Over 30 Years of Excellence in Appellate Law, Family Law, and Business Related Bankruptcy

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We have offices in Bartow, Lakeland, and St. Petersburg. You can easily request a consultation at the location nearest you by completing our electronic form:

Sutton Law Firm entrance

Welcome to the Sutton Law Firm

Compassionate, Individualized, & Highly Skilled Legal Counsel

Welcome to the Sutton Law Firm, a boutique law firm located in historic Bartow, FL, across from the Polk County Courthouse. Sutton Law Firm concentrates its practice of law in all areas of family lawappellate practice, and business bankruptcy. The Firm also performs select services in civil litigation and business law, primarily for business owners and commercial clientele. The Firm, which also has convenient locations in Lakeland and St. Petersburg, offers the collaborative law process in family law cases, as well as business and civil cases.

The Firm is led by Debra J. Sutton, 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.

Sutton Law Firm "Where Family Matters"

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We are proud to practice law out of "the home that love built." For our business and family law attorneys, restoring the Mann Manor was about more than building beautiful office space. It represents our commitment to our clients. When your life seems to be falling apart, we can help you put it back together.

Meet Our Founder Debra J. Sutton

Debra J. Sutton has practiced family law and appellate law in Bartow, FL, for over 30 years. She is an expert in Florida family law and appellate practice. She can assist you with everything from a simple, uncontested, or collaborative divorce to a complex case requiring aggressive representation in court. If you have been subject to domestic violence, Debra will aggressively work to ensure your rights as a victim are respected in court. In issues of child support or legal custody, she will always fight for the Parenting Plan in the best interests of your children.

Debra has been Board Certified in Appellate Practice since 1997 and Board Certified in Marital and Family Law since 2001. She is one of very few Florida attorneys (two percent) to achieve certification, with less than one percent earning a certification in family law or appellate practice. Very few lawyers achieve dual certification, which requires Debra to maintain a high level of continuing legal education. Board Certification recognizes an attorney’s skill, competency, knowledge, ethics, and professionalism. Debra is re-certified every five years–an impressive accomplishment reflecting dedication to her profession and mastery of her craft. In fact, Debra has served on the certification committee for both specialties. She has served on numerous other Florida Bar Committees. 

Debra J. Sutton
Debra J. Sutton
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Florida Bar Board Certified in Appellate Law logo
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"Make the call today!"

1

Anita Rodriguez

Bartow, FL

2023

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I highly recommend Ms.Sutton to everyone. She has incredible knowledge and very professional. Her and her staff, the ladies at the office went above and beyond, listened to me and helped me and my children through a very difficult case. They are kind and caring human being. I am forever grateful to the Sutton Law firm.

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1

Chelsea Faulkner

Bartow, FL

2023

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Mrs Debra Sutton has been amazing! Very up front and honest! She has so much knowledge and know how about the laws and how to handle situations.  If you’re wondering if they are worth it, yes they are! Make the call today! You will not regret it!

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Meet Matthew J. Kovschak An Attorney Focused on Business Law

Matthew J. Kovschak has been a lawyer in Florida since 1986.

Over the decades, Matthew J. Kovschak has led and tried numerous complex and multi-party commercial and business litigation cases, bringing a strong business background to our firm in Bartow, FL. At the Sutton Law Firm, Matthew concentrates in commercial litigation, particularly including bankruptcy and reorganizations for both creditors and debtors, and appellate law at both a state and federal level. Now due to his decades of experience, Matthew is sought out by his peers to mediate complex bankruptcy issues, including adversary proceedings, with great success. 

Matthew J. Kovschak
Matthew J. Kovschak

Discuss Your Case with Us Schedule a Consultation

If you are looking for lawyers that will handle an appellatefamily law, or business-related case with compassion, discretion, and excellence, we encourage you to request a consultation with the Sutton Law Firm in Bartow, St. Petersburg, or Lakeland, FL. Should you face business or personal financial hardship, Sutton Law Firm attorneys are knowledgeable in reorganization bankruptcy and other forms of financial relief. When you choose to work with our firm, you receive:

  • Peace of mind knowing that a double board-certified lawyer is handling or overseeing your case
  • The full attention of every member of our legal team
  • The potential of handling your case out-of-court through professional mediation, collaboration, or alternative dispute resolutions
  • Confidence from knowing that one of Florida's finest attorneys is on your side

You can request your consultation at one of our offices in Bartow, Lakeland, or St. Petersburg, FL, by filling out our online form or giving us a call.

Sutton Law Firm office
We look forward to welcoming you to our historic office in Bartow, FL.

Call Us: (863) 533-8912











 

The Mann Manor

Sutton Law Firm offices are housed inside an elegantly furnished, turn-of-the-century mansion. Purchased in 1998, the former "Mann Mansion" was an extensive restoration project by the Firm's attorneys, but well worth it! In October, 2011, the Mann Manor was nominated and approved for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The plaque evidencing this accomplishment greets guests as they enter the Mann Manor.

Why Choose Sutton Law Firm?

Debra and client

Privacy and Discretion

At Sutton Law Firm, we understand the emotional turmoil and sense of loss our clients may often experience. All of our clients are treated with the utmost sensitivity and discretion. It's important for clients to know their personal legal matters will be handled privately, and we carefully manage our schedule to preserve confidentiality. Appointments are always staggered so two clients are rarely in the office at the same time, maintaining a heightened level of sanctuary for those we represent.

