Divorce
Contested and uncontested dissolution, from the first filing through the final judgment, including property, support, and the parenting plan.
Read more →Tallahassee, Florida · Family law & criminal defense
When your family’s future is on the line, experience matters.
Toby Norris has spent 23 years in Florida courtrooms, most of it helping Tallahassee families through divorce, custody, and support. Expect straight answers, returned calls, and a lawyer who has tried these cases to conclusion.
- 23 years in practice
- FSU College of Law, 2003
- Dozens of jury trials
Christopher “Toby” Norris
Attorney & Founder, Norris Law
Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2003 and practicing in the Tallahassee courts ever since. Toby was named partner in 2009, was a founding partner of Fournier, Norris & Wagner in 2012, and opened Norris Law in 2016. When you hire this office, he is the lawyer handling your case.
Read Toby’s backgroundIn our clients’ words
What people say after the case is over
I highly recommend Attorney Toby Norris. He has helped my family through several legal matters over the years, including representing my son on numerous issues and helping my grandson with a child custody matter.
Toby has always been professional, knowledgeable, and willing to take the time to explain everything clearly. He truly cares about his clients and their families, and we have always felt that he had our best interests at heart. He is responsive, compassionate, and works hard to achieve the best possible outcome.
Having an attorney you can trust during difficult and stressful situations means so much, and Toby has been that attorney for our family. I am very grateful for all of his help and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney who genuinely cares about his clients.
Facing criminal charges is extremely stressful and I cannot imagine facing them without Toby (Mr. Norris) in my corner. Most lawyers understand the law but Mr. Norris knows how to explain complicated legal proceedings in a manner anyone can understand. He called me back and spent time understanding the facts of my case. Most importantly, he ensured that my rights were defended above all else.
Toby Norris provides clarity in times when they are most needed. Your phone calls are returned, your questions are answered and when facing life-changing charges, it is vital to be handled in a timely manner. This firm has always treated me respectfully and professionally, which has been an issue in the past with other law offices.
Testimonials describe individual experiences. They are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of any other matter. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Where we focus
Family law is the heart of this practice
Divorce and custody cases are decided on preparation and on knowing how the local courts actually work. Below is where we spend most of our time.
Child Custody & Time-Sharing
Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules under Florida’s 2023 equal time-sharing presumption, plus enforcement when an order is ignored.
Read more →Child Support
Guideline calculations, imputed income, enforcement, and modification when circumstances change.
Read more →Alimony
Spousal support under Florida’s 2023 reform, which eliminated permanent alimony and capped durational awards.
Read more →Division of Assets
Equitable distribution, tracing separate property, and valuing businesses and retirement accounts.
Read more →All family law services
Paternity, modifications, relocation, prenuptial agreements, military divorce, and injunctions for protection.
See everything →From first call to resolution
What working with us looks like
Most people have never hired a lawyer before and do not know what to expect. Here is how a case moves through this office.
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Call, and actually talk to a lawyer
The first consultation is free and confidential. Tell us what happened. We will tell you what the process looks like and what outcomes are realistic, including when you may not need a lawyer at all.
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We build the picture
Court papers, income, assets, and the current schedule with your children. Family cases are decided on documentation, and getting organized early is most of the advantage.
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Resolve it if we can
Most family cases settle, and a negotiated agreement is faster, cheaper, and keeps the decision with you rather than a judge. Florida courts require mediation before a final hearing in contested cases.
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Try it if we must
When the other side will not be reasonable, the case goes to a judge. Toby has tried cases to conclusion, and the other side knowing that tends to improve what gets offered beforehand.
Also handled by this office
Criminal defense and personal injury
Toby began his career as a criminal defense lawyer and has tried dozens of cases to juries in the Tallahassee courts. The firm also represents people injured by someone else’s negligence.
Where we practice
Serving North Florida
Our office is on North Gadsden Street in Tallahassee, and we appear throughout the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Tallahassee · Leon County · Gadsden County · Wakulla County · Jefferson County · Liberty County · Franklin County
Questions we hear every week
Common questions
How much does a first consultation cost?
The initial consultation is free. It is a real conversation about your situation, what the process looks like, and what outcomes are realistic. It is not a sales pitch.
Do you handle cases outside Leon County?
Yes. We appear throughout the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida, covering Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, Liberty, and Wakulla counties, and handle matters elsewhere in Florida depending on the case.
How quickly can I speak with an attorney?
Call during business hours and you will generally reach us the same day. Messages left after hours are returned the next business day, and urgent matters are handled sooner.
What should I bring to the first meeting?
Any court papers you have received, a rough picture of income and assets for both spouses, and, if children are involved, the current schedule. If you do not have any of it yet, come anyway. We can work from what you know.
Talk with Toby about your case
The first consultation is free and confidential. Call and speak with an attorney who has handled these cases in the Second Judicial Circuit of Florida for 23 years.
Photograph: United States Courthouse, Tallahassee, by Carol M. Highsmith. Library of Congress (opens in a new tab), Prints & Photographs Division. Public domain.