A Steady Hand For Your
Family's Hardest Chapter.
Divorce, custody, and guardianship handled with practical clarity and genuine care — not billable-hour theatre. Evenings and weekends, on your schedule.
- Compassionate
- Practical
- Plain-English
- Personal
- Solution-Oriented
- Flexible Hours
Facing A Family Law Matter
But Not Sure Where To Start?
Family law issues can feel overwhelming. Between work, kids, finances, and uncertainty about what comes next, it's easy to feel stuck before the process even begins.
You deserve clear, practical guidance from a lawyer who communicates openly, protects your interests, and helps you move forward without turning a difficult situation into a bigger problem.
Six Ways We Help Florida Families Move Forward.
Focused exclusively on family and guardianship matters in the Tampa Bay area. No referrals out — Sam handles your case personally, end to end.
Hi, I'm Sam. I Help Families —
And Litigate When Needed.
Sam graduated from Miami University (OH) with a Bachelor of Arts in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs and graduated from Nova Southeastern University Law School. Prior to opening his solo practice, he spent over four years as a staff attorney at St. Michael’s Legal Center for Women and Children, Inc. As a staff attorney, Sam accumulated a diverse array of experience in all corners of guardianship and family law including: dissolution of marriage; paternity; supplemental modification of child support/parental responsibility and/or timesharing; Dependency, Temporary Custody By Extended Family Member, Guardian Advocacy Petitions, and adoption actions. Sam also conducted full trials from intake to final judgment, initiated appeals, litigated temporary relief claims, argued motions, counseled clients, appeared at mediations, organized discovery, prepared trial exhibits, and drafted the gamut of all emergency, expedited, and timely family law motions and pleadings. While at St. Michael’s, Sam was the inaugural recipient of the John Mangin Distinguished Service Award.
In the past, Sam has volunteered at the Orange County Legal Aid Landlord/Tenant Housing Clinic and for the Hillsborough County Guardian ad Litem Program. As a Guardian ad Litem, he was responsible for testifying in Dependency court proceedings on behalf of sheltered children’s best interest. For his efforts in one case, Sam was awarded a special commendation by the Florida statewide Guardian ad Litem program.
Sam is a member of both the Hillsborough County and St. Petersburg Bar Associations as well as Clearwater’s Cannakaris Inn of Court (family law). Most impressively, Sam on the North American Wiffle Ball Championship as a teenager.
Education
Nova Southeastern University Law School
Undergraduate
Miami University (OH), BA Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
Prior Practice
St. Michael’s Legal Center, 4+ yrs
Recognition
John Mangin Distinguished Service Award
Resolve Your Family Law
Dispute With Mediation.
In Florida, family-law cases are first referred to mediation before they're heard by the court — and most are resolved by video call.
You, your lawyer, and a neutral mediator meet to negotiate a fair settlement. Mediation can be a stress-free way to resolve disputes without ever setting foot in a courtroom.
Find Out if Mediation is Right For You- Compassionate
- Practical
- Plain-English
- Personal
- Solution-Oriented
- Flexible Hours
Tell Me What's
Going On. Let's Talk
About It.
Share a few details about your situation, and the firm will follow up as soon as possible.
