A firm built on experience, compassion & results
Our Mission at Vilar Law, P.A. Has Always Been To Help Families Navigate the Legal Storm in an Efficient and Effective Way
Having experienced and compassionate legal representation during difficult times can make all the difference.
Since 1996, Patrick Vilar, Esquire has been providing personalized legal services in Miami, exclusively in the area of family law.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we adhere to the philosophy that we are not merely working on a legal problem, but instead helping individuals and families solve one of life’s potentially traumatizing experiences with the least amount of stress and expense.
We do not deal with legal issues in the abstract, but as complicated emotional and financial problems that require both legal skill and human understanding.
A Client-Centered Approach to Family Law
The divorce lawyers at Vilar Law, P.A., represent the person as a whole rather than just their case. In doing so, we are committed to the highest standards of professional competence and integrity.
In guiding you efficiently toward a satisfying resolution, one that brings both legal and emotional closure, we provide clear, straightforward legal advice in a caring and considerate manner while also fighting unrelentingly for your rights in court when necessary.
To maximize results and minimize unnecessary cost and conflict, it is important that you seek legal counsel as early as possible.
Each step you take during a family law matter should be carefully evaluated by an experienced Miami family law attorney who understands both the legal and personal implications of your decisions.
The best outcomes are achieved when you fully understand all of your legal options and how they affect your future.
How We Help
We provide comprehensive family law representation across Florida, including:
Divorce & Family Law
Child & Parenting Matters
Post-Judgment Matters
Planning & Prevention
Experience You Can Trust. Compassion You Can Feel.
Many law firms focus solely on the legal process. At Vilar Law, P.A., we recognize that every case involves real people facing real challenges.
Clients choose our firm because we provide:
- More than 20 years of family law experience
- Personalized attention from experienced attorneys
- Compassionate guidance through difficult transitions
- Strategic negotiation and litigation skills
- Child-focused solutions in parenting matters
- Clear communication throughout the legal process
- Practical solutions designed for long-term success
We believe effective legal representation begins with understanding our clients’ goals, concerns, and priorities.
Our Commitment
We believe strong legal representation should not only protect your rights, but it should also help you regain clarity and stability during a difficult time.
Our goal is to guide you toward resolution in a way that supports both your legal interests and your long-term well-being.
Our Practice Areas
Select a practice area to view a brief overview, related services, and additional information.
Divorce & Dissolution of Marriage
Divorce is more than a legal process—it is a major life transition that can affect your family, finances, future, and peace of mind. At Vilar Law, P.A., we understand that every divorce is unique, and we are committed to helping clients navigate this difficult time with compassion, clarity, and experienced legal guidance.
Since 1996, Patrick Vilar has dedicated his practice exclusively to Florida family law, helping individuals and families resolve divorce matters efficiently while protecting what matters most. Whether your case involves children, significant assets, business interests, or complex financial issues, our attorneys provide personalized strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Whenever possible, we seek practical, cost-effective resolutions through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law. However, when litigation becomes necessary, we are prepared to advocate aggressively to protect your rights and your future.
Divorce Services
- High Asset Divorce
- Alimony / Spousal Support
- Division of Marital Assets & Liabilities
- Financial Disclosure
- Simple / Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Divorce
- Divorce Through Mediation
- Same-Sex Divorce
- Divorce for Professional Athletes
Experienced Guidance Through Every Stage of the Divorce Process
Every divorce presents its own legal, financial, and emotional challenges. Whether you are considering divorce, have recently been served with divorce papers, or are already involved in litigation, having experienced legal counsel from the beginning can make a significant difference in both the outcome of your case and the stress you experience throughout the process.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we believe our role extends beyond simply handling legal issues. We help clients understand their rights, evaluate their options, and make informed decisions that protect their future and their families. We recognize that divorce often involves some of life's most difficult decisions, and we are committed to providing straightforward legal advice with compassion, integrity, and professionalism.
Our attorneys represent clients in every aspect of Florida divorce law, from relatively straightforward uncontested divorces to highly contested matters involving substantial assets, business ownership, retirement accounts, child custody disputes, and complex financial investigations.
