Three decades in Florida family law — and nothing else.
Allyson Hughes built her practice on a single decision: do one thing, and do it for as long as it takes to truly know it. Since 1998 she has been Board Certified in Marital and Family Law — a credential held by fewer than 300 attorneys in Florida, less than one percent of the bar. Recertification every five years. Peer review. A written specialty exam. The credential is not a marketing line. It is an ongoing commitment.
She is also one of approximately 100 Florida attorneys elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an organization whose members are bound to a code of conduct stricter than the Florida Bar requires. She is a Past Chair of the Family Law Section of The Florida Bar, a former Co-Chair of the Matrimonial Trial Advocacy Seminar, and a frequent speaker on Florida family law topics for other attorneys.
Most divorces resolve through negotiation. The ones that don't, resolve in court. Hughes Law Group prepares every case as if it is going to trial — because the strongest negotiating position is the one backed by an attorney the other side knows is ready to try the case. That preparation is what clients pay for, whether or not they ever see a courtroom.
Meet Allyson Hughes →Credentials are easy to list. These are the ones that matter.
Board Certified — what it actually means.
The Florida Bar's Board Certification in Marital and Family Law is the bar's formal recognition of specialist-level expertise. It requires a written exam, peer review by judges and fellow attorneys, substantial trial experience, and recertification every five years. Allyson has held it since 1998.
AAML Fellow — and what that signals.
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is invitation-only. Fellows are bound to the AAML's Bounds of Advocacy, a code of professional conduct stricter than what the Florida Bar requires. The Florida chapter has approximately 100 Fellows statewide.
A specialist, not a general practice.
Hughes Law Group does not handle personal injury, criminal defense, real estate, or estate planning. Florida marital and family law is the only thing the firm practices — and has been since 1998. The depth of that focus is what clients are buying.
Tried cases, not just settled them.
Allyson is a former Co-Chair of the Florida Bar's Matrimonial Trial Advocacy Seminar — the program that trains other family law attorneys to try cases. Most cases settle. The ones that don't are why preparation matters from day one.
Florida marital & family law — the full scope.
Contested and uncontested. Complex assets, business interests, and high-conflict cases.
Learn more →A structured, out-of-court process for couples committed to resolving without litigation.
Learn more →Parenting plans built to last — specific enough to prevent return trips to court.
Learn more →Florida's 2023 reform explained, applied, and negotiated to your situation.
Learn more →Marital vs. non-marital classification, business valuation, and from simple to complex asset division.
Learn more →Calculation, enforcement, and modification under Florida's statutory guidelines.
Learn more →Agreements drafted to be enforceable — and to hold up if they're ever tested.
Learn more →Post-judgment changes to alimony, support, time-sharing, and parenting plans.
Learn more →Establishing parental rights, time-sharing, and support outside of marriage.
Learn more →How working with the firm actually works.
Every case is different. The way we engage with clients is consistent — clear scope, honest expectations, and a single point of contact who knows your file.
A focused conversation about your situation — the facts, the assets, the children, the relationship history. You leave with a realistic read on what to expect, not a sales pitch.
Before any filings, we agree on the path: collaborative, negotiated, mediated, or litigated. Scope of representation and fee structure are clear in writing before work begins.
Filings, financial disclosure, negotiation, mediation, and — if it gets there — trial preparation. You hear from the firm proactively, not only when the other side files something.
Final judgment, parenting plan, and any post-judgment work to enforce or modify the result. The goal is a resolution that holds up — so you don't end up back in court a year later.
The people you'll actually work with.
Angela Belair
Angela Belair is an experienced paralegal supporting the firm's family law practice from initial filings through resolution. Outside the office, Angela is currently training in martial arts, played softball for six years, and is a longtime tap and ballet dancer.
Hattie Ernst
Hattie Ernst keeps Hughes Law Group running smoothly and is often the first person you'll speak with when you call the firm. Hattie joined Hughes Law Group in 2013 as the firm's Office Administrator, having moved to New Port Richey from Naples, Florida in 2003. An avid sports fan, Hattie enjoys fishing and watching football and baseball.
Focused and committed to achieving results in a timely manner. At the same time, professional, caring, and sensitive. Guided me through every step with realistic expectations.