Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton, Family Law Attorney in Miami, Florida
Over 28 years of legal practice
Miami, FL
Practicing family law in Miami since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton?
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Quick answer
Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton is an attorney based in Miami, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Kathryn has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hamilton O’Neill PLLC.
- Based in
- Miami, FLORIDA
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Miami, FLORIDA.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton: Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton is an attorney based in Miami, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Kathryn has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hamilton O’Neill PLLC.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Kathryn takes on
Kathryn concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kathryn handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Miami, Florida
Kathryn takes family law matters in Miami, 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 Kathryn agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton — family law lawyer in Miami
Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton is an attorney based in Miami, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Family Law. Kathryn has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hamilton O’Neill PLLC.
Kathryn DeVane Hamilton has been practicing law in Florida and Washington states since 1998 and is the founding member of Hamilton O'Neill PLLC. Prior to establishing the Law Firm, Kathryn began her extensive litigation career as a trial attorney at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Office trying over forty trials. Her zealous representation led to acquittals or the dismissal of charges for many clients facing years in prison. In 2001, Kathryn focused her sights on family law litigation and joined the prestigious Miami family law firm, Kutner and Associates where she sharpened her civil litigation skills representing public figures, business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals.
When Kathryn founded the Law Firm, she focused her representation on providing strategic, compassionate and tenacious representation to her clients in all areas of domestic relations, including dissolution of marriage, equitable property distribution, alimony and child support, paternity, child custody and parenting plans, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and domestic violence, among others. Kathryn recognizes that the decisions she guides her clients to make are among the most important choices in their lives with both short and long term implications.
Kathryn’s approach to practicing family law has resulted in numerous successes and honors for her excellence in the field of family law, including:
Rating of AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating awarded based upon reviews from her peer attorneys, judges and clients for her professional excellence, legal abilities and ethical standards.
Recognized by Best Lawyers in America as a Top Attorney in Family Law since 2019.
Selected as Super Lawyer in Family Law – rated top 5% of lawyers in Florida since 2017.
Law Firm ranked as “Best Law Firms” Tier 1 in Family Law by U.S. News & World Report - Best Lawyers since 2020.
Selected as Florida Legal Elite by Florida Trend since 2022
Selected as a 2020 Woman Leader in the Law by ALM.
Rated "Superb" by Avvo as a Family Law Attorney since 2012.
Named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for 4 years, a distinction for only 2.5% of the lawyers in Florida.
Named Florida Outstanding Young Lawyer by Florida Top Attorneys in 2013 and 2011.
Kathryn is a founding member of the Miami-Dade Chapter of American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators. In 2017, she was appointed by The Florida Bar Family Law Section for two terms to serve on the Rules and Forms Committee. She has been published in several national and state publications and has lectured on family law to fellow attorneys.
Originally from Seattle, Washington, Kathryn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Society and Justice at the University of Washington in 1995 before moving to Miami, Florida to study at the University of Miami School of Law. She earned her Juris Doctorate in 1998 from the University of Miami, after winning the 1996 Moot Court Board Competition, was selected as a member of the prestigious Moot Court Board and received Honors in the Litigation Skills Trial Program. Kathryn is a member of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar and has been a member of the Florida First Family Inns of Court since 2002. Kathryn is a supporter and sponsor of ICU Baby, an organization devoted to assisting families and babies that are born to the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Units in South Florida. She has been a member of Junior League Miami and the Humane Society.
Kathryn's approach to family law cases
Kathryn DeVane Hamilton has been practicing law in Florida and Washington states since 1998 and is the founding member of Hamilton O'Neill PLLC. Prior to establishing the Law Firm, Kathryn began her extensive litigation career as a trial attorney at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Office trying over forty trials. Her zealous representation led to acquittals or the dismissal of charges for…
The kind of cases Kathryn takes
Kathryn reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Miami and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Miami School of Law
— · 1998
University of Washington
— · 1995
Jurisdictions
Kathryn's state bar admissions
Florida
1998 · ACTIVE
Washington
1998 · ACTIVE
Kathryn studied at — in University of Miami School of Law and — in University of Washington.
Law school and academic background
Kathryn completed — in University of Miami School of Law and — in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kathryn runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Kathryn has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
Locations
Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton's office in Miami
Kathryn's primary office is at 150 Southeast Second Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33131. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kathryn usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kathryn charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kathryn'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; Kathryn will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Miami, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law 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 Kathryn
Kathryn discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law 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. Kathryn confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kathryn's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kathryn DeVane "Kate" Hamilton
How much does it cost to hire Kathryn for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kathryn walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kathryn offer a free consultation?
Kathryn charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kathryn's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Kathryn's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Florida typically take?
Simple family law 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. Kathryn gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kathryn take my case if I'm outside Miami?
Kathryn 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 — Kathryn 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 Kathryn?
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. Kathryn will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kathryn accepting new family law clients right now?
Kathryn's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Miami, Tampa and Orlando in Florida
Kathryn handles family law matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
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