For 45 years, Lawrence S. Katz has helped clients in Florida, throughout the United States and abroad. He has earned an excellent reputation for providing knowledgeable, quality representation. As one of only a few attorneys in the country who handle complex international cases, Mr. Katz is committed to helping his clients achieve their goals.
Miami divorces and international family law attorneyFocusing on family law, complex jurisdictional issues, child abductions, and interstate and international family law, Lawrence S. Katz handles even the most complicated matters. He served as counsel of record, mentored or consulted in more than 250 Hague Convention and child abduction cases. Mr. Katz was the first attorney (and in the majority of cases, the only U.S. attorney) to recover children from:
Turkey (Non-Hague)
-Iran
-Nicaragua
-Saudi Arabia
-Japan
He has also secured the return of children from the United States to Haiti, Jamaica, Bahamas and Russia. In doing so, he has at times assisted the Office of the U.S. Attorney, the FBI and the Canadian Minister of Justice.
Mr. Katz conducted the first mediation in a Hague case in a pilot program for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the U.S. Department of State in November of 2005. He continues to mediate and frequently lectures on the subject.
Attorney Lawrence S. Katz has represented parents looking to relocate with their children from Miami to other countries after divorce, such as Germany, France, Belgium, Israel and Canada . In one case, he was appointed by the court as a guardian ad litem and was responsible for drafting the portions of the agreement and the final divorce decree pertaining to relocation, jurisdiction and enforcement. In 2012, he testified as an expert and prepared the final judgment of divorce provisions for the court permitting a mother to relocate to Argentina with her two minor children. Mr. Katz has also published an article on the issue of international relocation.
Divorce and relocation laws vary among states, just as they do among countries. Mr. Katz frequently represents clients in interstate relocation cases, as well.
Because of his long track record of success and extensive credentials, Lawrence S. Katz is well-respected among Florida family law attorneys and the judiciary. He has testified on numerous occasions as an expert witness on international matters, especially those concerning the Hague Abduction Convention, abduction factors and profiles, relocation, and drafting and enforcement of court orders. In addition, he serves as co-counsel, drafter of provisions of agreements, court orders and judgments, and consultant in international abduction cases, preventive measures, travel, relocation and jurisdictional matters.
Contact a dedicated Miami, Florida family law attorneyWhen you face a difficult family matter, you need a dedicated attorney on your side. We at The Law Offices of Lawrence S. Katz, P.A. have helped innumerable clients solve family law problems since 1968. Our firm works to protect your family’s future. Call 786.991.2629 today or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Se habla espanol.
About Lawrence S. Katz
Awards
Reviews for Lawrence
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Leave a review about your experience with this lawyer.He went above and beyond at every step, giving thoughtful attention to details while never losing sight of the bigger picture. Communication was excellent — I never felt left in the dark. His balanced approach of strength and understanding was exactly what I needed during a challenging period. Truly a trusted advisor.
From the first meeting, he treated me with genuine respect and concern. He explained the process clearly, never rushed me, and always made me feel supported. His steady approach gave me confidence during a very stressful time. I felt like more than just a client — he truly cared about the outcome.
After consulting several attorneys, I chose Mr. Lawrence for my high-asset divorce. His experience was evident from the first meeting. He understood complex financial issues and negotiated aggressively but fairly. I walked away feeling secure about my future. I highly recommend him for serious, sensitive family matters.
The responsiveness and professionalism of Mr. Katz and his team were outstanding. Calls and emails were always returned promptly, and I was never left in the dark. Their attention to detail and efficiency made a stressful divorce process much more manageable. Excellent client service from start to finish.
In July 1969, three brave men embarked on the Apollo XI mission, an impossible mission for humanity at the time. In December 2024, two courageous lawyers, Mr. Lawrence and Ms. Funny, took on a challenge that, for us in Chile, was impossible: to recover our granddaughter, who had been held captive in the United States. The barriers of distance and language were enormous, yet the feat of Mr. Katz and Ms. Funny was so impressive that it can only be compared to that historic journey. They overcame it all with effort, determination, and especially with knowledge and skill. We will be eternally grateful and impressed by the talent and work ethic of Mr. Katz and Ms. Funny.
I had a fantastic experience working with Larry on my paternity case. He is truly an encyclopedia when it comes to the law—his vast knowledge and insight were invaluable throughout the process. Not only does he possess a remarkable understanding of legal intricacies, but he also demonstrates a true love for the law, which shows in the dedication and passion he brings to his work. I also want to give a huge shout out to his paralegal, Fanny, who was always responsive, organized, and compassionate. Together, they made a fantastic team that kept me informed and reassured every step of the way. I am incredibly grateful for their support and highly recommend Larry to anyone looking for an attorney who combines expertise with genuine care.
Larry is the best lawyer in cases of illegal retention of children and adolescents, we recovered my son in record time. many lawyers will tell you that it is very difficult but Larry is prepared and specialized so that everything is fast and precise. If you are going through a retention of a child by one of his parents, do not hesitate to call the lawyer Larry and his dear assistant Fanny who always helped me with all my doubts and translations. A hug and God bless you. thanks
The best lawyer in the world Lawrence Katz !!! I'm happy. Thanks to him, I won the lawsuit. He helped me a lot in my case (child support)!!!! A pleasant , polite , intelligent lawyer . The best lawyer in the world !!!!!
The best lawyer in the world Lawrence Katz!!! Smart, polite, intelligent. Thanks to him, I won the lawsuit.
