at the Horton Law Group, P.A. to discuss your rights and to implement a strategic and aggressive defense to the dependently lawsuit filed against you.

Who can file a Petition for Dependency?

Anyone who has reason to believe a child is a victim of child abuse, can file a Petition for Dependency. However, the State of Florida, through DCF, files the majority of the dependency cases in Florida. Fla. Stat. §39.001 and Fla. Stat. §39.501.

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What is a Florida dependency action?

When the Department of Children’s and Family Services (DCF) has reason to belief that your child or children have been neglected, abused, or abandoned as defined under Chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes, DCF can a petition with the court, requesting that your child become a dependent of the court. 

While child abuse and child neglect are crimes punishable by the Florida Penal Code, dependency litigation is actually governed under Florida civil law, Chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes.  That being said, if there is evidence for the State to bring criminal charges, you may find yourself in both courts, civil and criminal.  Examples are:  Florida Couple Left Their Toddler at the Park for Hours, Charged With Child Neglect and Burned, cut, beaten: Palm Springs adults accused of abusing 6-year-old),

How is child abuse investigated?

Here’s how a case comes to be. First, someone calls the child abuse hotline and makes a report (1-800-962-2873). Fla. Stat. §39.201. All calls to the hotline are received by specially trained people in Tallahassee who then filter the calls. Id. Cases which do not meet the criteria for sheltering a child are screened out. Id. Case which do are then forwarded to the appropriate local agency to investigate. Id. Many of the local agencies operate out of the county sheriff’s office, Id., but this is not necessarily the case. Based on the urgency of the case, it will be given one of two different response times: immediate or 24 hours. Id. 

The case will be assigned to a Child Protective Investigator (CPI) who will ideally see the case through from inception to closure. Fla. Stat. §39.301. A CPI has 60 days to complete an investigation. Id. This may include interviewing the children, parents, family members, polices officers, neighbors, doctors, nurses, teachers, and anyone else who may have information on the suspected abuse. Id. CPIs will also do walk-throughs of a family’s home, Id., and take the children for medical examinations if necessary, Fla. Stat. §39.303.

What happens at the end of a child abuse investigation?

Most often, a CPI will not need even close to all 60 days to make a determination if there are grounds to shelter a child. Most often, the abuse is immediately apparent. Frequently encountered scenarios include substance-exposed newborns, sexual abuse, physical abuse resulting in injury, unexplained injuries, failure to thrive, unattended children, hazardous living conditions, severe neglect, and exposure to domestic violence. See Fla. Stat. §39.01. In such types of cases, children will be immediately removed from the parents’ custody and placed in someone else’s custody, or “sheltered.” Fla. Stat. §39.01. In addition to agents of the Department, police officers also have the authority to take children into custody if they have probable cause to support grounds for shelter. Fla. Stat. §39.401.

Where the abuse is not immediately apparent, or where the parents cooperate with DCF and the children are not in immediate danger, a CPI may instead implement a “Safety Plan.” Fla. Stat. §39.301. It is a voluntary agreement with the parents to abide by certain terms that will ensure the safety of the children until a determination is made, or during which time the parents will engage in voluntary services offered by the CPI that will resolve the causes for concern. Id.

Sometimes a case stops here. If it turns out the report was false, or simply does not meet the criteria for child abuse, the investigation is closed. If the parents complete the voluntary services and have alleviated the cause of concern, the case is closed. The parents never go to court.

Where the parents do go to court, there is still a very lengthy process. The public policy of the state is to achieve permanency for children as quickly as possible because of how studies have shown that instability and frequent change impacts their development. Fla. Stat. §39.001; Fla. Stat. §39.0136. That is why the state is required to act very quickly once a child abuse report is made. Once a child has been sheltered, the state must file a shelter petition and be before a court within 24 hours in order to keep the child in its custody. Fla. Stat. §39.401; Fla. Stat. §39.402. The CPI is required to notify the parents of where and when court is. Fla. Stat. §39.402.

Filing False Allegations of Child Abuse

If it turns out the report was false, the investigation is closed.  It is a crime to report false allegations of child abuse.

