About Deborah Ann

Deborah Ann Byles is a dedicated family law attorney based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since 1996, she has focused her practice on family and matrimonial law, providing legal support to clients navigating complex family matters. In 2002, she established her own firm, Deborah Ann Byles, P.A., located at 413 SE 18th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. Under her leadership, the firm has become a trusted resource for families in need of legal guidance. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Deborah moved to Florida at the age of five — She grew up in Coral Gables, where she developed a strong academic foundation.

In 1992, she graduated cum laude from Hofstra University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in English and Psychology. Her academic achievements were recognized when she became a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Following her undergraduate studies, Deborah pursued a Juris Doctorate at Florida State University College of Law, graduating with honors in 1995. During her time in law school, she was actively involved in the Moot Court Team – Mock Trial Division and contributed to the Journal of Transnational Law and Policy. Deborah's commitment to social justice is evident in her extensive involvement with community initiatives.

She served on the Governor’s Task Force on Domestic Violence, where she worked to address critical issues affecting families in Florida. Additionally, she worked working for the Florida Bar, further enhancing her understanding of the legal field. Since 2002, she has been a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, facilitating the resolution of family conflicts for both represented and self-represented parties. As a founding member of the Collaborative Family Law Professionals of South Florida, Deborah advocates for collaborative approaches to family law disputes. She also serves as a board member of the Broward County Christian Lawyers Association and is an active member of both the Caribbean Bar Association and the Broward Bar Association.

Her practice encompasses many family law issues, including divorce, child custody and visitation, alimony, child support, paternity, and domestic violence, among others. Deborah's law office is conveniently located near the Broward County Courthouse, making it accessible for clients throughout the area. The firm offers flexible hours, operating Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and provides sliding scale rates for modest to low-income parties. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Deborah is able to serve clients. Her mission is to uphold the highest standards of ethics while providing compassionate advocacy, focusing on resolution and efficiency in every case.

Education

Florida State University College of Law

J.D. (1995) | Law

1992

Hofstra University

B.A. (1992) | Sociology, English and Psychology

1988

Languages

English (Spoken) Spanish (Spoken)

Accepted Jurisdictions

Florida

Court Admissions

Florida Supreme Court State Supreme Court · Admitted 2002

Types of Cases Handled

divorce child custody and visitation alimony child support paternity collaborative family law family mediation annulment divorce mediation domestic violence equitable distribution marital agreements marital property settlements name changes uncontested divorce marital property distribution military divorce

Legal Services Scope

Litigation Mediation Collaborative law

Certifications & Awards

Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator

Florida Dispute Resolution Center

Professional Associations

Collaborative Lawyers of South Florida

Founding has membership /Vice President Current

Caribbean Bar Association

Current

Broward Bar Association

Current

Broward County Christian Lawyers Association

2012 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 413 SE 18th Street Fort Lauderdale FL 33316