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.

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