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At Merlin & Hertz, P.A., we are dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation to our clients. We are a law firm consisting of Robert J. Merlin and Christy L. Hertz. Our practice is in the areas of complex family and marital litigation and mediation, including divorce, custody of children, child support and alimony, domestic violence, paternity and the preparation and negotiation of Pre-Nuptial Agreements and Settlement Agreements, as well as commercial litigation and probate and guardianship administration and litigation. We also mediate cases in these areas of law as Christy L. Hertz is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. Our goal is to resolve disputes as expeditiously and as economically as possible, while always keeping our client?s best interest in mind. We firmly believe that it is generally in our client?s best interest to settle their case. We always will make an attempt to negotiate a settlement on behalf of our client, either directly with the opposing party and/or attorney or through mediation, to try to minimize the costs or litigation.

The vast majority or our cases are settled. However, there are occasions when, for one reason or another, a client?s case must go to trial.

Under those circumstances, we work closely with our clients, relevant witnesses and experts to present to the court the evidence and legal arguments which will assist the court in rendering the most favorable decision possible for our client.

The first contact that we usually have with a client is through an initial consultation, for which there is normally a reasonable charge. We will spend between one and two hours with the prospective client to discuss the facts of the case, the applicable law, the party?s rights and obligations and what our recommendations are for a course of action. At that time, we will also discuss the anticipated cost or our representation and our fee arrangement. If we and the client decide to proceed with representation, we and the client will sign a formal retainer agreement setting forth the financial terms of our representation of the client.