If the Court finds Probable Cause to proceed with the Dependency Case – it is an expense and lengthy process

The public policy of the state is to achieve permanency for children as quickly as possible because studies have shown that instability and frequent change of homes can negatively impact a child’s development. Fla. Stat. §39.001; Fla. Stat. §39.0136. That is why the state is required to act very quickly once child abuse is reported.   If the state removes a child from your home, the state must file a shelter petition and be before a court within 24 hours in order to keep the child in its custody. Fla. Stat. §39.401; Fla. Stat. §39.402. The CPI is required to notify the parents of where and when the hearing is as they have a constitutional right to appear in court and defend against the allegations alleged against them. Fla. Stat. §39.402. 

Where do my children go if they are taken from me?

Once taken by DCF, children do not automatically go to foster homes. DCF is required to place children with the other parent (if only one parent committed abuse).  E.B. ex rel. A.B. v. Dep’t of Children & Families, 969 So. 2d 505, 507 (Fla. 1st DCA 2007).  If placement with the other parent is not an option, DCF tries to place the children with family members or close family friends.  Fla. Stat. §39.4015; Fla. Stat. §39.402. If there is no other only, only then do the children go to foster care.

What happens at a shelter hearing?

At the shelter hearing, the judge will make a determination of whether there is probable cause to shelter the child. Fla. Stat. §39.402. DCF must also show that it made reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for removal of the child from the home, or that first contact with the family occurred during an emergency. 

Probable cause is a very low standard and is usually found in these types of cases. 

Contrary to the Florida Rules of Evidence, Hearsay is permissible. 

The CPI will be present to testify if necessary, but the judge will usually just read the shelter petition and make a determination thereafter. DCF is required to provide the court copies of any available law enforcement, medical, or other professional reports, and shall also provide copies of abuse hotline reports pursuant to state and federal confidentiality requirements. Fla. Stat. §39.402.

If the children are sheltered, the case is not over.  If a judge finds probable cause, he will sign a shelter order, a custody order, and an order releasing medical and educational information. Fla. Stat. §39.402. The judge will also determine what type of visitation is appropriate for the parents, if they are allowed visitation at all. Fla. Stat. §39.402. If the child does not have a legal father, DCF will do a paternity inquiry with the parents. Fla. Stat. §39.402. Finally, the court will issue the next important court dates, Fla. Stat. §39.402, which usually includes the mediation, arraignment, and first judicial review.  A parent will be given the opportunity to challenge probable cause and present their own evidence to challenge DCF’s investigation at trial. Fla. Stat. §39.402.  

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What is the legal process after the shelter hearing?

Following the shelter hearing, DCF will determine whether to file a petition for dependency (to have the child adjudicated dependent). Fla. Stat. §39.501. If DCF proceeds with a petition for dependency, it must do so within 21 days of the court’s entry of the shelter order and serve it upon the parents. 

An arraignment hearing must be held no later than 28 days after the shelter hearing. Fla. Stat. §39.506. At the arraignment hearing, the parents will either admit, deny, or consent to the dependency petition.

If a parent admits or consents to the allegations in the petition, there is no trial and the court holds a disposition hearing no more than 15 days after the arraignment. Fla. Stat. §39.506. If a parent denies the allegations, a trial date will be set. Fla. R. Juv. P. Rule 8.325 Dependency trials are bench trials—meaning there is no jury, only the judge will decide the outcome of your case. Fla. Stat. §39.507. 

 

 

 

What happens at a dependency trial?

The dependency trial is a formal trial with openings, closings, and presentation of evidence. The standard for an adjudication of dependency is preponderance of the evidence. Fla. Stat. §39.507. The hard works begins while you are waiting for trial.  The goal is to follow and abide by the case plan, at a minimum, so you can get your children back. 

What do I have to do to get my children back? 

Once children are adjudicated dependent, parents must complete a “case plan”. Fla. Stat. §36.6011; Fla. Stat. §39.6012. These case plans are created by case managers who are assigned to the parents after the shelter hearing. 

Case Plans can include:

  • inpatient treatment,
  • outpatient treatment, 
  • parenting classes, 
  • counseling,
  • individual therapy, 
  • family therapy, 
  • obtaining stable housing
  • finding a stable job
  • batterer’s intervention, 
  • psychological assessment, 
  • random drug or alcohol testing 

What happens if I don’t follow my case plan?

The case managers make the referrals for the tasks, monitor the parents’ progress, and supervises visitation.  The case managers report their findings to the Judge.  If you don’t comply with the case plan, you will not get your children back. 

