Up next in our interview series, we interview Richie Boyle, an attorney and partner of Yaffa Family Law Group.
Richie, as a licensed attorney in both Florida and Georgia brings a wealth of knowledge to our firm through his eclectic background, which includes experience in construction and law enforcement. We believe that a well-rounded attorney can relate to more clients, and we are excited to have you learn more about Mr. Boyle
Why did you get into family law?
My first few divorces were of friends and other colleagues and then after that, I realized that family law is essentially just like police work, but without a firearm. I'm still resolving conflicts between parties.
Tell us a little bit about your history.
I grew up in Staten Island, New York. While I was in New York, I ran a home improvement business called Easy Does It Home Improvements. Then, I went to St. John's on a full academic scholarship. After St. John's, we decided, my fiancé at the time - now my wife, Victoria, to move to Georgia and pursue her master's degree. In Georgia, I became a police officer. I was a homicide investigator for about three years, then, decided I wanted to go to law school.
While I was in law school, I became a school police officer, where I had the opportunity to do a lot of teaching. Immediately after law school, I got to teach part-time as an assistant professor for their trial advocacy department. It was a fantastic experience, being able to be invited to teach right out of law school.
I began practicing law in Georgia. I started my practice doing real estate and transactional work as well as some probate work and then drifted to family law. After I officially retired from police work, I decided that I can do law full-time. We made the decision as a family to move to South Florida.
And then, I met Doreen Yaffa.
Currently, I serve as the co-chair of the family law committee in the South Florida Bar Association with Attorney Dominique Sciullo. I'm also co-chair of the CLE committee of the Susan Greenberg Inns of Court, with Attorney Sarah Vitulli.
I have a beautiful three-year-old daughter, Aurora and I’ve been married to my wife Victoria since 2008 and we have been together for 20 years.
What's the most challenging thing that you encounter when you're handling a case?>
Finding the balance between work life and personal life, given the complexities of each case.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to play golf, that's become my sport of choice. When I was younger and lived in New York, I used to play handball. I also like researching new technology and researching automation. I like to fix and build things. I also enjoy working on my cars.
Tell us something about yourself that the world wouldn't know.
I was actually born in Colombia and found out I was adopted very late in life. I grew up with my sister, also named Victoria and now I have recently discovered several other siblings, which has been nice and interesting.
Yaffa Family Law Group is prepared to provide you the best legal service in the Boca Raton area. Our lawyers are experienced in all aspects of family law and are dedicated to our clients. For a free consultation, call (561)276-3880.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take in Florida?
In Florida, an uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as 3–4 weeks, while a contested divorce may take 6 months to over a year depending on the complexity of the case and the court's schedule.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Florida?
While Florida law does not require you to hire an attorney, having an experienced family law attorney significantly improves your chances of achieving a fair outcome, especially in complex cases involving assets, children, or spousal support.
How is property divided in a Florida divorce?
Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution, meaning marital assets and debts are divided fairly — though not always 50/50. Courts consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's financial contributions, and future earning capacity.
What is the first step in filing for divorce in Florida?
The first step is filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the circuit court in your county. You'll also need to serve your spouse with the petition and financial affidavits. Consulting an attorney before filing helps ensure you protect your rights from the start.
If you're facing a family law matter in South Florida, the experienced attorneys at Yaffa Family Law Group's Divorce practice are here to help. Our team understands Florida family law and can guide you through every step. View all our practice areas or contact us today for a confidential consultation.