Business Details
40 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Bartow and Lake Wales, FL
Founded in 1986 by Richard McKinley, our law firm has provided dedicated legal representation across Florida for over three decades. Specializing in Family & Marital Law, Criminal Law, and Personal Injury litigation, we combine extensive trial experience with personalized service to address each client's unique needs. Our attorneys, including Sara M. McKinley, have successfully represented clients in complex cases ranging from divorce and custody disputes to felony criminal defense.With offices in Bartow and Lake Wales, we maintain proximity to local courthouses while serving clients throughout Polk County. Our commitment to legal excellence is demonstrated through our track record of successful appeals and decades of community service, reflecting our deep understanding of both courtroom procedures and client-centered advocacy.
Services
Family & Marital Law
Criminal Defense
Guardianship
Probate
Personal Injury
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of combined legal experience in Florida courts
- Our attorneys have extensive trial and appellate success in multiple practice areas
- We provide personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances
- We maintain convenient office locations in both Bartow and Lake Wales
- Our attorneys have served Polk County communities for multiple generations
Services
Family & Marital Law
Our firm handles all aspects of family law including divorce, custody disputes, child support, and domestic violence injunctions. We provide strategic representation for complex marital dissolutions involving high-asset divisions and professional clients. Our attorneys have successfully litigated family law matters at both trial and appellate levels.
Criminal Defense
We defend clients against felony and misdemeanor charges including DUI, sex crimes, and homicide. Our experience includes jury trials in state and federal courts, probation violation defense, and appellate representation. The firm's founder served as Assistant Public Defender before establishing private practice in 1986.
Personal Injury
We represent injured parties in personal injury cases, focusing on automobile accidents and premises liability. Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies and litigate cases to verdict when fair settlements cannot be achieved. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis to ensure access to legal representation.
Probate
Our probate services include estate administration, will contests, and guardianship proceedings. We guide families through Florida's probate process while addressing potential disputes between beneficiaries. The firm handles both contested and uncontested probate matters across Polk County.
Guardianship
We establish and manage guardianship arrangements for minors and incapacitated adults. Our services include drafting guardianship petitions, court representation, and ongoing compliance with reporting requirements. We assist families in creating legal frameworks that protect vulnerable individuals while maintaining court compliance.
People
Richard McKinley
Founder & Attorney
With 35+ years of experience, Richard McKinley specializes in family and criminal law. Former Assistant Public Defender, now representing clients in divorce, custody, and felony cases with successful appellate outcomes.
Sara M. McKinley
Attorney
Sara McKinley focuses on family law and criminal defense. Admitted to Florida Bar since 2011, she handles divorce cases, custody disputes, and criminal matters ranging from DUI to felony defense.
Questions
What areas of law does McKinley Law Firm specialize in?
We specialize in Family & Marital Law, Criminal Defense, Guardianship, Probate, and Personal Injury cases across Polk County.
How long has McKinley Law Firm been in practice?
The firm has served Florida communities since 1986, with Richard McKinley's legal experience dating back to 1980.
What locations does McKinley Law Firm serve?
We maintain offices in both Bartow (190 E Davidson St) and Lake Wales (33 State Road 60 W), serving all of Polk County.
What experience do your attorneys have in criminal defense?
Our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal cases, including over 50 felony jury trials, with experience in both state and federal courts.
How does McKinley Law Firm handle family law cases?
We handle all family law matters including divorce, custody disputes, and domestic violence injunctions with personalized strategies for each client's unique situation.
