In this episode of the Freedom to Start Fresh podcast, host Kunal sits down with Amelia Lynn Warchaw, a seasoned family law attorney based in Boca Raton, Florida. With a career spanning over 17 years, Amelia brings not only professional expertise but also personal experience to her practice. Her warmth, intelligence, and dedication to helping families through some of life’s most difficult transitions take center stage in this candid conversation.
From Massachusetts to Florida: A Journey Rooted in Purpose
Amelia, originally from Plainville, Massachusetts, moved to Florida for her undergraduate studies at Barry University. She later returned north to complete her law degree at Suffolk University in Boston. Her academic path included a double major in History and Pre-Law, sparked by a fascination with historical revolutions and a childhood dream of being Indiana Jones.
After law school, Amelia began practicing during the 2008 economic downturn, gaining immediate courtroom experience at a small firm in North Andover. Her early career exposed her to a variety of legal fields—personal injury, criminal defense, immigration, and bankruptcy—before ultimately specializing in family law.
A Personal Reason to Practice Family Law
Although she once vowed never to enter family law, Amelia’s own experience as an adult child of divorce drew her into the field. Working under an attorney who handled both family and criminal law, she discovered a talent for it—especially in connecting with clients navigating emotionally charged situations.
“I go into each case preparing for trial,” she explains, “but my goal is to help everyone find a path forward, especially when children are involved.”
Relocating to Florida and Joining Klein Law Group
Amelia and her husband moved to Florida to escape New England winters. She passed the Florida Bar Exam during the pandemic—remotely through ExamSoft—and began practicing with a family law firm in Miami before eventually joining Klein Law Group in Boca Raton.
She praises Klein Law for its supportive team and shared values, noting, “It just felt like the right fit.”
Compassionate Advocacy in High-Stakes Cases
Amelia’s courtroom presence and strategic mindset shine through in complex family law cases. One memorable case involved a mother regaining custody from supervised time-sharing to full decision-making authority. Another long-running case helped a father wrongly accused of abuse reclaim his parenting role after years of court battles.
“Those are the cases that make it worth it,” she reflects, emphasizing that preparation, empathy, and strong client relationships are central to her practice.
Staying Informed and Leading the Legal Community
Amelia actively attends the Florida Family Law Review Conference and serves on the CLE committee for the Family Law Section. She’s also a member of the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP), where she educates fellow professionals about legislative updates—like the sweeping changes to Florida’s alimony laws in 2023.
Rapid-Fire FAQs: Amelia Answers Common Divorce Questions
To wrap up the episode, Amelia fields several frequently asked questions from prospective clients:
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How long will my divorce take? It depends—some cases resolve in 60–120 days, while others can last years if trial is required.
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How much will it cost? Again, it varies based on cooperation, disclosure, and litigation needs.
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Can the other parent keep my child away from me? Usually not, especially once court involvement begins.
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Do I need to sell my house? It’s too early to tell until financial details and support obligations are clear.
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Is my spouse hiding assets? With careful discovery and expert help, hidden assets can often be uncovered.
Closing Thoughts and Contact Info
Amelia ends the episode by offering her contact details and encouraging those dealing with family law issues to reach out. Her guiding principle? “My job is not to make things harder than they need to be.”
📞 Phone: 561-353-2800
📧 Email: awarchal@kleinattorneys.com