Larry is truly the utmost professional . He explained everything very clearly and concise on all aspects of my case . Larry is very knowledgeable and an exceptional listener . I highly recommend his services for those in need .
Services
Areas of Law
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Family Law 6
- Paternity
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Divorce
- Spousal Support
- Visitation Rights
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Domestic Violence 1
- Domestic violence
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Annulment
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Fathers Rights
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Restraining Orders
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Other 38
- Complex matrimonial matters
- Child Custody, Visitation and Support
- Interstate and international custody and support
- Divorce/dissolution of marriage
- International Family Law
- Interstate and international child abduction
- Parental Kidnapping
- Domestic Torts
- Property and marital settlement agreements
- Post- judgment enforcement and modification
- Alimony
- Child Abduction
- Child Care
- Child Custody Mediation
- Child Sexual Abuse
- Child Welfare
- Day Care
- Divorce Taxation
- Domestic Relations
- Equitable Distribution
- International Child Abduction
- Interstate Support
- Marital Agreements
- Marital Property Distribution
- Marital Property Law
- Marital Property Settlements
- Matrimonial Law
- No Fault Divorce
- Parental Rights
- Parenting Time
- Post Divorce Modification
- Post Nuptial Agreements
- Uncontested Divorce
- High Asset Divorce
- International Divorce
- Foreign Prenuptial Agreements
- Domestic Violence & Neglect
- Same-Sex Family Law
Practice Details
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LanguagesSpanish
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Payment InformationPayment & Cost FeaturesFixed hourly rates
Fixed fees available
Accepted Credit CardsAmerican Express
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MasterCard
Visa -
Video CallsOffers Video Calls
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Firm InformationPositionFounderFirm NameThe Law Offices of Lawrence S. Katz, P.A.
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Representative Cases & TransactionsCasesU.S. v. Hurtado, 779 F.2d 1467 (11th Cir. 1985)
U.S. v. Munoz-Realpe, 21 F.3d 375 (11th Cir. 1994)
Leslie v. Noble, 377 F.Supp. 2d 1232 (S.D. Fla. 2005)
Marcos v. Haecker, 915 So. 2d 703 (Fla. 3d DCA 2005)
In Re Cabrera, 323 F.Supp. 2d 1303 (S.D. Fla. 2004)
In Re Arison-Dorsman, U.S. Dist. Lexis 9861, 32 Media L. Rep. 1699 (S.D. Fla. 2004)
In Re DD, 440 F. Supp. 2d 1283 (MD Fla. 2006)
Garcia v. Angarita, 440 F. Supp. 2d 1364 (S.D. Fla. 2006)
Hanley v. Roy, 485 F.3rd 641 (11th Cir. 2007)
Dyce v. Christie, 17 So. 3rd 892 (Fla. 4th DCA 2009)
Abdo v. Ichai, 34 So. 3rd 13 (Fla. 4th DCA 2010)
, Sarpel v. Eflanli, 65 So. 3rd 1080 (Fla. 4th DCA 2011). -
Pro Bono ServicesTime Spent on Pro Bono Work: 15%
We provide pro bono services to the U.S. Central Authority, Dept. of State, for Hague Child Abduction cases and as a mentor for lawyers throughout the United States to assist them in handling such cases.
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Additional Links
Experience
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Bar Admission & MembershipsAdmissions1974, U.S. Supreme Court
1968, Florida
1980, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
1981, U. S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
1996, U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit
1968, U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida and U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit
MembershipsAmerican Bar Association (Member: Sections on: Criminal {International Criminal Law Committee, 1971-1994
Criminal Defense Function Committee, 1989-1996}
Family {Committee on International Law, 1996-, Chairman 2007-2009, Immediate Past Chairman 2009-2010
Domestic Violence 2008-, Vice Chairman 2009-2011
Child Custody 2008-}
International Law {International Family Law Committee, 2004-, Steering Committee, 2007-2012)
The Florida Bar (Member, Sections on: Criminal {Narcotics Practice Committee, 1988-1992}
Family {Mental Health Professional in Litigation, 1994-1996}
Domestic Violence, 1994-1996
Legislation, 1996-2005
Children's Issues, 2006-2010
Continuing Legal Education, 2006-2010)
First Family Law American Inn of Court (President 2009-2010)
International Society of Family Law.Bar FellowshipThe International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. -
Education & CertificationsLaw SchoolUniversity of Miami
Class of 1968
J.D.
Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
Other EducationUniversity of Miami
Class of 1965
B.B.A.
President
University of Miami
Class of 1965
B.B.A.
Phi Epsilon Pi Fraternity
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Military Service2nd Lt., USAR (M.P.), 1965-1968
Contact Lawrence S. Katz
Two Datran Center, Suite 15119130 South Dadeland BoulevardMiami, FL 33156-7814U.S.A.
Show on map- Monday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tuesday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wednesday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thursday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
- Friday 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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Attorneys FAQs
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Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?Lawrence S. Katz is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and United States Supreme Court.
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Does this attorney speak any other languages?Lawrence S. Katz speaks Spanish.
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Does this attorney accept major credit cards?Yes, Lawrence S. Katz will accept Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover.
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How much pro bono work does this attorney do?Lawrence S. Katz spends 15% of their time working pro bono.
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What year was this attorney's law firm established?Law Offices of Lawrence S. Katz, P.A. was established in 1968.