Practice Areas
From divorce and child support to contract and insurance disputes, Gerdts Bucelo Law guides you through every step with experience, care and a strategy built around your goals. Explore our practice areas below.
Family Law
Family matters are personal, and they deserve both compassion and a strong strategy. Whether you're facing a divorce, working out a parenting plan, or
protecting your rights after a judgment, you need someone who listens and fights for your family's future.
At Gerdts Bucelo Law, you work directly with Cristy from the first consultation to the final resolution. We explain every option in plain language, in English or Spanish, and we prepare every case as if it's going to trial, so you're ready for whatever comes.
Civil Litigation
Civil disputes can disrupt your finances, your home and your business, often when you least expect it. Maybe an insurance company denied a valid claim. Maybe your HOA overstepped its authority, or a contractor or business partner broke an agreement. Whatever the situation, you deserve an advocate who takes your case seriously and pushes back with skill and determination.
We represent individuals, families and businesses in civil matters. We review your contracts, policies and evidence, explain your options and risks in plain language, and build a strategy around your goals
Limited Appearances
Not every legal matter requires full representation from start to finish. Some people choose to handle parts of their case on their own, but want an experienced attorney by their side for the moments that matter most. A limited appearance makes that possible. You get focused, professional representation exactly where you need it, while keeping your case within reach of your budget.
1
Petition for Paternity
Establishing paternity gives your child the right to financial support and gives fathers the legal right to seek time-sharing and parental responsibility. We guide mothers and fathers through every step, from filing the petition and genetic testing to creating a parenting plan.
2
Alimony
Florida's alimony laws changed in 2023, and permanent alimony is no longer available. Whether you may pay or receive support, we explain your options, including bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative and durational alimony, and build a strong case around the factors courts consider.
3
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
A clear agreement protects both partners and prevents conflict down the road. We draft and review prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that address property, debts, businesses and support, carefully prepared to protect your interests and hold up if ever challenged.
4
Dissolution of Marriage
Whether your divorce is uncontested or highly disputed, we guide you through every stage with clarity and care. We help divide assets and debts, build parenting plans, and resolve support, seeking agreement where possible and preparing for trial when necessary.
5
Time-Sharing
In Florida, custody is called time-sharing. We help parents create parenting plans and schedules centered on the child's best interests, and we advocate firmly when the other parent won't cooperate, so your relationship with your children stays protected.
6
Child Support
Florida calculates child support using statutory guidelines based on both parents' incomes, time-sharing and the child's needs. We make sure every number is accurate and help you establish, enforce or contest support, so your children receive what they deserve.
7
Petition for Relocation
Moving with your child more than 50 miles for 60 days or longer, generally requires the other parent's written agreement or court approval. We help parents seeking to relocate, and parents opposing a move, present their strongest possible case.
8
Post-Judgment Modifications
Life changes after a final judgment. When there's a substantial change in circumstances, such as a new job, a move, or a change in your child's needs, we help you modify time-sharing, child support or alimony to fit your current reality.
9
Petition for Name Change
Whether you're restoring your former name after a divorce or changing your child's name, we handle the entire process. We prepare and file your petition, guide you through the required steps, and represent you at the final hearing.
10
Guardianship
When a loved one can no longer make safe decisions on their own, guardianship can protect their health, finances and wellbeing. We guide families through Florida's guardianship process for minors and incapacitated adults, from the petition to court approval and ongoing reporting.
1
Breach of Contract Disputes
When a client, contractor or business partner fails to honor an agreement, it can cost you money and peace of mind. We review your contract and evidence, calculate your losses, and pursue the resolution you're owed, or build your defense.
2
HOA & Condominium Litigation
Disputes with your homeowners' or condominium association hit close to home. We help owners challenge unfair fines, disputed special assessments, selective rule enforcement, and associations that fail to maintain common areas, so your property and your rights stay protected.
3
Property Insurance Litigation
When your insurer denies, delays or underpays a valid claim, we hold it accountable. We review your policy, document the damage from hurricanes, roof leaks, water, fire or mold, and act quickly, because Florida's claim deadlines are tighter than ever.
4
Civil Suits
Whether you need to file a lawsuit or you've just been served with one, we guide you through every stage, from pleadings and discovery to mediation and trial. We assess your case honestly and prepare it as if it's headed to court.
1
Mediation
Many family and civil cases are resolved at the mediation table. We prepare your position, evaluate every offer honestly, and negotiate on your behalf, in English or Spanish, helping you reach a fair agreement without the cost and stress of trial.
2
Hearing Coverage
Scheduling conflicts shouldn't put your client at risk. We provide reliable hearing coverage for attorneys and law firms across South Florida, appearing fully prepared, following your instructions precisely, and reporting back promptly, in person or by Zoom.
Professional Advocacy Backed by Experienced Practice
Every practice area is handled with the same edge. Founding Attorney Cristy Gerdts Bucelo has spent more than 7 years building cases on careful preparation and a deep understanding of how Florida courts work, so your strategy is designed to protect your rights from day one.
Our bilingual team serves clients in English and Spanish, so you can talk about your family, your fears and your goals in the language you're most comfortable with. Nothing gets lost in translation.