How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a child custody 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 child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.

How long do child custody cases in Florida typically take?

Simple child custody 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 Tavares?

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 child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Thomas Holden, Child Custody Attorney in Tavares, Florida

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law

Holden & Darby, P.A.

Tavares, FL

Practicing child custody in Tavares since 1982.

44+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Divorce Family Law General

Are you Thomas Holden?

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Quick answer

Thomas Holden is an attorney based in Tavares, FL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law. Thomas has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Holden & Darby, P.A..

Based in: Tavares, FL
Experience: over 44 years
Known for: Child Custody · Divorce · Family Law

Handles Child Custody, Divorce, and Family Law matters from Tavares, FL.
Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Thomas takes on

Thomas concentrates on child custody, divorce, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Tavares, Florida

Thomas takes child custody matters in Tavares, 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.

Divorce cases in Tavares, Florida

Thomas takes divorce matters in Tavares, 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.

Family Law cases in Tavares, Florida

Thomas takes family law matters in Tavares, 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 Tavares, Florida

Thomas takes general matters in Tavares, 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

Meet Thomas Holden — child custody lawyer in Tavares

I am an attorney who helps clients involved in family-law litigation cases. I handle all aspects of family law cases from consultation to conclusion.

Prior to starting Holden & Darby, P.A., I was the supervising attorney for the Department of Children and Families, where I was responsible for the legal department in Lake County.

I have been a practicing attorney since 1982. During my years of practice, I have handled a variety of cases, including but not limited to: personal injury, criminal, bankruptcy, real estate and many other civil litigation areas. At this time, I solely focus on handling dissolution of marriage, dependency, domestic violence, paternity and other child-related cases.

I am married and reside in Lake County. My Wife, Katrina, and I enjoy spending time with our black lab, Marley.

Thomas's approach to child custody cases

I am an attorney who helps clients involved in family-law litigation cases. I handle all aspects of family law cases from consultation to conclusion. Prior to starting Holden & Darby, P.A., I was the supervising attorney for the Department of Children and Families, where I was responsible for the legal department in Lake County. I have been a practicing attorney since 1982. During my years of…

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, divorce, and family law matters in Tavares and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Nova University
J.D. · 1982
Nichols College
B.S.B.A. · 1975

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

Florida U.S. Distric
1982 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in Nova University and B.S.B.A. in Nichols College.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in Nova University and B.S.B.A. in Nichols College. 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.

Locations

Thomas Holden's office in Tavares

Thomas's primary office is at 221 North Joanna Avenue, Tavares, FL, 32778. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Holden & Darby, P.A.

221 North Joanna Avenue

Tavares, FL 32778

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas Holden

Thomas has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas Holden — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new child custody 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 child custody attorney in Tavares, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody 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 child custody practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody 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 child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Thomas Holden

How much does it cost to hire Thomas for a child custody 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 child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Thomas's current terms during booking.
How long do child custody cases in Florida typically take?
Simple child custody 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 Tavares?
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 child custody clients right now?
Thomas's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Tavares, Miami and Tampa in Florida

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

More counsel

If Thomas's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Tavares handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.