Attorney Matt Capstraw
Matt is a seasoned divorce attorney having practiced family law for over 25 years, and tried cases in Orange, Seminole and Lake Counties, as well as in every level of the appellate court including the Florida Supreme Court. Matt’s extensive knowledge of family laws and rules and his ability to apply that knowledge in the courtroom aids his clients in receiving more favorable judgments. Matt will confidently and assertively represent you with your case.
For clients who need legal advice, but cannot afford to retain an attorney, Matt can explain where you are in the legal process and steps that you can take to protect your interests. Clients can come in for consultations by the hour, or as needed. Matt is Collaboratively Trained and has been certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a Mediator in both Family Law and Dependency Actions.
As part of Matt’s involvement with the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Family Law Rules Committee, he was given the opportunity to contribute to the creation of Florida’s Collaborative Process Act, Florida’s Parenting Coordination Statute, Florida Statute 61.13002, as well as the creation or modification of several Florida Family Rules of Procedure and Florida Family Law Forms.
Outside of practicing family law, Matt has participated in several professional organizations including the Florida Bar Family Rules Committee, the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, the Florida Orange County Bar Association, The Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court, and the Florida Bar Association.
When Matt is not counseling clients, he enjoys playing various board and video games, cooking, and spending time with his wife and children on their family hobby farm.
Bar Admissions
- Florida, 1998
Professional Memberships & Activities
- Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida, 2020 – Present
Florida Bar Association:
- Family Law Rules and Forms Committee, 2009 – 2015
- Chair, 2012 – 2013
- Vice Chair, 2011 – 2012
- Adjunct Member, 2016 – Present
Florida Bar Family Law Section:
- Children’s Issues Committee Member, 2005 – Present
- Secretary, 2014 – 2015
- Domestic Violence Committee Member, 2005 – Present
- Rules and Forms Committee Member, 2005 – Present
- Senior Co-Chair, 2010 – 2012
- Co-Chair, 2009 – 2010
- Secretary, 2007 – 2008
- Technology Committee Member 2013 – 2015
- Chair, 2014 – 2015
- Vice Chair, 2013 – 2014
- Executive Council Member, 2012 – 2015
- Bylaws Amendment sub-committee for the Executive Council, 2014 – 2015
- Legislative Committee Member: Voting Member, 2006 – 2012
- Secretary, 2008 – 2009
Salvation Army
- Family Focus Program Advisory Board, 2001 – 2002
- Advisory Board for Supervised Visitation Center, 2005 – 2007
Recognitions & Speaking Engagements
- Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals, 2016
- Florida Bar, 2012-2013
- Family Law Section of the Florida Bar
- Chair’s Award of Outstanding Merit Recipient, 2009 and 2010
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
- Award of Merit Recipient, 2003
- Seminole County Bar Association Legal Aid Society, 2002, 2009-2011
- Florida Bar Family Law Section
- Making a Difference Award Honoree, 2010
- Presenter of Maximizing your Trial Effectiveness With Technology That Is Already On Your Desk Or Could Be, 2005
- Lecturer of Parenting Plans, Time-Sharing, and Interim Equitable Distribution, a Family Law Legislative Update, 2008
- Lecturer of Florida Webinar Case Law and Rule Updates, 2011-2013
- Facilitator of Child Support Continuing Education Course on behalf of the Orange County Legal Aid Society, 2017
Education
- University of Florida, B.A. 1995
- St. Thomas University School of Law, 1998