Parents who fail to follow their case plan place themselves at risk of having their parental rights terminated. One of the grounds for termination is the failure to adhere to or timely complete services. Fla. Stat. §39.806(1)(e).

What is a permanency review hearing?

Every six months, the parties will attend a permanency review hearing so the court can monitor the parents’ progress. Fla. Stat. §39.701.  Case plans should be completed within one year. Fla. Stat. §39.507; Fla. Stat. 39.402. Thereafter, a permanency review hearing must be held to determine if the case plan needs to be modified and if the permanency goal will be achieved or if a termination of parental rights hearing should be scheduled. Fla. Stat. §39.621.  If a parent is not making significant progress, the goal may be changed from reunification to any of the following: adoption, permanent guardianship pursuant to Section 39.6221, permanent placement with a fit and willing relative pursuant to Section 39.6231, or alternative planned permanent living arrangement (APPLA) pursuant to Section 39.6241.  

How do I get my children back? 

At any time, post-disposition, parents can file a motion to have their children returned to them.  Thereafter, the court holds a hearing to review possible conditions for return. Fla. Stat. §39.522. If the court determines that all the conditions have been met and it is in the best interest of the children to return them to their parents, then the judge will sign an order returning the children to the parents. 

How long does a case stay open after I get my children back?

After reunification, the Department must supervise the placement of the child after reunification for at least six months. Fla. Stat. §39.521.

What are grounds for termination of parental rights?

If at some point in the case DCF determines that reunification is no longer feasible, appropriate, or in the best of the children.  If this is the case, DCF will file a petition for termination of parental rights. Fla. Stat. §39.621. 

There are 14 grounds for termination of parental rights. Fla. Stat. §39.806.

For any termination of parental rights under chapter 39, the trial court must find specific grounds contained in Fla. Stat. §39.806 and that the termination of parental rights is in the best interests of the child. Fla. Stat. §39.810. Each ground for termination must be established by clear and convincing evidence. See Fla. Stat. §39.811(2).

There are circumstances in which DCF can skip the case plan and can file for an expedited termination of parental rights. Fla. Stat. §39.806(2).  Some circumstances include;

  • abandonment of the child (meaning the parents cannot be located within 60 days) 
  • conduct toward a child that threatens the safety or well-being of the child 
  • incarceration due to certain type of crimes, for a significant period of the child’s minority, or the court determines the continuation of the relationship is harmful, 
  • sexual abuse, 
  • egregious conduct that threatens the life, safety, or physical, mental, or emotional health of the child or the child’s sibling,  
  • the failure to prevent such egregious conduct (if known), 
  • murder or manslaughter, 
  • aggravated child abuse as defined in the criminal code, 
  • having an extensive and chronic history of substance abuse with a failure to complete available treatment during the 3-year period immediately preceding the filing of a petition, 
  • prior termination of parental rights involving a sibling 
  • when a child has been removed from their care on three or more prior occasions, 
  • if child was conceived as the result of a sexual battery or rape. Fla. Stat. §39.806 (1)(b)-(d) and (1)(f)-(m).

Can I choose to give my children up?

Yes. In dependency, where a parent voluntarily gives their child up, it is called a “surrender.” Fla. Stat. §39.806(1)(a). The parent will need to execute a written document and consent to the entry of an order giving custody of the child to DCF. If you do this, your parental rights may be terminated.  Thereafter, the child will be placed for adoption. 

Can my children be adopted by my family?

After parents’ rights have been terminated, a willing caregiver, including family members, are free to adopt the children. A new birth certificate will be issued for the child naming the new “parents.”

If my parental rights are terminated, can I get my children back?

No. It is permanent.  

Are there alternatives to adoption? What is permanent guardianship? 

A case can be closed with permanent guardianship instead of adoption. Fla. Stat. §39.6221(1). In a permanent guardianship, the parent-child relationship is not terminated. Fla. Stat. §39.6221(6). Instead, the children are placed in someone else’s custody who is given a court order declaring their authority over the child. Fla. Stat. §39.6221(3). Usually, the parents will be entitled to some sort of visitation with the children. Fla. Stat. §39.6221(2)(c). 

The following aspects in particular are preserved: 

(1) the right of the child to inherit from his or her parents, 

(2) the parents’ right to consent to the child’s adoption, and 

(3) the parents’ responsibility to provide financial, medical, and other support for the child as ordered by the court. Fla. Stat. §39.6221(6). 