We Can Assist You With:
- Contested Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce
- High Asset Divorce
- Alimony & Spousal Support
- Division of Marital Assets & Debts
- Financial Disclosure
- Collaborative Divorce
- Divorce Mediation
- Same-Sex Divorce
- Divorce for Professional Athletes
Why Experience Matters
Every decision made during a divorce can have long-term consequences for your finances, parental rights, and future. Seeking legal advice early allows you to better understand your options before important decisions are made.
Our attorneys work closely with each client to:
- Develop a personalized legal strategy
- Protect marital and non-marital assets
- Resolve financial disputes efficiently
- Minimize unnecessary conflict whenever possible
- Prepare aggressively for litigation when necessary
Related Practice Areas
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Frequently Asked Questions
The timeline depends on whether the divorce is contested, the complexity of financial and parenting issues, and the court's schedule. Some uncontested divorces can be resolved in a matter of weeks, while contested cases may take several months or longer.
Not always. Many divorce cases are resolved through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law. However, when an agreement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to advocate for you in court.
Yes. Many property division matters are resolved through settlement negotiations or mediation, helping clients avoid unnecessary litigation while still protecting their interests.
The decisions you make at the beginning of your case can significantly impact the final outcome. Early legal guidance helps protect your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and position your case for the best possible resolution.
Child Custody & Timesharing
Nothing is more important than protecting your relationship with your children. When parents separate or divorce, decisions involving child custody, timesharing, and parental responsibility can have a lasting impact on the entire family. At Vilar Law, P.A., we provide experienced legal guidance to help parents navigate these sensitive matters while always keeping the best interests of the child at the forefront.
Whether you are establishing a parenting plan, seeking a modification, or resolving a relocation dispute, our attorneys work diligently to protect your parental rights while pursuing practical, child-focused solutions.
Services Include
- Parenting Plans
- Child Custody & Timesharing
- Parental Relocation
- Custody & Timesharing Modifications
- Emergency Custody Matters
Protecting Your Relationship With Your Children
Child custody disputes are often the most emotional aspect of any family law matter. Florida courts focus on creating parenting arrangements that serve the best interests of the child while encouraging both parents to remain actively involved whenever appropriate.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we understand that no two families are alike. We work closely with each client to develop parenting solutions that provide stability for children while protecting each parent's legal rights. Whether your matter involves establishing an initial parenting plan, modifying an existing order, or addressing relocation or emergency custody issues, we provide experienced representation every step of the way.
Whenever possible, we seek practical resolutions through negotiation or mediation. However, when litigation becomes necessary, we are prepared to advocate aggressively for our clients and their families.
Our Child Custody & Timesharing Services
Parenting Plans — Florida law requires a detailed parenting plan outlining decision-making responsibilities, communication, and timesharing schedules. We help parents create practical, enforceable parenting plans that reflect the unique needs of their family.
Child Custody & Timesharing — We represent parents in matters involving parental responsibility, timesharing schedules, holiday sharing, school issues, healthcare decisions, and other important parenting matters.
Parental Relocation — Relocating with a child after divorce or separation often requires court approval. We help parents navigate Florida's relocation laws while protecting both parental rights and the child's best interests.
Custody & Timesharing Modifications — As families grow and circumstances change, parenting plans may need to be updated. We represent clients seeking modifications due to significant changes in employment, living arrangements, or the evolving needs of the child.
Emergency Custody Matters — When a child's safety or well-being is at immediate risk, urgent legal action may be necessary. Our attorneys respond quickly to help protect children and secure appropriate court intervention when needed.
Why Parents Choose Vilar Law
Our attorneys help parents:
- Protect their parental rights
- Create effective parenting plans
- Resolve custody disputes efficiently
- Navigate relocation requests
- Modify existing custody orders
- Focus on solutions that support the child's best interests
We understand that these cases involve more than legal issues—they involve your children, your future, and your family. Our goal is to provide compassionate guidance while helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Related Practice Areas
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Frequently Asked Questions
Florida courts base decisions on the child's best interests, considering factors such as each parent's ability to provide a stable environment and support the child's physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
Yes. Parenting plans may be modified when there has been a substantial, material, and unforeseen change in circumstances and the modification serves the child's best interests.
In many cases, Florida law requires either the other parent's agreement or court approval before a parent may relocate a significant distance with a child.
The court may enforce the existing order, require make-up timesharing, or impose other legal remedies depending on the circumstances.
