How much does it cost to hire John for a alimony case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does John offer a free consultation?

John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

How long do alimony cases in Florida typically take?

Simple alimony matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can John take my case if I'm outside Fort Walton Beach?

John is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is John accepting new alimony clients right now?

John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

John Jay Gontarek, Alimony Attorney

Quick answer

John Jay Gontarek is a partner based in Fort Walton Beach, FL. The practice focuses on Alimony, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. John has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John Jay Gontarek, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Fort Walton Beach, FL
Experience: over 46 years
Known for: Alimony · Bankruptcy · Car Accidents

Handles Alimony, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents matters from Fort Walton Beach, FL.
Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

John's practice areas in Fort Walton Beach

John concentrates on alimony, bankruptcy, car accidents, chapter 11, and chapter 13. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Alimony cases in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

John takes alimony matters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Bankruptcy cases in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

John takes bankruptcy matters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Car Accidents cases in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

John takes car accidents matters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Chapter 11 cases in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

John takes chapter 11 matters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Chapter 13 cases in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

John takes chapter 13 matters in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

John Jay Gontarek, alimony attorney serving Fort Walton Beach

John Jay Gontarek is a partner based in Fort Walton Beach, FL. The practice focuses on Alimony, Bankruptcy, and Car Accidents. John has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John Jay Gontarek, P.A.. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Fort Walton Beach, Florida and takes on alimony matters across the region.

Hon. John Jay Gontarek is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, bankruptcy chapter 7, bankruptcy chapter 11 and 69 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1977, and has been licensed for 46 years. John practices at John Jay Gontarek, P.A. in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

John's approach to alimony cases

Hon. John Jay Gontarek is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, bankruptcy chapter 7, bankruptcy chapter 11 and 69 other areas of law. John received a B.A. degree from University of Florida in 1977, and has been licensed for 46 years. John practices at John Jay Gontarek, P.A. in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for alimony, bankruptcy, and car accidents matters in Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where John studied and practices

Cumberland School of Law of Samford University
J.D. · 1980
University of Florida
B.A. · 1977

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

U.S. Court of Appeal
1981 · ACTIVE
Florida
1980 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE

John studied at J.D. in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University and B.A. in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

John completed J.D. in Cumberland School of Law of Samford University and B.A. in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

John's legal honors and published work

John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

John Jay Gontarek's office in Fort Walton Beach

John's primary office is at 181 Eglin Parkway, NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL, 32548. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

John Jay Gontarek, P.A.

181 Eglin Parkway, NE

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of John Jay Gontarek — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing alimony attorneys in Fort Walton Beach.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Jay Gontarek claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John Jay Gontarek — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new alimony attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a alimony attorney in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many alimony matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in alimony practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every alimony matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many alimony practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John Jay Gontarek

How much does it cost to hire John for a alimony case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some alimony attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do alimony cases in Florida typically take?
Simple alimony matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Fort Walton Beach?
John is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new alimony clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Alimony attorneys serving Fort Walton Beach, Miami and Tampa in Florida

John handles alimony matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified alimony attorneys in that community.

John Jay Gontarek, Alimony Attorney in Fort Walton Beach, Florida