Family Law Attorney in Lakeland, FL
Board-Certified Counsel Close to Home
Board-Certified in Family Law and Appellate Practice
Off Florida Avenue South, With Easy Parking
One Client in the Office at a Time
35+ Years Serving Greater Tampa Families
Why Lakeland Chooses Sutton Law Firm
This office is built around one idea: a stressful legal issue
should not be made harder by the logistics of getting help.
Easy to Reach
The Lakeland office sits on Lake Miriam Drive, just east of Scott Lake and right off Florida Avenue South. Parking is plentiful, so getting to an appointment does not add stress to an already hard day.
Scheduled for Privacy
Appointments here are booked so no two clients are in the office at the same time. You will not sit in a waiting room next to someone who knows you, your spouse, or your business.
Decades of Local Ties
Debra J. Sutton has represented Central Florida families for more than 35 years. Clients in Lakeland and across the Tampa area do not travel far to reach that kind of experience.

- 1997
- Board Certified — Appellate Practice
- One of very few Florida attorneys to earn this distinction
- 2001
- Board Certified — Marital & Family Law
- Achieving rare dual certification in both specialties
BOARD-CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW
AND APPELLATE LAW ATTORNEY
Meet Debra J. Sutton
Ms. Sutton has been helping clients in very difficult situations protect their best interests for more than 35 years. While about six percent of Florida attorneys hold board certification in any area, fewer than one percent are certified in family or appellate practice. Ms. Sutton is certified in both areas of law, which is a reflection of the state's regard for her understanding of Florida law, her ethics, and her professionalism.
If you are facing divorce, child custody disputes, or a ruling you feel was unjust, Ms. Sutton has the advanced credentials to help you achieve the results you and your family need.
- 7%
- Of Florida attorneys achieve board certification*
- 2x
- Dual certified in family law & appellate practice
- 35+
- Years of focused legal experience
*According to The Florida Bar

BUSINESS LAW ATTORNEY
Matthew J. Kovschak
Are you considering filing for bankruptcy due to financial challenges in your business? Are you dealing with contract disputes or a significant change on the horizon? Mr. Kovschak is a lawyer who can show you a way forward that protects your best interests, either as your attorney or as a mediator. Whether your business is brand new, established, or reaching the end of its life cycle, Matthew Kovschak can be your advocate through issues both simple and complex. Put his 35+ years of experience in business law to work for you.


- 1986
- Practicing law in Florida
- 35+
- Years of legal experience
- 1993
- Partnered with Debra J. Sutton
OUR PRACTICE AREAS
Featured Services

Appellate Law
If you believe there was an unjust ruling in your family law or business case, our attorneys can file an appeal on your behalf.
Guardianship
When parents are deceased or incapacitated, Florida courts appoint a guardian for the child or children. This also applies when the child collects an inheritance, insurance policy, or jury award over a certain amount. Debra Sutton is a lawyer who can advocate for you to become the guardian of a child in any of these situations.


Victims' Rights
Have you been the victim of physical, psychological, or financial abuse? Debra can help enforce your rights when it comes to safety from the abuser. This has been a focus throughout her career as a lawyer.
Two Additional Locations
IN ST. PETERSBURG AND BARTOW
We also maintain family law offices in St. Petersburg, FL, and Bartow, FL.
Debra J. Sutton will gladly meet you for a consultation at the location most convenient to you.