Child Support
Every child deserves the financial support necessary to thrive. Whether you are establishing child support for the first time, seeking to modify an existing order, or enforcing unpaid support, having experienced legal guidance can help protect both your child's well-being and your financial rights.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we represent parents throughout Florida in all aspects of child support, providing practical advice and personalized legal strategies tailored to each family's unique circumstances. We work diligently to help clients reach fair, legally sound outcomes while keeping the best interests of the child at the forefront.
Child Support Services
- Child Support Establishment
- Child Support Modification
- Child Support Enforcement
- High-Income Child Support Cases
Helping Families Navigate Florida Child Support Laws
Child support plays an important role in ensuring children receive the financial resources they need following a divorce, paternity action, or separation. While Florida provides child support guidelines, every family's financial circumstances are different, and determining the appropriate amount often involves careful legal and financial analysis.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we help parents understand their rights and obligations while working toward fair support arrangements that comply with Florida law. Whether you are requesting child support, responding to a support claim, seeking a modification, or enforcing an existing order, our attorneys provide knowledgeable guidance every step of the way.
Our goal is to help clients resolve child support matters efficiently while minimizing unnecessary conflict and protecting the long-term interests of both parents and their children.
Our Child Support Services
Child Support Establishment — Whether support is being determined as part of a divorce or a paternity action, we help clients establish child support orders that accurately reflect income, parenting time, healthcare expenses, childcare costs, and other factors considered under Florida law.
Child Support Modification — Life circumstances change. A significant increase or decrease in income, changes in parenting time, or other qualifying events may justify modifying an existing child support order. We represent both parents seeking or opposing modifications.
Child Support Enforcement — When court-ordered child support is not being paid, legal action may be necessary. We assist clients with enforcement proceedings to help ensure compliance with court orders and protect the financial needs of their children.
High-Income Child Support Cases — Cases involving substantial income, business ownership, bonuses, commissions, or other complex compensation often require additional legal analysis beyond the standard child support guidelines. Our attorneys have experience handling complex financial matters and advocating for fair support determinations.
Why Families Choose Vilar Law
Child support issues often involve more than numbers—they directly affect your child's future and your family's financial stability.
Our attorneys help clients:
- Understand Florida child support guidelines
- Ensure accurate financial disclosures
- Protect their financial interests
- Seek appropriate modifications when circumstances change
- Enforce existing court orders
- Resolve disputes through negotiation whenever possible
We believe informed decisions and experienced legal representation help families achieve fair and lasting solutions.
Related Practice Areas
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Frequently Asked Questions
Florida uses statutory child support guidelines that consider factors such as each parent's income, the number of overnight visits, childcare expenses, health insurance costs, and other allowable expenses.
Yes. A modification may be appropriate if there has been a substantial, material, and continuing change in circumstances, such as a significant change in income or parenting time.
The court may enforce existing child support orders through various legal remedies, including income withholding, contempt proceedings, and other enforcement actions.
Yes. The amount of timesharing each parent exercises may impact the child support calculation under Florida law.
Paternity
Establishing paternity is about more than determining biological parentage—it is about protecting the legal rights of both parents and ensuring children receive the emotional and financial support they deserve. Whether you are seeking to establish paternity, challenge paternity, or resolve related issues involving child custody, timesharing, or child support, experienced legal guidance can help protect your family's future.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we represent mothers, fathers, and alleged fathers in all aspects of Florida paternity law, providing compassionate counsel and practical legal solutions tailored to each family's unique circumstances.
Paternity Services
- Establishing Paternity
- Disestablishing Paternity
- DNA Testing & Paternity Actions
- Child Custody & Timesharing
- Child Support
Protecting Parents' Rights and Children's Futures
When parents are not married, establishing legal paternity is often the first step toward determining important parental rights and responsibilities. A paternity action may establish legal fatherhood, create parental rights, determine timesharing, and establish child support obligations.
Whether you are a mother seeking financial support, a father seeking parental rights, or someone questioning legal parentage, Vilar Law, P.A. provides knowledgeable legal guidance throughout every stage of the process.
We understand that paternity cases can be both legally complex and emotionally sensitive. Our attorneys work closely with clients to explain their options, protect their rights, and pursue solutions that serve the best interests of the child.
Our Paternity Services
Establishing Paternity — We assist mothers and fathers seeking to legally establish paternity, allowing issues such as parental responsibility, timesharing, and child support to be determined under Florida law.
