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Divorce

Meet Gigi Alkhatib

Doreen Yaffa
Doreen YaffaApril 13, 2023
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Meet Gigi Alkhatib
Why did you get into family law? I went into law knowing that I wanted to help people. I initially started practicing Immigration and Criminal Defense but would also represent lower-income parties in Domestic Violence cases and children in dependency cases pro bono. I then delved into family law full force, eager to assist people moving forward in one of the most difficult times of their life. I have a passion for helping families and children navigate difficult legal situations, as it can be a rewarding and challenging area that allows me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Tell us a little bit about your history. I was born in the Midwest but moved to Florida at a young age. As the second oldest of 5 children, I was born to amazing immigrant Middle Eastern parents. My parents are engineers who value education, strong work ethic, and giving back to the community, and they instilled that in my siblings and me. The University of Florida (go Gators!) is my alma mater, where I studied Criminal Justice. Once I decided to pursue law, I attended Florida A&M University College of Law in Orlando for my Juris Doctor. Finally, American University Washington College of Law in Washington D.C. was my school of choice to obtain my Master of Law in Civil and Constitutional Rights degree with a specialization in Gender and the Law. Following law school, I returned to Florida and was an Adjunct Professor for over five years at a private college in Orlando while simultaneously practicing law. My husband and I relocated to Miami as I continued to build my practice. Just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I met Doreen Yaffa, who I immediately connected with and admired as a female entrepreneur attorney. When we learned I was pregnant with our first child, my husband and I decided to move to Boca Raton, and I was fortunate enough to reconnect with Doreen. Fast forward 2.5 years, and I'm honored to work alongside her to aggressively advocate for our clients. What’s the most challenging thing that you encounter when you’re handling a case? Family law cases involve representing good people at one of the most vulnerable times of their life and include highly emotional and sensitive issues. Sometimes, it's difficult to compartmentalize my client’s pain,  especially when children are involved. What do you like to do for fun? I enjoy spending my free time with my son, husband, and family. We love to travel and experience new places. Tell us something about yourself that the world wouldn’t know. The secret to my delicious lasagna is… it's actually store-bought.

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.

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Doreen Yaffa

Doreen Yaffa

Founder & Managing Partner

Family law attorneys at Yaffa Family Law Group, specializing in divorce, custody, and complex family matters in South Florida.

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"Doreen and her team guided me through one of the hardest times of my life with compassion and precision."

— Former Client, Boca Raton

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