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The Gufford Law Firm, P.A.Founder
Mr. Joseph L. Gufford III
Pro

Mr. Joseph L. Gufford III

4.7
148 reviews

101 SE Ocean Blvd, Suite 201, Stuart, FL 34994

Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and 2 more

About Mr. Joseph L. Gufford III

Attorney Joseph Gufford III leads The Gufford Law Firm in Martin County, Florida, focusing on family law, including divorce, custody, and child support. As the former Chairman of the Martin County Bar Association’s Family Law Committee, he navigates the complexities of family law, supported by an adept team of paralegals. Joe focuses on uncovering hidden assets and ensuring fair settlements. His practice also encompasses civil litigation, probate, and business law. Holding a degree in Political Science and History from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, he began his career with a groundbreaking victory in a product liability case. Known for his work against Cellular One in landmark AIDS discrimination litigation, Joe's unique skills span various legal areas. Rated “Superb” by Avvo.com, he actively contributes to legal discourse on Florida statutes and is committed to pro bono service, earning accolades for his dedication.

 

Mr. Joseph L. Gufford III (Stuart, Florida) View website

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Champion Badge Platinum
Peer Reviewed Rated
This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by another attorney.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer PR
Avvo Top Contributor
This award is granted to attorneys who have significantly contributed to Avvo.com by answering questions in the Q&A forum, publishing legal guides, or other meaningful contributions to the Avvo community.
Avvo Top Contributor
Avvo Client's Choice
This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.
Avvo Client Choice

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Mr. Joseph L. Gufford III got this award in 2021

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Mr. Joseph L. Gufford III got this award in 2021

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Mr. Joseph L. Gufford III got this award in 2021

Reviews for Joseph

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Overall Rating
4.7
See All Reviews
148
4.4
Lawyers.com
25
4.6
Martindale
8
4.8
Avvo
115
Showing 1-10 of 25 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
68%
4 stars
12%
3 stars
8%
2 stars
4%
1 star
8%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.4
Quality of Service
4.4
Responsiveness
4.3
Value for Money
4.3
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
December 19, 2012
Hired Attorney

Thank you again for a job well done. Joseph Gufford´s professionalism and brilliant legal advice is unparalleled. The mediation process was altogether a positive experience and most importantly we were able to create a prenuptial agreement that works for us. Joseph is hard-working and highly devoted to each and every case on his agenda. He has my highest recommendation.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
December 13, 2012
Hired Attorney

Joseph Gufford is very Confident in his abilities to achieve your goal. Mr. Gufford makes you feel secure and knows the court system very well. He is upfront with you, with what to expect and he will make vigorous effort to get what you want! His paralegal Stephanie is awesome and supports your wants and needs 100%. I fully recommend Joseph Gufford and his staff. I knew I wanted this firm to represent me the first time I met with Joseph Gufford.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
November 21, 2012
Hired Attorney

He is a great attorney who really cares about his clients, and gives the client a feeling of confidence in the outcome.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
November 14, 2012
Hired Attorney

After working with Mr. Gufford in excess of 8 years, I can only say positive things about him and his staff. Mr. Gufford is quick to respond to phone calls and emails, he is willing to work with clients financially through payments, and is passionate about getting the results that the client is searching. He is on time for appointments and hearings, thorough with explanations for proceedings, and sensitive with material when needed.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
June 03, 2015
Hired Attorney

After initial consultation with Mr. Gufford, it was obvious that his knowledge of Family Law, especially in the areas of divorce and mediation agreements, surpassed other attorneys. This resulted with 100% satisfaction in closing my case. Kudos to Joe and his legal team.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
October 24, 2010
Hired Attorney

Referred someone else to him and the experience was not good.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
November 14, 2012
Hired Attorney

Always professional. I was impressed by Joe's ability to get the job done when circumstances seemed dire.

Child Custody
Posted by Danny
November 08, 2024
Hired Attorney

This review is based on my 30k+ experience. I would definitely not recommend this attorney for any custody matters. Talked a good game for months and months but Failed to execute and left me and my son in a very vulnerable situation worse then when we originally sought his assistance and never even saw a judge. 0 empathy for the child and the situation. I would Never recommend.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
September 09, 2013
Hired Attorney

Gave him $5000 retainer. Only used $2000 for Divorce case. Joe is not refunding the remaining $3000 or allowing me to apply it to future services. He is keeping it and not doing anything to earn it.

Response from Joseph
September 09, 2013
Our retainer agreement in a dissolution of marriage action is based upon a minimum retainer. We cannot represent clients on an indefinite basis. In any event, I invite this person to contact me directly so that we can make him or her happy and satisfied.
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
September 15, 2019
Hired Attorney

This “representative” knowingly and willfully failed to present critical videographic evidence of children disclosing abuse to police in a child custody case. Shame on you Joe. I pray God has mercy on your soul, I don’t. To anyone considering this unethical lawyer; turn and run away as fast as you can.

From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 2
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody
  • Domestic Violence
  • Other 1
    • Guardianship

Practice Details

  • Languages
    English
    Spanish
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Fixed hourly rates: $250 - $350/hr
    Accepted Credit Cards
    Other
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Founder
    Firm Name
    The Gufford Law Firm, P.A.
  • Pro Bono Services
    Time Spent on Pro Bono Work: 5%

    2012 Pro Bono Service Award 19th Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Coordinator/ Martin County Bar Association 2010 Board of Directors Florida Rural Legal Services 2010 Board of Directors Florida Equal Justice Center 2008-2009 Martin County Bar Martin County Bar Association 2008 Outstanding Pro Bono Service award Florida Rural Legal Services 2008 Martin County Bar Association Family Law Committee Chairman Martin County Bar Association 1987 Airborne Wings US Army Airborne School

  • Additional Links
    https://www.treasurecoastlawfirm.com/about/ https://www.treasurecoastlawfirm.com/attorney/gufford-joseph-lafayette-iii/

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1991, Florida
    Memberships
    Member Florida Bar 1991-present
    Member- Martin County Bar Association
    Former Chairman of the Martin County Bar Association Family Law Committee.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Stetson University College of Law
    Class of 1990
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Florida
    Class of 1988
    B.A.
    Political Science
  • Military Service
    Former U.S. Army Officer
    Graduate U.S. Army Airborne School
  • Personal Details & History
    Hobbies & Interests
    Litigation, Travel, Hunting and Fishing

Activity

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Does this attorney maintain a professional presence on any social networks?
    Yes, Mr. Joseph L. Gufford, III has a professional profile on Twitter and facebook.
  • Does this attorney speak any other languages?
    Mr. Joseph L. Gufford, III speaks Spanish.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Mr. Joseph L. Gufford, III has a 4.6 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Mr. Joseph L. Gufford, III has a 4.4 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

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