Disestablishing Paternity — In certain situations, an individual may seek to challenge or disestablish legal paternity. These cases often involve strict legal requirements and deadlines, making experienced legal representation especially important.
DNA Testing & Paternity Actions — When parentage is disputed, DNA testing may be necessary to determine biological parentage. We guide clients through the legal process while protecting their rights throughout the proceedings.
Related Child Custody & Support Matters — Because paternity cases often involve parenting plans, timesharing, and child support, we help clients resolve all related issues within a comprehensive legal strategy designed to protect both parents and children.
Why Families Choose Vilar Law
Paternity matters affect far more than legal paperwork—they establish important rights and responsibilities that can shape a child's future.
Our attorneys help clients:
- Establish or challenge legal paternity
- Protect parental rights
- Develop parenting plans and timesharing arrangements
- Address child support obligations
- Navigate DNA testing and court proceedings
- Resolve disputes efficiently whenever possible
We are committed to providing compassionate representation while helping families reach practical, lasting solutions.
Related Practice Areas
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Frequently Asked Questions
Legal paternity establishes important parental rights and responsibilities, including custody, timesharing, child support, inheritance rights, and access to medical information.
In some situations, paternity may be established voluntarily. In disputed cases, court proceedings and DNA testing may be necessary.
Yes. Under certain circumstances, Florida law allows individuals to seek to disestablish paternity. These cases involve specific legal requirements and should be handled with experienced legal counsel.
Not automatically. Once paternity is established, the court may determine parental responsibility, parenting plans, and timesharing based on the child's best interests.
Post-Judgment Matters
A final judgment does not always mean the legal process is over. As life changes, existing court orders may need to change as well. Whether you need to modify child support, update a parenting plan, change alimony, or enforce a court order that is not being followed, Vilar Law, P.A. provides experienced legal guidance to help protect your rights long after your case has concluded.
We help clients navigate post-divorce issues efficiently while working toward practical solutions that protect their families, finances, and future.
Services Include
- Child Support Modifications
- Parenting Plan & Timesharing Modifications
- Alimony Modifications
- Enforcement of Court Orders
- Contempt Proceedings
Protecting Your Rights After the Final Judgment
Family law matters often continue long after a divorce or paternity case is finalized. Changes in employment, income, health, living arrangements, or the needs of a child may require modifications to existing court orders. In other situations, one party may simply refuse to comply with the court's ruling.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we represent clients in all aspects of post-judgment litigation, helping them enforce their legal rights or seek modifications when circumstances have substantially changed. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or courtroom litigation, our attorneys provide practical guidance designed to help clients move forward with confidence.
Our Post-Judgment Services
Parenting Plan & Timesharing Modifications — As children grow and family circumstances evolve, parenting plans may no longer reflect what is in the child's best interests. We help parents seek modifications when Florida law permits changes to existing custody and timesharing arrangements.
Child Support Modifications — A substantial change in income, employment, healthcare expenses, or parenting time may justify modifying an existing child support order. We represent both parents seeking increases or decreases in support.
Alimony Modifications — Changes such as retirement, remarriage, or significant financial changes may affect an existing alimony award. Our attorneys help clients pursue or defend modification requests under Florida law.
Enforcement of Court Orders — When a former spouse or co-parent fails to comply with a court order involving child support, alimony, or parenting time, legal action may be necessary. We help clients enforce final judgments and protect the rights established by the court.
Contempt Proceedings — If a court order is willfully ignored, the court may impose legal remedies through contempt proceedings. We represent clients seeking enforcement and those responding to contempt allegations.
Why Clients Choose Vilar Law
Our attorneys help clients:
- Modify outdated court orders
- Enforce child support and alimony obligations
- Protect parental rights
- Address changing family circumstances
- Resolve disputes efficiently
- Pursue practical, cost-effective legal solutions
We understand that family law issues often continue after a final judgment, and we remain committed to helping our clients protect what matters most.
Related Practice Areas
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Certain provisions, including child support, alimony, and parenting plans, may be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances that meets Florida's legal requirements.
The court may enforce existing orders through various legal remedies, including contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, and other enforcement actions.
Possibly. Florida law allows modifications when there has been a substantial, material, and continuing change in circumstances.
