Meister Law Group provides comprehensive family law services throughout Florida, with particular emphasis on matters involving children and their well-being. Unlike firms that handle every aspect of family law, we concentrate on child-centered legal issues including custody disputes, parenting plans, timesharing arrangements, and high-conflict cases where children’s interests require dedicated protection.
Jennifer Meister’s background in dependency law and child welfare brings a unique perspective to family law matters. Rather than focusing solely on parents’ rights and preferences, we prioritize arrangements that genuinely serve children’s best interests while helping parents navigate emotionally challenging transitions.
Our concentrated practice in child-related matters means we understand the factors that courts consider when making custody decisions, how to present evidence effectively in family court, and how to develop parenting arrangements that work for children long-term. This focused approach allows us to provide more effective representation than general practice attorneys.
We recognize that family transitions are difficult for everyone involved, especially children. Our goal is to help families develop sustainable arrangements that minimize conflict and provide stability for children while protecting parents’ important relationships with their children.
Facing a family law matter involving children?
Contact Meister Law Group at (813) 807-6673 to discuss how our child-focused approach can help your family navigate this challenging time while protecting what matters most.
Ready to take the next step in protecting your family’s future? Whether you need immediate guidance on a pressing legal matter or want to explore your options with an experienced family law attorney, we’re here to help you navigate these important decisions with confidence and clarity.
Here are answers to common questions families ask when facing custody disputes and other child-related family law matters in Florida.
Florida courts use the “best interest of the child” standard when making custody and time-sharing decisions. Judges consider factors including each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment, the child’s relationship with each parent, moral fitness of the parents, the child’s home, school and community record, and the child’s preferences if they are mature enough to express them. Courts also look at each parent’s willingness to encourage a relationship with the other parent and their ability to communicate and cooperate in matters concerning the child. The law presumes that shared parental responsibility is in the child’s best interest unless evidence shows otherwise.
Yes, but Florida requires proof of a “substantial change in circumstances” that affects the child’s best interests and was not anticipated when the original order was entered. Examples might include a parent’s relocation, changes in work schedules, the child’s changing needs as they grow, or significant changes in either parent’s circumstances. The modification must also be in the child’s best interests. Courts generally cannot modify orders within two years unless there are exceptional circumstances, and the requesting party must demonstrate why the current arrangement no longer serves the child’s needs.
When a parent violates court orders, you have several enforcement options. You can file a motion for contempt of court, which may result in penalties including makeup time-sharing, attorney fees, or other sanctions. For repeated violations, courts may modify the parenting plan to better protect the child’s interests. It’s important to document violations carefully and attempt to resolve issues through communication first when appropriate. However, for serious violations that affect the child’s safety or well-being, immediate court intervention may be necessary.
Domestic violence significantly impacts custody and time-sharing decisions because courts must consider the safety and well-being of both the child and the abused parent. If domestic violence is proven, courts may order supervised visitation, require completion of anger management or batterer’s intervention programs, or in severe cases, restrict or deny time-sharing with the abusive parent. Florida law requires courts to consider evidence of domestic violence when determining parenting arrangements, and protective measures may include exchanges at safe locations, communication restrictions, or other safeguards to protect the family from further violence.
Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts, Advance Directives, Power of Attorney)
Ashley Prosper is a Senior Attorney at Meister Law Group who guides individuals and families through estate planning with clarity, intentionality, and care. Her practice includes wills and trusts, advance directives, and powers of attorney, with a focus on helping clients protect their legacy and plan with confidence. Ashley has over 14 years of litigation experience in family law and dependency matters, which informs her strategic, detail-oriented approach to planning. She is dedicated to providing clear guidance so clients feel supported and empowered at every step.
Nahtalasia Pena is a dedicated paralegal at Meister Law Group, known for her strong organizational skills, clear communication, and calm approach to complex matters. With a background in multi-store retail management, she brings valuable experience in handling escalations, managing documentation, and supporting clients with care and efficiency. Nahtalasia takes pride in helping clients feel supported throughout the legal process. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and bringing positivity, patience, and energy into everything she does.
Jessica Hill is a dedicated paralegal at Meister Law Group, bringing professionalism and compassion to every case she supports. Originally from Michigan and now a proud Florida resident for over 22 years, Jessica balances her career with the joys of raising two beautiful children. She’s passionate about sports, enjoys movie nights, family time, and never turns down a good karaoke session.
Kelsey is the firm’s Legal Assistant and the first point of contact for new clients. With 10+ years of client-facing experience and a background in real estate and healthcare, she brings warmth, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the emotional complexities in family law. Kelsey supports clients through onboarding, case strategy and ongoing communication.
She holds a degree in Public Health Education from Georgia College and State University and is a licensed Realtor. Based North of Tampa, she and her husband run a sports marketing firm and are launching a tech start-up while raising their three children.
Dr. Ligia Hall is thrilled to oversee the marketing, communications, and events of Meister Law Group (MLG) and stands ready to help the firm grow and blossom into its full potential. With God as our firm foundation, MLG will do all things to His glory and great things will ensue.
Dr. Hall is an accomplished business leader and educator with over 20 years of experience in executive leadership, client management, and entrepreneurship. She holds a PhD in business with a focus on organizational leadership and a minor focus in marketing management and consumer behavior. She also holds a master’s degree in Global Strategic Communications and undergraduate studies in marketing. As an adjunct professor, she teaches courses in business communication, conflict resolution, organizational leadership, and international business. Outside her professional work, she enjoys time with her husband and four children and is passionate about health and fitness, holding certifications as a personal trainer and nutrition coach. Her faith and commitment to lifelong learning guide every aspect of her life.
Timothy “Tim” Meister is a dedicated professional whose journey spans distinguished service in the US Navy and as a Merchant Marine, followed by a successful career in sales within the insurance sector.
With a strong background in leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking honed during his military years, Tim has brought the same commitment and integrity to helping clients navigate the complexities within insurance landscapes. His passion for building trusted relationships has been a hallmark of his career, earning him respect among peers and clients alike.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tim has been happily married to his wife for over a decade, and together they share the joy of raising three wonderful children. In his free time, Tim enjoys golfing, cooking, and cherishing quality moments with family and friends.
Driven, personable, and grounded in faith and family values, Tim Meister continues to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.
Jennifer Meister is an experienced and compassionate family law attorney with a strong commitment to protecting children and families through every stage of their legal journey. As the founder of Meister Law Group, LLC, Jennifer brings over a decade of experience handling high-conflict custody disputes, private and contested adoptions, dependency litigation, and termination of parental rights (TPR) cases.
A graduate of Fordham Law School in New York City, Jennifer has been a proud member of The Florida Bar since 2010,and a Member of the Ohio Bar since 2025. Before founding her own firm, she served as a prosecutor for the Department of Children and Families and as an Assistant Attorney General, where she gained extensive courtroom experience advocating for the safety and well-being of Florida’s most vulnerable children.
Jennifer is especially known for her skillful handling of complex cases involving special needs children, child abuse allegations, and long-term parenting plans. She frequently serves as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and attorney ad litem, ensuring children have a voice in the courtroom.
