Family Law Attorney in Tampa, FL

Your Marriage Is Ending or Your Parenting Plan Isn’t Working. What happens to your family now?

Family court moves fast. The decisions about your children and your finances can last for years. We can help. You leave your first meeting knowing where you stand and what comes next.

Schedule a Free Consultation Call 813-374-2000

Florida Bar member since 2005, in good standing
Services in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu

You Should Have Control Over What Happens to Your Children, Your Home, and Your Finances

Family court can feel like a process that happens to you. Deadlines arrive fast, the forms are unfamiliar, and the decisions last for years. Here are four places where Tampa parents and spouses get stuck.

You Want a Parenting Schedule That Works for Your Children

Florida law uses parental responsibility and time-sharing instead of custody. Since July 1, 2023, Fla. Stat. § 61.13 has started from a rebuttable presumption that equal time-sharing is in a child's best interests. If you and the other parent agree on a schedule, you build it together and the court can approve it. If you don't, the judge weighs the statutory factors and puts findings in writing. Either way, a parent who wants something other than equal time must show why equal time isn't in the child's best interests.

You Want a Voice in Any Move That Affects Your Children

A move of at least 50 miles for at least 60 consecutive days counts as a relocation under Fla. Stat. § 61.13001. When everyone with time-sharing signs a written agreement, the family settles the move itself. Without an agreement, the parent who wants to move must file a petition, and the other parent has 20 days after service to file a written objection. Knowing that window lets you act within it, whichever side of the move you are on.

You Want a Fair Division of the House, the Savings, and the Debt

Divorce divides what you built together and what you owe. Under Fla. Stat. § 61.075, assets acquired and debts incurred during the marriage are generally marital, and a court begins with the premise that they should be divided equally. It then looks at whether the facts justify a different split. Retirement benefits earned during the marriage can be marital assets, and so can a closely held business. The court can also consider whether keeping the marital home is best for a dependent child. Knowing what counts as marital, and what it is worth, is the first step toward a settlement you can accept.

You Want to Protect Your Relationship With Your Child

Florida courts consider each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent. They also look at whether a parent avoids speaking badly about the other parent to the child. If you are concerned that your relationship with your child is being damaged, a clear record of dates, missed exchanges, and messages gives you something concrete to show the court.

Each of these is a place where you can take control, with the right information and the right help. That is the work a family law attorney in Tampa does for you.

Sparkman Law Advocates for Tampa Bay Families Going Through Divorce, Child Support, Custody, and Parental Alienation

Sparkman Law Firm starts by listening to what you want for your family, then recommends the path most likely to get you there. Our family law attorneys often encourage couples to try mediation or collaborative divorce first when it fits, and we’ll take your case to court when it doesn't.

A Parenting Plan That Fits Your Children's Real Routine

Florida requires a court-approved parenting plan to cover daily tasks, the time-sharing schedule, health care, and school. Sparkman Law Firm drafts and negotiates parenting plans around your actual week, including work hours, school, and activities. If the other parent won't agree, Sparkman Law Firm presents your plan to the judge and can ask for temporary time-sharing orders while the case is pending.

Help Whether You Want to Move or Need to Object to a Relocation

If you want to relocate with your children, Sparkman Law Firm prepares your petition. If the other parent wants to move, Sparkman Law Firm prepares your written objection in time to meet the 20-day deadline. Either way, relocation cases start with the deadlines, so the sooner you call, the more options you have.

Clear Answers on What Is Marital, What Is Yours, and What It Is Worth in a Divorce

Sparkman Law Firm identifies which property is marital and which is yours alone. When finances are complicated, it works with appraisers, accountants, and business valuation experts, and it looks into assets you suspect are being hidden. Spouses who agree can finish with an uncontested divorce. Spouses who disagree are represented in a contested divorce.

A Documented Case When a Child Is Being Pulled Away From You

Parental alienation is a focus of Ms. Sparkman's practice. Sparkman Law Firm helps you organize dates, missed exchanges, refused calls, and messages into a clear timeline, then presents that evidence to the court.

Support, Modifications, Paternity, and Adoption

Sparkman Law Firm also helps with child support, alimony, requests to modify or enforce existing orders, paternity, and adoption.