In many cases, yes. While some matters can be resolved by agreement, modifications generally require court approval to become legally enforceable.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Planning for the future is one of the most important investments you can make. Whether you are preparing for marriage or are already married, a well-drafted marital agreement can provide financial clarity, protect assets, and help avoid unnecessary disputes in the future.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we help individuals and couples create customized prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that protect their interests while complying with Florida law. Our goal is to provide peace of mind through thoughtful planning and experienced legal counsel.
Services Include
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Postnuptial Agreements
- Asset Protection
- Business Ownership Protection
- Financial Planning Agreements
Planning Today Can Help Prevent Future Conflict
While no one enters a marriage expecting it to end, having a clear legal agreement can provide certainty and reduce future conflict. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements allow couples to establish financial expectations, protect separate property, preserve business interests, and address other important financial matters before disagreements arise.
At Vilar Law, P.A., we work closely with clients to prepare agreements that are tailored to their unique circumstances and designed to withstand legal scrutiny under Florida law. Every agreement is carefully drafted to protect our clients' interests while ensuring fairness, transparency, and enforceability.
Whether you are entering into your first marriage, a second marriage, or have accumulated significant personal or business assets, proactive planning can help safeguard your future and provide greater confidence moving forward.
Our Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreement Services
Prenuptial Agreements — A prenuptial agreement is entered into before marriage and allows couples to define how certain financial matters will be handled during the marriage and in the event of divorce. These agreements may address separate property, business interests, investments, inheritances, and other financial considerations.
Postnuptial Agreements — A postnuptial agreement is created after a couple is already married. These agreements are often used when financial circumstances change, a business is started, significant assets are acquired, or spouses wish to clarify financial expectations moving forward.
Asset Protection — Marital agreements can help protect businesses, professional practices, family inheritances, investment portfolios, and other valuable assets while reducing uncertainty in the future.
Business & Professional Interests — Business owners, professionals, physicians, attorneys, executives, and entrepreneurs often benefit from agreements that help preserve ownership interests and minimize future disputes.
Financial Planning — Thoughtfully prepared marital agreements can complement estate planning, business planning, and long-term financial goals by providing clarity and reducing potential areas of conflict.
Why Clients Choose Vilar Law
Our attorneys help clients:
- Protect personal and business assets
- Preserve family wealth and inheritances
- Clarify financial expectations
- Reduce future legal disputes
- Draft customized agreements tailored to individual needs
- Ensure agreements comply with Florida law
We believe proactive legal planning provides confidence, security, and peace of mind for both individuals and families.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A prenuptial agreement is signed before marriage, while a postnuptial agreement is executed after a couple is already married.
Prenuptial agreements can benefit anyone who wants to protect assets, business interests, inheritances, children from prior relationships, or establish financial expectations before marriage.
Yes. Properly drafted postnuptial agreements that comply with Florida law are generally enforceable, provided they meet applicable legal requirements.
Although every situation is different, clearly defining financial rights and responsibilities in advance often reduces misunderstandings and can help minimize future disputes.
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Schedule Your Consultation
Whether you are considering divorce, facing a custody dispute, or need guidance regarding any family law matter, our attorneys are here to help.
Contact Information
(305) 373-8000
66 W Flagler St #500
Miami, FL 33130
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
9:00am -5:00p.m.
By Appointment
How Can We Help?
Complete the contact form below and a member of our team will contact you to discuss your situation and schedule a consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if I need a family law attorney?
If you are facing divorce, child custody issues, support disputes, relocation concerns, or any matter involving your legal rights and family relationships, consulting an experienced family law attorney can help protect your interests and provide clarity regarding your options.
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case and whether the parties can reach agreements. Some uncontested divorces may be resolved relatively quickly, while complex matters involving children or significant assets may require additional time.
Can parents share custody in Florida?
Florida courts generally encourage shared parental responsibility whenever it serves the best interests of the child. Parenting plans are designed to foster meaningful relationships between children and both parents.
What is a high asset divorce?
A high asset divorce typically involves substantial marital estates, businesses, investments, real estate holdings, retirement accounts, or other significant assets requiring detailed financial analysis.
Do I have to go to court for my divorce?
Not necessarily. Many family law matters can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law, allowing families to avoid lengthy court proceedings.
Take the First Step Toward Resolution
Family law challenges can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face them alone.
Contact Vilar Law, P.A. today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your legal options.