About Us
The Story
Two Lawyers — One Vision
In the late 70’s female litigators were as rare as hen’s teeth. Wendy’s first Orlando law firm, Giles, Hedrick and Robinson, went out on a limb in 1979 and hired Wendy as the first female attorney in their litigation department. Broad and Cassel in the 80’s, took a similar leap and hired Brenda as a commercial litigator. After working in other civil litigation firms, handling family law and Guardian ad Litem work along the way, Wendy and Brenda found themselves practicing together on Park Avenue in downtown Winter Park above Briar Patch Restaurant. In the mid-90’s they transitioned to practicing almost exclusively in the family law arena, where they believed the work they did mattered more than in any other area of law either had practiced to date.
There’s Got to be a Better Way.
In the 90’s, however, family law was still constrained by fairly rote methods where you created contested pleadings; you also invariably took depositions and operated under court-prescribed trial deadlines, all with the expectation of ending up in front of a judge at some point in the litigation. Throughout the work, Wendy and Brenda had a nagging sense that there had to be a better way. Divorce and the courtroom were a mismatch, often creating polarization and stress, rather than sustainable solutions and a way forward.
More Choices for Divorce.
Having a wealth of experience in the courtroom divorce trial model, Wendy was inspired to change direction and dedicated herself to supporting new family law dispute resolution methods such as Collaborative Law. Brenda was totally on board. Together, over the past two decades, they have pioneered, not only the expansion of Collaborative Law in Central Florida, but have sought out a variety of divorce options, where clients are helped to thoughtfully consider what is best for their family moving forward. The Aikin Family Law Group added an additional attorney to the team, Stephanie G. Alvarez. Stephanie brings with her a fresh perspective and understanding of family law issues. Stephanie offers experience with flat fee divorce, a streamlined and efficient approach for couples who can work together amicably to reach settlement out of court.
Today, divorce is no longer a one-size-fits-all process. With the potential damage to children and family’s long term, it should be the last area of law where people seek out a judge in a black robe; a stranger to decide their fate, let alone that of their children and their finances. Contested trials are time consuming, emotionally draining and financially devastating. At The Aikin Family Law Group, clients are afforded education about the process options including Collaborative Law Process, cooperative settlement negotiations, mediation with or without lawyers, more traditional litigation with or without lawyers, or the self-help option of the “kitchen table agreements” with their spouse.
The Aikin Family Law Group approach
When most people ask for “aggressive” representation, what they usually mean is that they want an experienced, competent, forthright attorney who knows the law and the court system and who has the moxie to stand up to whatever comes at them from the other side. We are that law firm.