Sutton Law Living Room

Comforting Environment

Our business, appellate, and family law attorneys strive to provide competent and compassionate legal counsel in a comfortable environment. Our office is inside the historic Mann Manor, a beautiful colonial mansion known as "the home that love built." It is a uniquely tranquil setting with well-manicured grounds. Our office in Bartow, FL, feels like a world away with its front porch rocking chairs and welcoming fireplace in the Great Room, yet it is located right across the street from our County's courthouse and the main hub of the 10th Judicial Circuit for Highlands, Hardee, and Polk Counties.

Debora and Michael with client

A Team Management Approach

Every client of the Sutton Law Firm is treated with individual attention and a team management approach. This means all of our attorneys, law clerks, and paralegals are familiar with the details of your case and are always ready to answer questions or provide assistance. We thoroughly analyze and staff the issues of your case and develop realistic offensive and defensive strategies to provide the best possible outcome for you. 

Endorsed by Peers

"I have known and worked with Debra Sutton since before she became the outstanding practitioner she has now been for over thirty years. I have referred many clients to her for matters within her specialities and she has provided each of them superb representation. She is not only one of the most capable, Board Certified, family law attorneys in the State, she is also a top rated, Board Certified, appellant lawyer, with an excellent reputation in numerous matters over several decades. Ms. Sutton has participated as a member of the Florida Bar Board Certification Committees in both of her specialties, a recognition of her level of expertise. Debra Sutton is a successful lawyer that vigorously and ethically represents each and every client whom have had the opportunity to engage her firm over the years." James E. Meyer, Esquire, on avvo.com

Featured Services

Appellate Law

In our appellate law practice, we help clients challenge unfavorable court judgments. Depending on the case, we may be able to seek a reversal of your judgment, an order for a new trial, or an increased award of support or damages. Alternatively, we can defend your favorable trial court order from the opposition seeking to have it overturned. Debra J. Sutton's experience as a Board Certified Appellate Specialist is key to the development of a strong appellate strategy in any case.

Further Reading

Family Law

Our family law division is caring with professional expertise to make family law cases as painless as possible. As a Board Certified family law attorney, Debra J. Sutton has experience working with all types of families, and she has worked extensively with families in their care of elderly or disabled parents and with special needs children. Debra is able to help your family with divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, prenuptial agreements, and all that may relate to your family law matter or concern.

Further Reading

Divorce

Our family law attorneys in Bartow, FL, have helped couples navigate divorce for more than 30 years. Led by Debra Sutton, the Firm handles all sorts of divorces, whether amicable, hostile, or anywhere in between. Our lawyers are able to handle high-asset divorces that may involve the division of business entities or other complex factors. Debra also offers collaborative divorce and mediated divorce services that let couples come to agreements on child support, custody, time sharing, and more without enduring angry and dramatic court litigation.

Further Reading

Get Started Today

Our business, appellate, and family law attorneys are ready to offer you the individualized attention you need. To begin working with the Sutton Law Firm, schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Bartow, Lakeland, or St. Petersburg. You can do so by contacting us online or calling (863) 533-8912.

All Legal Services and Resources

Three Office Locations To Serve You

mann manor

Bartow

325 W Main St
Bartow, FL 33830
(863) 533-8912

lakeland, fl

Lakeland

625 Commerce Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33813
(863) 533-8912

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg

7024 Central Ave Ste 7
St Petersburg, FL 33707
(727) 202-6206

Serving Special Needs Clients

Our lawyers have experience with and are glad to work for disabled and special needs clients to ensure equality in the proceeding. We take any action necessary to ensure proper accommodations are provided in court, whether that involves scheduling, assistance with audio and visual elements, or otherwise. The failure to take these needs seriously and seek proper accommodations will create an imbalance of power in the case. The Sutton Law Firm has successfully obtained accommodations for clients with varied limitations and challenges, including seen disabilities and unseen challenges such as mental health conditions or autoimmune conditions like Lupus, Neuropathy, I.B.S., Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Highly Recommended More 5-Star Reviews

1

Uzuel Arteaga

Bartow, FL

2022

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If your looking for a Lawfirm that will take your case personally and get you results, look no further. Having Debra’s extensive legal knowledge, intimidating presence and shear confidence on your side of the courtroom is truly a comforting feeling. I definitely recommend them to anyone who wants results.

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1

Dawn Weikle

Bartow, FL

2022

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For the first time in my life, I needed to hire an attorney and I highly recommend Debra Sutton and Sutton law firm. Sutton Law Firm came highly recommended to me, and I have not been disappointed. Debra is deeply knowledgeable of the collaborative law process. Debra and her staff have helped me through an exceedingly challenging time in my life.

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Debra J. Sutton

Sutton Law Firm

Debra J. Sutton is an attorney who is board-certified in both appellate practice and marital and family law by the Florida Bar. At the Sutton Law Firm, with offices in Bartow, Lakeland, and St. Petersburg, Ms. Sutton, Mr. Kovschak, and their team provide individualized, compassionate, and private legal services. Our popular practice areas include:

You can request a consultation with our board-certified attorney right now by filling out our online form or calling (863) 533-8912.

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