Once the case is over, DCF will end supervision, however the court will maintain jurisdiction. Fla. Stat. §39.6221(5).

How long does a dependency case take?

Beginning from the time of an investigation until the legal case is closed, on average a case lasts between 1-2 years. 

Do I need a lawyer?

Absolutely. Once you are in the system, it is very hard to get out. 

Why Hire the Horton Law Group, P.A?

The principal partner at the Horton Law Group, P.A., Attorney Sommer C. Horton, is an experienced and aggressive litigator. She is highly regarded for her creativeness, strategic judgment, and her uncanny ability to deliver persuasive legal arguments in the courtroom. She has a tremendous skill for being an aggressive advocate for her clients, while being one who understands and appreciates how trying litigation can be, thus, she is extremely sensitive to her clients’ needs. Ms. Horton is passionate about the law and believes in seeking justice for her clients in an ethical and economic manner. Ms. Horton fights for each one of her clients, every step of the way. If the case cannot be settled out of court, Ms. Horton will be litigating your case at trial. The Horton Law Group, P.A. is a boutique civil litigation law firm that only takes on a limited number of cases so that personal attention can be given to every client. Make the right call – schedule a free 30-minute consultation with Ms. Horton. You can make an appointment by calling 561-299-0018 or emailing marketingdirector@hortonlawgroup.com.

 

Common Questions About Juvenile Dependency Litigation

What is the difference between DCF and the State Attorney’s Office in Dependency cases?

DCF does not punish people. Fla. Stat. §39.501. DCF does not put people in jail or fine them. DCF deals exclusively with finding permanency (a permanent and safe residence) for the children who fall victim to abuse. Fla. Stat. §39.501.

The State Attorney’s Office determines whether to file criminal charges against the parent or parents for child abuse, neglect or abandonment.

When can the State take my children from me?

Pursuant to Fla. Stat. §39.402, there are three grounds for taking children into custody:

  1. That the child has been abused, neglected, or abandoned, or is suffering from or is in imminent danger of illness or injury as a result of abuse, neglect, or abandonment;
  2. That the parent or legal custodian of the child has materially violated a condition of placement imposed by the court; or
  3. That the child has no parent, legal custodian, or responsible adult relative immediately known and available to provide supervision and care.

How is child abuse investigated?

Usually, someone calls the child abuse hotline (1-800-962-2873) to report child abuse. Fla. Stat. §39.201. All calls to the hotline are received by specially trained people in Tallahassee who then filter the calls. Id. Cases which do not meet the criteria for sheltering a child are screened out. Id. Case which does, are then forwarded to the appropriate local agency to investigate. Id. Many of the local agencies operate out of the county sheriff’s office to contact the parents and begin an investigation.  Based on the urgency of the case, investigations can begin within 24 hours.

Upon the initiation of a child abuse investigation, the case will be assigned to a Child Protective Investigator (CPI) who will ideally see the case through from inception to closure. Fla. Stat. §39.301. A CPI has 60 days to complete an investigation. Id. This may include interviewing the children, parents, family members, polices officers, neighbors, doctors, nurses, teachers, and anyone else who may have information on the suspected abuse. Id. CPIs will also do walk-throughs of a family’s home, Id., and take the children for medical examinations, if necessary, Fla. Stat. §39.303.

It is strongly advised that you retain counsel immediately upon the commencement of the investigation and that you cooperate with all parties and comply with all recommendations of CPI, law enforcement or DCF.  Failure to do so will negatively impact your case.

What happens at the end of a child abuse investigation?

Most often, a CPI will determine if there are grounds to shelter a child (take the child from the parent and put them somewhere else).

Shelter petitions can be field based upon any of the following grounds:

  • substance-exposed newborns (meaning the mother used drugs during pregnancy),
  • sexual abuse,
  • physical abuse resulting in bodily injury,
  • unexplained physical injuries,
  • children who are left alone for extended periods of time
  • hazardous living conditions,
  • severe neglect,
  • malnourished children
  • alcohol or drug addition of the parents
  • committing violent crimes in the presence of the children
  • failure to enroll children in school or provide them with necessary medical treatment children who are exposed to domestic violence (either by being abused or being present while other are abused). See Fla. Stat. §39.01.

