Comprehensive Legal Services Across Tampa Bay and Southeast Florida
Sumpter-Richard & Jones Law Offices provide experienced legal representation in multiple practice areas, serving clients throughout Tampa Bay, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco counties and the Southeast Florida counties of Palm Beach, Broward, and Martin counties. Our goal is to provide personalized legal solutions that protect your rights and achieve your objectives.
Our Comprehensive Legal Services Include:
Protecting Homeowners Across Southeast Florida.
When your home is at risk, every day counts. Our foreclosure defense attorneys provide aggressive representation for homeowners facing foreclosure proceedings throughout Tampa Bay and Southeast Florida. We understand Florida foreclosure law and fight to protect your property rights.
Our Real Estate & Foreclosure Services Include:
- Foreclosure defense and litigation
- Loan modification assistance
- Mortgage dispute resolution
- Real estate contract disputes
- Title issues and quiet title actions
- Short sale negotiations
- Deed in lieu alternatives
- Bankruptcy alternatives to foreclosure
Why Choose Our Foreclosure Defense Team:
Florida homeowners have rights, and we ensure those rights are protected. Our attorneys examine every aspect of your case, from the original loan documents to proper foreclosure procedures, looking for defenses that can save your home or provide you with better alternatives.
Federal Bankruptcy Solutions for Financial Recovery
Bankruptcy law provides powerful legal tools for individuals and families overwhelmed by debt. Our experienced bankruptcy attorneys guide clients through Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Chapter 11 proceedings, helping you understand your options and achieve the fresh start you deserve.
Our Fresh Start Options Include:
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy – Liquidation
Designed for debtors who cannot pay existing debts, Chapter 7 provides debt discharge for qualifying individuals. We help determine if you meet the means test requirements and guide you through the process of claiming exempt property while achieving maximum debt relief.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy – Reorganization
Perfect for individuals with regular income who want to reorganize their debts, Chapter 13 allows you to create a payment plan over 3-5 years.
This option often allows you to:
- Stop foreclosure and catch up on mortgage payments
- Reduce second mortgage balances
- Reorganize debt payments
- Protect valuable assets
Chapter 11 & Chapter 12 Options
We also handle complex Chapter 11 business reorganizations and Chapter 12 family farmer/fisherman cases for clients with specialized needs.
Pre-Petition Credit Counseling & Financial Management
We ensure you complete all required counseling and education components of the bankruptcy process.
Family Law
Compassionate Family Law Representation
 Family legal matters require both legal expertise and emotional sensitivity. Our family law practice serves clients throughout Tampa Bay, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Broward, and Martin counties with comprehensive family legal services.
Divorce & Dissolution Services:
- Uncontested divorce proceedings
- Contested divorce litigation
- Property division and asset protection
- Debt allocation and responsibility
- Tax considerations and planning
Child-Related Matters:
- Shared parental responsibility arrangements
- Child custody and time sharing
- Child support calculations and modifications
- Paternity establishment
• Stepparent adoption proceedings - Temporary custody arrangements
Support and Modification Services: - Alimony determination and modification
- Child support enforcement
- Final judgment enforcement
- Post-divorce modifications
Support and Modification Services:
- Alimony determination and modification
- Child support enforcement
- Final judgment enforcement
- Post-divorce modifications
Our Approach:
We recommend attempting reconciliation through professional and ministerial counseling before proceeding with divorce. However, when dissolution is necessary, we provide skilled representation that protects your interests while minimizing conflict and stress on your family.
Estate Planning & Guardianship
Protecting Your Family's Future
Every adult needs comprehensive estate planning to protect their family and ensure their wishes are honored. Our estate planning services provide peace of mind and legal protection for families across Southeast Florida.
Essential Estate Planning Documents:
Last Will and Testament
Ensure your wishes are followed after your death with a properly drafted will. We create comprehensive wills that protect your assets and provide for your loved ones according to your specific intentions.
Durable Power of Attorney for Finances
Arrange for trusted individuals to handle your financial decisions if you become incapacitated. This simple, inexpensive document can provide tremendous relief to your family during difficult times.
Healthcare Directives
We prepare both healthcare declarations and durable power of attorney for healthcare, ensuring your medical wishes are known and respected while appointing trusted healthcare agents.
Guardianship Proceedings
When alternative protective measures are insufficient, we handle guardianship proceedings for individuals with medical, mental, or developmental conditions affecting their ability to make life-sustaining decisions.
Why Estate Planning Matters:
Though most Americans know they need estate planning, many procrastinate. Proper planning does not have to be expensive or complicated, but it provides invaluable protection for you and your family.
Professional Mediation Services
Certified Mediation - Resolve Disputes Without Court
Attorney B. Elaine Jones is certified by the Florida Supreme Court to provide professional mediation services. Mediation offers a confidential, informal alternative to litigation that can save thousands of dollars in attorney fees while allowing you to maintain control over the outcome
Mediation Practice Areas:
- Circuit civil cases
- Family law and divorce mediation
- Pre-suit dispute resolution
- Foreclosure case mediation
- Bankruptcy proceeding mediation
- Mortgage modification mediation
Benefits of Mediation:
- Quick and cost-effective resolution
- Private and confidential process
- Neutral, unbiased mediator
- Voluntary participation
- You control the outcome
- Significantly less stress than litigation
- Non-binding unless you agree in writing
The Mediation Process:
Our mediation sessions provide a structured environment where all parties can discuss their concerns and work toward mutually acceptable solutions. As a neutral third party, our mediator facilitates communication and helps identify creative solutions that might not be available through litigation.