Atty. Richard David West

Atty. Richard David West

After litigating financially complex and high asset divorces for over 25 years, Richard was one of the first lawyers in Orlando to use collaborative law to help clients successfully move on with their lives, with as little emotional and economic harm to their families as possible. He is known for his understanding, creativity and compassion to help clients achieve the results they want for their families.

Orlando Orlando 46 yrs experience 46 year
Call (689) 686-8280 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Richard David West at a glance

Richard David West is a Principal based in Orlando, Florida, practicing at West Family Law Group. They have 46+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1980. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and alimony. Admitted to practice in Texas (1980) and Florida (1986). Educated at South Texas College of Law (J.D., 1980) and University of South Florida B.A. (—). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Orlando, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • After litigating financially complex and high asset divorces for over 25 years, Richard was one of the first lawyers in Orlando to use collaborative law to help clients successfully move on with their lives, with as little emotional and economic harm to their families as possible
  • He is known for his understanding, creativity and compassion to help clients achieve the results they want for their families
  • Richard is board certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy
  • He practices exclusive in marital and family law
  • Board certification is The Florida Bar’s highest level of evaluation of the competency and experience of attorneys in the 26 areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida
  • Board certification recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism and ethics in practice
  • Board certified lawyers are evaluated for professionalism and tested for expertise
  • Seven percent of eligible Florida Bar members, approximately 4,800 lawyers, are board certified
  • For further information on Florida Bar Board Certification
  • Richard has extensive experience in the representation of professional athletes and other public figures with the utmost regard for protecting his clients from media exposure and overly invasive discovery practices
  • His experience includes cases dealing with complex financial matters, such as the valuation of closely held corporations, professional practices, trusts and incentive stock options
  • A divorced father himself, he understands, from both a personal and professional perspective, what it takes to have a "successful” divorce
  • While his practice is primarily in Central Florida, which encompasses Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia and Lake Counties, he handles cases nationwide
  • Recognized as an innovator when it comes to the combination of family law and technology, he enjoys sharing his legal knowledge with others and frequently speaks at legal seminars and conferences
  • Credentials Board Certified Specialist, Marital and Family Law, Florida Bar Association Board Certified Specialist, Marital and Family Law, National Board of Trial Advocacy AV rated by Martindale Hubbell Honors Top 50 Florida Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2018 Top 100 Florida Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2018, 2016, 2015 Best Lawyers, Orlando Magazine, 12+ years Legal Elite, Florida Trend, 12+ years Orlando’s Lawyer of the Year, Family Law, The Best Lawyers in America©, 2018, 2016, 2012 West Family Law Group, ranked among the 2018 Best Law Firms in America by U.S
  • News and Best Lawyers Best Lawyers® and The Best Lawyers in America©, 12+ years Community Advocacy Team Gamez Foundation Central Florida Women’s League Affiliations Member, Family Law Section, Florida Bar Association Member, Orange County Bar Association Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers Co-Chair, Ad Hoc Bounds of Advocacy Committee, Family Law Section, Florida Bar Association, 2017-18 Member, Central Florida Family Inn of Court Member, Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida Member, Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals Past President, Florida chapter, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Past Chairman, Family Law Section, Florida Bar Association, 2003-04

Practice Areas Explained

Richard David West's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Richard David West handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

Richard David West is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Florida →

Child Custody & Visitation

Richard David West is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Florida →

Family Law

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

Richard David West is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Florida →

Child Support

Richard David West is one of 24,688 child support attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child support attorneys in Florida →

Alimony / Spousal Support

Richard David West is one of 10,688 alimony attorneys indexed nationally. Browse alimony 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 Orlando 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 Orlando or all attorneys in Florida.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Richard David West

Where is Richard David West's law office located?
Richard David West's law practice is located in Orlando, Florida. The firm is West Family Law Group. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Richard David West handle?
Richard David West focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, alimony. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Florida.
How long has Richard David West practiced law?
Richard David West has 46+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1980.
Where did Richard David West go to law school?
Richard David West earned their education at (J.D., 1980); (—).
How can I contact Richard David West for a consultation?
You can contact Richard David West 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 Richard David West received?
Richard David West's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Education

J.D.
South Texas College of Law
- 1980
University of South Florida B.A.
- In Progress

Awards

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions

Texas
Admitted: 1980
Florida
Admitted: 1986

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