There are many other grounds that may trigger a shelter petition.  However, the above referenced scenarios are the most common.   In such types of cases, children will be immediately removed from the parents’ custody and placed in someone else’s custody, or “sheltered.” Fla. Stat. §39.01. In addition to agents of the Department, police officers also have the authority to take children into custody if they have “probable cause” to support grounds for shelter. Fla. Stat. §39.401.

Where the abuse is not immediately apparent, or where the parents cooperate with DCF and the children are not in immediate danger, a CPI may instead implement a “Safety Plan.” Fla. Stat. §39.301. A safety plan is a voluntary agreement with the parents, in that, the parents agree to abide by certain terms that will ensure the safety of the children until a determination is made, or during which time the parents will engage in voluntary services offered by the CPI that will resolve the causes for concern. Id.

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Ms. Horton represented me in Guardianship case. It lasted several years. She kept me informed, never missed a deadline and was sensitive to my needs as it came to legal fees and costs. She was worth every penny spent on legal fees. I hope I don’t ever need legal counsel in the future, but if I do, Mr. Horton is the only lawyer I will call. Ms. Horton and her legal team are top notch professionals. I highly recommend the Horton Law Group.

Deborah B., Client

Ms. Horton represented me in a highly contested family litigation case and two other litigation matters. She was extremely attentive to my needs and incredibly aggressive in the courtroom. Litigation went on for over 2 years and she was there for me each and every time I needed her. She was always prepared for hearings. She won most if not all of them. There were boxes and boxes of exhibits that she used at the three day trial in this matter. During trial, Ms. Horton was calm, cool and collected. She did an amazing job with the many experts in this case. She destroyed the opposing party at trial. I felt very relieved and at ease with Mr. Horton in my corner. If you need a family law attorney and/or a trial attorney for that matter – call Attorney Sommer Horton. She is the best of the best. I would recommend her to anyone who is in need of a brilliant and aggressive attorney.

Daria F., Client

I came to the law group with a problem from years ago… all I can say is that Sommer is amazing! Her staff is outstanding.. Sommer is such a bulldog and fought hard for me.. I’m so lucky I made the right choice. If you have legal problems or need legal advice call the Horton Law Group. You will be glad you did.
I came to the law group with a problem from years ago… all I can say is that Sommer is amazing! Her staff is outstanding.. Sommer is such a bulldog and fought hard for me.. I’m so lucky I made the right choice. If you have legal problems or need legal advice call the Horton Law Group. You will be glad you did.

John B., Client

Sommer Horton has been a professional in all my dealings with her. She is professional, courteous, and detail focused.

Scott S., Client

Highly recommend ! She was very professional and helpful , you won’t be dissapointed . Her attention to detail is impressive.

Hannah C., Client

Ms. Horton helped me with my estate planning. She was very patient and attentive to our current and future needs. She will always look out for you and keep your best interests intact. I highly recommend her for any legal needs you may have!

Jenifer P., Client

Very professional and reliabe
Sommer and the Horton Law Group provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to any of my questions regarding a recent legal dispute.
Ms. Horton provided me with excellent legal advice. She took the time to explain everything clearly to me. I found her to be reliable, courteous and professional. I highly recommend her without any reservations.

Barbara C., Client

Let me start by saying, I have had Sommer represent me in several litigations. She has always been very dependable and honest about how she would handle my particular situations. Her dedication to my cases, even the small ones has always impressed me. Sommer is what I would describe as someone you always want on your side. She is tenacious in getting things done, on time and with as much success as she promised. I would highly recommend her for litigation cases as well as estate planning. I can only say again if you have Sommer you have one of the best to represent you.

Bill M., Client

I am completely satisfied with Ms. Sommer Horton, Esq. as my attorney, and for her law firm, the Horton Law Group, P.A. for their outstanding service and customer care. I highly recommend Ms. Horton as an attorney in Florida and her law firm. Ms. Horton and her staff are efficient and professional with understanding my case and not wasting any of my time or resources. Ms. Horton always promptly answers my calls and questions, and makes sure that I can review all work, and she helps me make timely decisions for my case. Ms. Horton and her staff are always courteous and prepared for my case in and out of court and I have been relieved by her as a trusted professional to ensure that my case is grounded in legal case law, Florida statutes, and working to come up with the best solutions for me.

Stephen W., Client

Sommer is a wonderful attorney, she’s the type of attorney that everyone wishes for, she’s dedicated, fierce, loyal to her clients and ensures that every option is explored to find the absolute best possible situation and outcome. Her attention to detail and willingness to go above and beyond is what truly separates Sommer from the rest. I’m glad I found her and would definitely recommend to anyone that needs her services.

