Atty. Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton

Atty. Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton

Kathryn DeVane Hamilton has been practicing law in Florida and Washington states since 1998 and is the founding member of Hamilton O'Neill PLLC. Prior to establishing the Law Firm, Kathryn began her extensive litigation career as a trial attorney at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Office trying over forty trials.

Miami Miami 28 yrs experience 28 year
Call (305) 371-3788 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton at a glance

Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton is a family law attorney based in Miami, Florida, practicing at Hamilton O’Neill PLLC. They have 28+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1998. Admitted to practice in Washington (1998) and Florida (1998). Educated at University of Miami School of Law (—, 1998) and University of Washington (—, 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Serands clients in Miami, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Kathryn DeVane Hamilton has been practicing law in Florida and Washington states since 1998 and is the founding member of Hamilton O'Neill PLLC. Prior to establishing the Law Firm, Kathryn began her extensive litigation career as a trial attorney at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Office trying over forty trials
  • Her zealous representation led to acquittals or the dismissal of charges for many clients facing years in prison
  • In 2001, Kathryn focused her sights on family law litigation and joined the prestigious Miami family law firm, Kutner and Associates where she sharpened her civil litigation skills representing public figures, business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals
  • When Kathryn founded the Law Firm, she focused her representation on providing strategic, compassionate and tenacious representation to her clients in all areas of domestic relations, including dissolution of marriage, equitable property distribution, alimony and child support, paternity, child custody and parenting plans, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and domestic violence, among others
  • Kathryn recognizes that the decisions she guides her clients to make are among the most important choices in their lives with both short and long term implications
  • Kathryn’s approach to practicing family law has resulted in numerous successes and honors for her excellence in the field of family law, including: Rating of AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating awarded based upon reviews from her peer attorneys, judges and clients for her professional excellence, legal abilities and ethical standards
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America as a Top Attorney in Family Law since 2019
  • Selected as Super Lawyer in Family Law – rated top 5% of lawyers in Florida since 2017
  • Law Firm ranked as “Best Law Firms” Tier 1 in Family Law by U.S
  • News & World Report - Best Lawyers since 2020
  • Selected as Florida Legal Elite by Florida Trend since 2022 Selected as a 2020 Woman Leader in the Law by ALM
  • Rated "Superb" by Avvo as a Family Law Attorney since 2012
  • Named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 4 years, a distinction for only 2.5% of the lawyers in Florida
  • Named Florida Outstanding Young Lawyer by Florida Top Attorneys in 2013 and 2011
  • Kathryn is a founding member of the Miami-Dade Chapter of American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators
  • In 2017, she was appointed by The Florida Bar Family Law Section for two terms to serve on the Rules and Forms Committee
  • She has been published in several national and state publications and has lectured on family law to fellow attorneys
  • Originally from Seattle, Washington, Kathryn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Society and Justice at the University of Washington in 1995 before moving to Miami, Florida to study at the University of Miami School of Law
  • She earned her Juris Doctorate in 1998 from the University of Miami, after winning the 1996 Moot Court Board Competition, was selected as a member of the prestigious Moot Court Board and received Honors in the Litigation Skills Trial Program
  • Kathryn is a member of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar and has been a member of the Florida First Family Inns of Court since 2002
  • Kathryn is a supporter and sponsor of ICU Baby, an organization devoted to assisting families and babies that are born to the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units in South Florida
  • She has been a member of Junior League Miami and the Humane Society

Practice Areas Explained

Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Florida →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Florida

Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Miami are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Miami or all attorneys in Florida.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton

Where is Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton's law office located?
Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton's law practice is located in Miami, Florida. The firm is Hamilton O’Neill PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton handle?
Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton focuses on family law. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Florida.
How long has Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton practiced law?
Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton has 28+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1998.
Where did Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton go to law school?
Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton earned their education at (—, 1998); (—, 1995).
How can I contact Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton for a consultation?
You can contact Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton received?
Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Family Law.

Practice Areas

Education

University of Miami School of Law
- 1998
University of Washington
- 1995

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Washington
Admitted: 1998
Florida
Admitted: 1998

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