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Reaching a Common Ground

By Family Law Attorney Tom Marks

I went this last week to visit Regent University in Virginia with my daughter and we went to an event called the “Clash of the Titans.” It was a debate from the political left and right moderated by Dana Perino, of the Fox news show called “The Five.”

The two conservatives, Newt Gingrich and Jay Sekulow debated the two liberals, David Axelrod and David Plouffe. The focus of the debate was on “Executive Powers” and involved some of the most divisive issues of our day, including Obamacare, the medical exchanges currently in disarray and the IRS targeting conservative political groups. Of course, issues like the recent partial federal government shutdown and the threat of defunding Obamacare were on the table for a potentially polarizing and out-of-control argumentative free-for-all.

However, even though the participants did not agree on many of the pressing issues facing America today, they maintained civility and respect for each other’s ideas, goals and positions. It made me think of The Marks Law Firm’s Family Law Practice and how even opposing parties in the Dissolution of Marriage Proceedings can still act civilly and seek common goals of protecting the minor children and properly co-parenting them into the future. I see those successes in my Collaborative Family Law Cases and even in the more traditional litigated Family Law Cases.

Even with gridlock in Washington DC, these politicians from opposite sides of the political spectrum could still agree to disagree in a debate on the issues and then sit down and have dinner together and try to reach common ground for the good of the country.

I believe parents should and can do the same thing even through a divorce, for the good of their minor children.

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Thomas D. Marks

Attorney Thomas D. Marks

Tom is the founding partner of The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys. With more than 37 years of experience practicing law in Central Florida, Tom zealously represents his clients with integrity, dedication, and personal attention. Tom has built a solid reputation with his clients, colleagues, opposing counsel, and the Courts of Orange, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, Volusia, and Seminole Counties.

It is Tom’s mission to be the best small family law firm in Central Florida.  He is dedicated to excellence and has built a great team of attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants and support staff at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys. Tom is committed to his clients, their well-being, and their goals. He sees success as a journey built on integrity, excellence and hard work. Tom cares deeply about his clients, their children, and their future success and significance.

If reconciliation is possible, he will support those efforts and what is best for the family. If he is called on to represent his clients’ interests in Court, a Collaborative Case, Mediation, or elsewhere, he will be a zealous advocate, negotiator and wise counsel.

Tom has actively volunteered his time and efforts in the Orange County Bar and has taken over 28 pro bono Legal Aid Society cases to represent those who could not afford an Attorney. Tom has volunteered over 200 hours of professional services in pro bono work.

Tom is active in the community and in his church.  He frequently speaks at various Divorce Care groups in Central Florida and he has focused his time, efforts, and practice in family and marital areas of the law. In 2011, Tom was recognized as Outstanding Chairman by the Orange County Bar Association as chair of the Family Law Committee.

Tom and his wife Linda have been married over 34 years and have two adult children, Rebekah and Daniel. To learn more about Tom and his passions beyond family law, click here to read the latest Healthy Lawyer Blog.

Bar Admissions

  • Florida, 1986
  • Family Law Section
  • Solo & Small Firm

Professional Memberships & Activities

  • National Association of Divorce Professionals Downtown Orlando Chapter, 2017 – 2023
  • Director, 2017 – 2023
  • Florida Bar Ninth Circuit Grievance Committee, 2013—2016
  • The C12 Group, 2011—2019
  • Central Florida Collaborative Law Group, 2009—2017, 2020 – Present
  • Family Law Inns of Court, 2005—Present
  • Master Level
  • Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce, 2003—Present
  • United States Christian Chamber of Commerce, 2023 – Present
  • Founding Member
  • Orange County Bar Association, 1986—Present
  • Christian Legal Society, 1983—Present
  • Family Law Executive Committee, 2003—2011
  • Chairman, 2007-2011
  • Daetwyler Shores HOA, 1998—2006
  • President, Board of Directors, 2005—2006
  • Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, 1990—2000
  • Florida Hospital East Orlando Foundation Board, 1993—1997
  • Chairman, 1996—1997
  • Vice Chairman, 1993—1995
  • Orange County Animal Service Advisory Board, 1992—1997
  • Chairman, 1994—1997
  • Association of Trial Lawyers of America, 1991—2003
  • Winter Park Pines Community Association, 1987—1994
  • President, Board of Directors, 1992—1994
  • Christian Conciliation Service of Central Florida, 1988—1992
  • East Orlando Civitan Service Organization, 1988—1990

Recognitions & Speaking Engagements

  • Guest on Working Faith with Jalyn Isley Podcast, 2023
  • Guest on Inside Look by Brooks Podcast, 2022
  • Featured Speaker at FAMU Christian Legal Society Event, 2019
  • Guest on Chasing Wisdom Podcast, 2018
  • Featured Speaker at Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce November Luncheon, 2017
  • ED Talk Speaker at August NADP Downtown Orlando Chapter Meeting, 2017; May NADP Downtown Orlando Chapter Meeting, 2020
  • “10 Best” Client Satisfaction Award from American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2014 – 2016
  • Presenter at the 2010 Christian Legal Society National Convention
  • OCBA Outstanding Committee Chair, 2010 – 2011
  • Orlando’s Top Lawyers, 2010, 2013
  • Published in The Builders magazine, July 2016
  • Published in Orlando Home & Leisure
  • Regular speaker at Divorce Care Groups throughout Central Florida
  • 1st place Dean Maloney Memorial Writing Contest, 1986 – Statewide competition and published on front cover of the Florida Bar Journal in 1986.

Education

  • University of Florida, B.A. 1981
  • University of Florida School of Law, 1985
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About The Firm

Marks Law Firm in Orlando Florida specializing in Family Law – Orlando Divorce Lawyers

Established in 1992 by founding partner Thomas D. Marks, The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys has earned a reputation throughout Orlando and Central Florida for excellence in Family Law practice. Attorney Tom Marks has built The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys on integrity, service, and an unwavering commitment to providing individuals and families with the best in Central Florida Family Law and Divorce counsel. As an experienced boutique Family Law firm, we are able to combine outstanding legal skills and technical representation with a level of personal attention that isn’t available at most law firms.  Our goal is to create an environment of teamwork, commitment and open communication with every Client.  Our Orlando Divorce lawyers provide  services in the Central Florida area including: Orlando, Winter Park, MetroWest, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, East Orlando, Lake Mary and Clermont Florida. Three of our Family Law Attorneys are trained in the Collaborative Divorce Process and are advocates for alternative resolutions outside of going to Court. 

Check out our Practice Areas to learn more about services offered at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys. 

 


Mission Statement:
It is our Mission: “To Honor God and Faithfully Represent our Clients with Great Leadership, Attitude, Excellence and Teamwork.” 

Core Values:
Integrity • Heart for the Client – Going the Extra Mile • Excellence in Work Product/Timely • Great Teamwork • Great Attitude
• Continuous Improvement/Growth • Leadership Abilities • Humility • Creativity/Strategic Thinking • Healthy Boundaries