James G., Client

Sommer Horton has served as our general corporate counsel for the past several years.  She aggressively defended us in a frivolous lawsuit filed against us and won!   She has also represented us on several other corporate matters.  She has handled all of our business needs with great success. She is professional, dedicated and has a keen attention to detail. I fully and confidently recommend Sommer Horton and the Horton Law Group, P.A. for all of your professional and business needs.

Juan C., Client

I was looking for a great lawyer to be on my side on a lawsuit and I was very lucky to find Summer. Not only is she extremely responsive to any questions I had, but she had the ability to understand my needs. From day one, she advised me on the best route to take and explained in detail what to expect and the potential problems that might be on the horizon. Sommer is someone I trust to handle any future claim and I definitely want her on my side. Needless to say…we won the case she represented us in.  She is top notch.

Annette L., Client

Horton Law Group represented me better than I could have ever imagined. My needs were put first and I was treated as a friend rather than a number.   My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured.  My nerves were calmed and the process was always explained.   My attorney, Sommer Horton, fought hard for me.   She went above and beyond and did everything she could to ensure a great outcome.  I couldn’t have asked for a better law firm or attorney. Thanks guys!!!

Barbara C., Client

I have known Sommer Horton for years.  I recently utilized her services to draft my family estate plans.  I was blown away with her knowledge of the law.  She explained the importance of each document in a way that I understood why I needed my estate plan.  She is affordable and efficient.  In fact, she is wonderful!  Ms. Horton really does care and she will make sure you, your family and your asserts are protected.   My recommendation would be that you call her if you need legal help.  She will take good care of you.

Madi P., Client

I retained Sommer Horton from the Horton Law Group to represent me in a trust litigation lawsuit. We successfully had the successor trustees removed and me appointed to serve as the current trustee of the trust. I find Ms. Horton to be very knowledgeable with the laws. Every strategic move she made in the case, she had me approve first. She copied me on all communications with the other parties counsel so I always knew what was happening in my case. I am extremely satisfied with her work and I am extremely satisfied with all of her staff. She has a great team. They were always very nice and got me what I wanted in a timely manner. We are in the final stages of litigation and I am 100% satisfied with how she got the case to this point. I would definitely hire Attorney Sommer Horton again should I ever need an attorney again. I found her rates to be fair for the work she did for me. She is worth it.

Levance "Lee" B., Client

Ms. Horton and her entire team at Horton Law Group have been a life saver while going through an extremely contentious and difficult divorce. Ms Horton has fought for my children and me at every step. She is straightforward, diligent, realistic and someone you can trust. Thank you Sommer, Teresa, and the whole team!

Audrey M., Client

Over the past decade, Sommer Horton and her team at the Horton Law Group have treated me like family and have helped me through multiple legal matters. The entire team has always communicated quickly and efficiently while taking the time to help me thoroughly understand even the most complex legal jargon. They’ve consistently shown empathy and have always made time for me and my family through the process. Sommer Horton is Simply the Best. THANK YOU HORTON LAW GROUP!

Rick R., Client

It is not often that I take the time to compliment a Professional that I felt it was their job to do well to begin with. However, it was a pleasant surprise to deal with someone who went far beyond my expectations and performed as well as you in preparing my Estate Planning. I also appreciate that your billing was as reasonable as it was. Most people expect that “sticker shock” when dealing with Lawyers and Accountants. I found that your knowledge of Finances made it unnecessary for me to incur any further expense for accounting.
Thanks for the great job that you and your staff did.

Ralph B., Client

Serving as a Successor Trustee with several litigation cases pending, having an attorney working diligently for your client is of utmost importance. Sommer Horton was that attorney. Regardless of the nature of the situation, Sommer was there to support and advise not only my client, but myself as well. She and her team worked meticulously to delve into the issues so that our client’s interest was best represented. Her efforts were rewarded with favorable outcomes for our client, that is what we call a win, win. Sommer Horton and the Horton Law Group, P.A. were amazing, I highly recommend them.

Marline L., Client

I have worked with Sommer from Horton law group on several occasions over the past 7 years. She strikes the right balance between aggressive and realistic. Sommer is knowledgeable, confident and unflappable. The perfect team to walk with you through difficult circumstances.

Margarita K, Client
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