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Magistrate Helping People Move Forward with Their Life

Panama City Beach Magistrate Hearing Lawyers

A General Magistrate Can Be Assigned to Your Case: Contact Us Today at (800) 822-5170

In Florida, a general magistrate may be assigned to handle your family law or divorce case. A magistrate is a licensed Florida attorney appointed by a judge to assist civil courts in hearing cases. Unlike a judge, a magistrate is not appointed by the Florida governor or elected by voters to serve at the bench. Sometimes our clients request to have their case heard by a magistrate instead of a judge, because they are typically resolved more quickly than if they go to a circuit court judge in family court. On the other hand, if your case is assigned to a magistrate, you can object and request a judge, instead.

Our Panama City Beach magistrate hearing lawyers are here to help you present your case to a magistrate. To get started, contact us at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. today at (800) 822-5170. 

Presenting to a Magistrate

Our attorneys have years of experience in divorce litigation in front of judges and magistrates alike, and we can help you determine whether presenting before a magistrate is in your best interests. If your case is referred to a magistrate and neither you nor your estranged spouse objects, then the magistrate will conduct the hearing in the same manner as a judge. He or she takes testimony, rules on evidentiary issues, and makes a ruling on the matter.

A key difference between a judge and a magistrate is that the magistrate has no authority to enter a court order; instead, the magistrate must have their recommendation approved by a judge before they are enforceable orders. If you or your spouse objects to the magistrate’s recommendations, our attorneys are experienced in objections to their rulings, and we can possibly seek other remedies within the court.

Contact us at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. and let us put our experience to work for you. 

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
  • Ownership
    We take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
  • Results Driven
    We focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
  • We are in it Together
    We are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
  • Reputation
    Reputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
  • Community Stewardship
    We embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.

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    • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
      Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
      - A Divorce Client
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      The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
      - Visi, A Divorce Client
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      I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
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