How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a family law case?

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

Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Pensacola?

Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?

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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Thomas accepting new family law clients right now?

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

Thomas Craft Staples, Family Law Attorney in Pensacola

Quick answer

Thomas Craft Staples is a member based in Pensacola, FL. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Medical Malpractice. Thomas has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Pensacola, FL
Experience: over 53 years
Known for: Family Law · General · Medical Malpractice

Handles Family Law, General, and Medical Malpractice matters from Pensacola, FL.
Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Thomas's practice areas in Pensacola

Thomas concentrates on family law, general, medical malpractice, personal injury, and poa. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Family Law cases in Pensacola, Florida

Thomas takes family law matters in Pensacola, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

General cases in Pensacola, Florida

Thomas takes general matters in Pensacola, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Medical Malpractice cases in Pensacola, Florida

Thomas takes medical malpractice matters in Pensacola, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in Pensacola, Florida

Thomas takes personal injury matters in Pensacola, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Pensacola, Florida

Thomas takes poa matters in Pensacola, 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 Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

Thomas Craft Staples, family law attorney serving Pensacola

Thomas Craft Staples is a member based in Pensacola, FL. The practice focuses on Family Law, General, and Medical Malpractice. Thomas has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A.. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Thomas works from Pensacola, Florida and takes on family law matters across the region.

Thomas Craft Staples is a lawyer practicing personal injury, medical malpractice, family law and 4 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Tulane University of Louisiana in 1968, and has been licensed for 53 years. Thomas practices at Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A. in Pensacola, FL.

Working with Thomas on a family law matter

Thomas Craft Staples is a lawyer practicing personal injury, medical malpractice, family law and 4 other areas of law. Thomas received a B.A. degree from Tulane University of Louisiana in 1968, and has been licensed for 53 years. Thomas practices at Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A. in Pensacola, FL.

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, general, and medical malpractice matters in Pensacola and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Thomas studied and practices

Tulane University of Louisiana
J.D. · 1973
Tulane University of Louisiana
B.A. · 1968

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

Florida
1973 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Tulane University of Louisiana and B.A. in Tulane University of Louisiana.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Thomas's legal honors and published work

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

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Thomas Craft Staples's office in Pensacola

Thomas's primary office is at 41 N. Jefferson St., Ste. 400, Pensacola, FL, 32502. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Staples, Ellis + Associates, P.A.

41 N. Jefferson St., Ste. 400

Pensacola, FL 32502

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Craft Staples — 4.8/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Thomas. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Pensacola.

4.8

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas Craft Staples claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Craft Staples — 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 Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Thomas charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas'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; Thomas will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a family law attorney in Pensacola, 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 Thomas

Thomas 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. Thomas confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas'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 Thomas Craft Staples

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Thomas walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Thomas offer a free consultation?
Thomas charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Thomas's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas'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. Thomas gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Pensacola?
Thomas 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 — Thomas 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 Thomas?
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. Thomas will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Thomas accepting new family law clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Florida residents in the last few months, answered by family law attorneys like Thomas Craft Staples. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can grandparents seek custody in Florida?
My daughter is struggling with substance abuse, and I’m worried about my 5-year-old granddaughter’s safety. I live in Florida, and I would like to know if I can file for custody. A
1 verified answer · Family Law · Florida
Can I request a domestic violence restraining order in Hawaii?
I've been in an abusive relationship and I live in Hawaii. I’m terrified for my safety and need to know if I can file for a domestic violence restraining order. What steps do I nee
1 verified answer · Family Law · Hawaii
Are verbal agreements enforceable in New York custody cases?
I had an informal verbal agreement with my ex about custody arrangements for our son, but now she wants to change it. I live in New York, and I’m not sure if this verbal agreement
1 verified answer · Family Law · New York
How do I enforce a child support order in Michigan?
My ex-husband hasn’t paid child support in over three months, and I’m in Michigan. I’m at my wit's end trying to support our two kids and need to know how I can enforce our child s
1 verified answer · Family Law · Michigan
What is the process for adopting a child in Illinois?
My partner and I want to adopt a child in Illinois, and we’re excited but overwhelmed by the process. We’re unsure about what paperwork we need to file and how long the entire proc
1 verified answer · Family Law · Illinois
How is child custody determined in Ohio?
I’m going through a tough divorce in Ohio, and my ex and I are already arguing about custody of our 9-year-old daughter. I want to have a clear understanding of how custody is dete
1 verified answer · Family Law · Ohio

Areas served

Family Law attorneys serving Pensacola, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Thomas 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.

Thomas Craft Staples, Family Law Attorney in Pensacola, Florida

Quick answer