What Our Clients Say

      GOOD  
   Based on 67 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Crystal Harrell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend my family law attorney Shazia Sparkman. From start to finish, they were professional, knowledgeable, and truly cared about my case. She explained everything clearly, kept me informed, and fought for the best possible outcome for my family. I felt supported during a very difficult time, and I’m extremely grateful for their dedication and hard work.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   annmarie alamia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Finding the right lawyer was one of the hardest parts of an already heartbreaking situation. I went through so much before I found her, and from the very first conversation, I knew she was different. She didn’t just see a case—she saw me, my children, and everything we had been through.
Ms.Sparkman genuinely cares about the children and fights for what is right, not what is easy. During one of the most overwhelming times of my life, she brought clarity, strength, and hope. Every interaction with her was positive, supportive, and reassuring—-Something no other attorney has done for me.
I truly wish I had found Ms Sparkman sooner in my case. She is nothing short of a miracle worker, and I will forever be grateful for her dedication, compassion, and tireless advocacy for my family. I cannot recommend her enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Savannah Broxton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m very thankful for Shazia and the hard work she has put into my case. She has been diligent, attentive, and truly on top of everything from start to finish. She takes the time to explain things and makes sure nothing is overlooked.
She has also been very understanding and has worked with me on making payments, which has taken a lot of stress off my shoulders. I feel supported both legally and personally, and I highly recommend her to anyone needing reliable representation.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kayla Rosello 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shazia Sparkman of Sparkman Law Firm is exceptional. She is passionate, hardworking, and extremely smart. In custody and divorce matters, she aggressively protects her clients’ legal interests and stands out as one of the top attorneys in the courtroom. I would hire and recommend her for any highly contested case. Her dedication and results speak for themselves.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Get Stoked 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shazia is absolutely amazing. I highly recommend her! I had the best experience beginning to end and am so glad I chose Sparkman Law!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alexandra Avella 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve always been scared when it comes to dealing with lawyers. How do you know if they have your best interest at heart? Are they money hungry? Will they even fight for me? Let me tell you…This company went above and beyond. I’ll never use another law office, not only that….. we WON!!! Highly recommend
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Melissa Bretz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shazia and her team at Sparkman Law Group have been amazing to work with. I had a legal issue come up related to my business and Shazia responded quickly and helped me understand the necessary steps I needed to take. She followed through and resolved my legal issue quickly! She also spent the time to listen to me and my concerns and explained in detail the process. 5 stars absolutely

Your Case Moves Through Five Clear Steps, Starting With a Free Consultation

Call or request a consultation

Call 813-374-2000 or schedule a consultation. The consultation is free.

Gather your documents

Sparkman Law Firm's pre-meeting checklist lists what to bring, such as existing court orders, financial records, and your current parenting schedule.

Talk through your goals

In your consultation, you describe your situation and what you want for your family, and Ms. Sparkman explains your options.

Choose a path

Many families resolve their cases through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law.

Go to court if needed

When a case can't be resolved by agreement, Sparkman Law Firm presents it to the court. Hillsborough County family cases are heard in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, and the Unified Family Court sits at the Edge

Schedule a Free Consultation

Family law attorney walking a client through documents at a table in a bright South Tampa office

Shazia Sparkman and Her South Tampa Team Support You From Your First Call

You are trusting people with your family, so you should know who they are. Sparkman Law Firm is led by Shazia Sparkman, a family law attorney in Tampa, FL who was born and raised here. A small staff supports her and your case, and they are the people who answer your calls and greet you at the door.

Shazia Sparkman, Founder and Managing Partner

Ms. Sparkman was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2005 and the New York Bar in 2004, and earned her J.D. at the University at Buffalo School of Law. The Florida Bar's public directory lists her as a member in good standing, eligible to practice in Florida, and you can check any lawyer's status there before you hire them. She served as an Assistant State Attorney in Tampa and Bradenton from 2004 to 2006, has lectured for the Florida Statewide Prosecutor Office on domestic violence, and has presented continuing legal education programs on family law and adoption law. She is a member of the Florida Bar Family Law Section and the Hillsborough County Women's Bar Association.

Nikki Baxley Leonard, Lead Legal Assistant

Nikki has more than eight years of experience in the legal field and is the first person you meet when you walk into the office. She works closely with Ms. Sparkman and is there for clients during difficult times. Read Nikki's profile.

Gordon Phipps, Legal Administrative Assistant

Gordon is one of the first people to answer calls that come into the firm. He works directly with Ms. Sparkman so that client needs are met throughout the day. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and pre-law from the University of South Florida. Read Gordon's profile.

Ryan Russell, Marketing and Business Development Assistant

Ryan joined Sparkman Law Firm in October 2022. He manages the firm's marketing and social media and works with new inquiries. Read Ryan's profile.

Services in Four Languages and Local Community Work

Sparkman Law Firm offers services in English, Spanish, Hindi, and Urdu. The firm supports the Heart Gallery of Tampa Bay and Easter Seals, organizations that serve children, and Ms. Sparkman has appeared on Fox 13's Ask-a-Lawyer program with the Hillsborough County Bar Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to live in Florida before filing for divorce?

One spouse must have lived in Florida for six months before the petition is filed, under Fla. Stat. § 61.021. Sparkman Law Firm can confirm whether your situation meets that requirement during your consultation.

Does Florida still use the word custody?

Florida statutes use the terms parental responsibility and time-sharing. Since July 1, 2023, the law presumes equal time-sharing is in a child's best interests, and a parent can rebut that presumption with evidence. See the firm's child custody FAQ.

Where are Tampa family law cases heard?

Hillsborough County family cases are heard in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit. The Unified Family Court is at the Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. See the firm's divorce FAQ for more.

Does Sparkman Law Firm offer a free consultation?

Yes. Schedule a consultation or call 813-374-2000 to speak with Ms. Sparkman about your family law matter.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. See the firm's disclaimer.

Call Sparkman Law Firm and Start With What Your Family Needs Next

Sparkman Law Firm is a family law attorney in Tampa, FL ready to explain your options and build a plan around your family's priorities.

Schedule a Free Consultation Call 813-374-2000

Sparkman Law Firm 313 South Bungalow Park Avenue, Tampa, FL 33609

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March 19, 2026