James W. Chandler, Esq.

James W. Chandler, Esq., Adoption Attorney in Naples, Florida

Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support · 5.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Practicing adoption in Naples since 2004.

22+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
4 client reviews
8
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

James W. Chandler, Esq. is a member based in Naples, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. James has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James W. Chandler, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Based in
Naples, FL
Experience
over 22 years
Known for
Adoption · Child Custody · Child Support
  • Handles Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support matters from Naples, FL.
  • Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About James W. Chandler, Esq.: James W. Chandler, Esq. is a member based in Naples, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. James has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James W. Chandler, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Naples

James concentrates on adoption, child custody, child support, civil rights, and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Naples, Florida

James takes adoption matters in Naples, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Naples, Florida

James takes child custody matters in Naples, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Naples, Florida

James takes child support matters in Naples, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Naples, Florida

James takes civil rights matters in Naples, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Naples, Florida

James takes criminal defense matters in Naples, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.

Biography

James W. Chandler, Esq., adoption attorney serving Naples

James W. Chandler, Esq. is a member based in Naples, FL. The practice focuses on Adoption, Child Custody, and Child Support. James has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James W. Chandler, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 4 client reviews. James works from Naples, Florida and takes on adoption matters across the region.

James W. Chandler, Esq. is the owner of the Law Office of James W. Chandler, P.A. where focuses his practice on Federal and State Criminal Defense, Family and Marital Law, Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency and Domestic Violence (Injunction) cases. Their practice is circuit wide and they routinely practice these areas in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Hendry Counties. Mr. Chandler is also certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil, Family Law, Appellate, and County Court Mediator as well as a qualified arbitrator. Mr. Chandler has been appointed as a Federal Mediator for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

Prior to the formation of the Law Office of James W. Chandler, P.A., he was a partner in the Law Office of Agoston & Chandler, P.A.

Mr. Chandler joined the Law Office of David T. Agoston in October 2008 after more than three years in the Collier County State Attorney's Office where he prosecuted in Misdemeanor (County Court), Juvenile Delinquency (Circuit Court) and Adult Felony (Circuit Courts). Prior to joining the State Attorney's Office he was an Associate at the Law Firm of Romsa & Kuker, LLC in Boulder, Colorado practicing primarily criminal defense and family law. Prior to that time he worked as a clerk in a Federal Criminal Defense firm in Denver, Colorado.

For years Mr. Chandler has accepted court appointments (both Federal and State), and has been able to help the indigent litigants of Collier County and Southwest Florida.

Mr. Chandler is a native of Huntington, West Virginia and a member of the Lee County Bar Association, the Collier County Bar Association, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The Michael R.N. McDonnell Chapter of the American Inns of Court (past group leader), The Florida Bar Family Law Section, The Florida Bar Criminal Law Section, and the Collier County Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Past President, Past Vice-President, Past Treasurer).

Mr. Chandler also offers his time as a member of the Florida Bar Speaker’s Bureau.

Mr. Chandler has been nominated via a rigorous peer review process and named to Florida SuperLawyers for twelve years in a row (2013-2024) and has been featured in Florida SuperLawyers magazine. In 2019 and again in 2024 Mr. Chandler was named to Naples Top Lawyers by Naples Illustrated magazine and holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Mr. Chandler is a featured contributor on the popular web blog Avvo.com, where the public may ask local attorneys in their geographic and practice area legal questions, and has achieved a 10.0 Superb rating (the highest possible rating).

Mr. Chandler is a 2000 graduate of West Virginia University, and a 2002 graduate of the University of Denver, College of Law. Mr. Chandler is licensed to practice in the State of Florida, State of Colorado, and the District of Columbia. Mr. Chandler is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court of the United States.

In his spare time, he enjoys being a SCUBA Instructor (PADI Course Director & Tec Trimix Instructor Trainer) at Scuba Outfitters of Naples, playing golf, boating, fishing and countless activities. During football season he can be found anywhere he can watch his West Virginia Mountaineers.

Past Employment Positions:

Agoston & Chandler, P.A., Attorney and partner, 2011-2012

Law Office of David T. Agoston, P.A., Attorney at Law, 2008 – 2011

State Attorney's Office, Assistant State Attorney, 2005 – 2008

Romsa & Kuker, LLC, Attorney at Law, 2004 - 2005

Fraternities/Sororities:

Pi Kappa Phi

Gamma Beta Phi Society

Recent Volunteer work:

President, Reflection Lakes at Naples Condo Association, (March 2007- June 2012),

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI)

Past Volunteer, Ave Maria Board of Visitors Mentor Program,

Past Volunteer, Collier County Teen Court,

Past Volunteer, Alumni Admissions Council, University of Denver,

Past Volunteer, Collier County High School Mock Trial Competition (judge, and past team advisor),

Past Volunteer, Ave Maria School of Law Moot Court Competition,

Past Volunteer, Meals of Hope Holiday Meal Program

Awards

Florida SuperLawyers 2013 – 2024 inclusive

Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent rating

Martindale Hubbell Silver Client Champion Rating

How James handles adoption matters

James W. Chandler, Esq. is the owner of the Law Office of James W. Chandler, P.A. where focuses his practice on Federal and State Criminal Defense, Family and Marital Law, Juvenile Delinquency and Dependency and Domestic Violence (Injunction) cases. Their practice is circuit wide and they routinely practice these areas in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Hendry Counties. Mr. Chandler is also…

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, child custody, and child support matters in Naples and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

  • University of Denver, College of Law, Denver

    J.D. · 2002

  • West Virginia University

    B.S. Journalism · 2000

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

  • Supreme Court of the

    2019 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court

    2009 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court

    2008 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court

    2008 · ACTIVE

  • District Of Columbia

    2005 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court

    2004 · ACTIVE

  • Florida

    2004 · ACTIVE

  • Colorado

    2004 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Denver, College of Law, Denver and B.S. Journalism in West Virginia University.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Denver, College of Law, Denver and B.S. Journalism in West Virginia University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

James's legal honors and published work

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

James W. Chandler, Esq.'s office in Naples

James's primary office is at 5629 Strand Boulevard, Suite 401, Naples, FL, 34110. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Office of James W. Chandler, P.A.

5629 Strand Boulevard, Suite 401

Naples, FL 34110

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James W. Chandler, Esq. — 5.0/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adoption attorneys in Naples.

5.0

4 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James W. Chandler, Esq. claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire James W. Chandler, Esq. — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Naples, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James

James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James W. Chandler, Esq.

  • How much does it cost to hire James for a adoption case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does James offer a free consultation?

    James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

  • How long do adoption cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple adoption matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can James take my case if I'm outside Naples?

    James is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with James?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is James accepting new adoption clients right now?

    James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Naples, Miami and Tampa in Florida

James handles adoption matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Naples handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.