team-member

Susan Best

N/A

N/A

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Divorce and separation

Language

English

About

Susan J. Best is the founder of the law firm BEST LAW, PLLCA fourth-generation native of Lakeland, Ms. Best graduated from Lakeland High School in 1982.Ms. Best earned her Bachelors of Science in Business Management degree from the University of Central Florida in 1986, where she majored in Accounting.Ms. Best then earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1989.Between 1989 and 1995, Ms. Best served as a Judicial Staff Attorney for the judges of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Court in Bartow, Florida. While a staff attorney, Ms. Best was first assigned to the Family Division and then was promoted to work with the Chief Judge handling appeals and probate matters.In 1995, Ms. Best was again promoted to the position of Senior Deputy Court Administrator. While in Court Administration, Ms. Best was responsible for many areas of court management including having supervisory responsibility over 11 staff attorneys and the due process areas of the court including court appointed attorneys, court reporting and court interpreting.

Practices Areas

Estate Planning

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

Best Law, PLLC1869 N Crystal Lake DrLakeland, FL, 33801-5955

Office: (863) 333-9331

Website: N/A

Reviews

Mark
February 5, 2017

I am a disabled US Army Combat Veteran that was in need of legal representation from my past divorce case. Mrs. Best's assistant Amy was very knowledgeable and helpful when I first contacted her office about my case. Other lawyers in the Lakeland and Tampa area would not consider taking my case. I asked the initial question are your Pro Father or Pro Mother for your clients. Amy answered that Mrs. Best represents all clients and does not discriminate. This put my mind at much ease from this point forward. All initial questions I had were answered by Amy and she impressed upon me confidence in my case. I hired Mrs. Best and shortly thereafter a clear and concise plan of action was made. Several motions were filed involving this case and each was handled with due diligence. At the conclusion of my case a very favorable outcome had occurred. If you want an attorney that will stand by your side no matter what obstacle or circumstance then seek legal services from Mrs. Best. I was treated with dignity and respect at all times by Amy and Mrs. Best. They are true professionals and will do their very best to ensure all options are explored to resolve your case. I highly recommend Mrs. Best to represent anyone that is in need of an attorney.

Adriana
March 30, 2016

Ms. Best was hired by my sig. other for his divorce. Ms. Best and her team were very accommodating and understanding of his needs and wants. I came into the picture in the middle of this ordeal and they made sure to respect my sig. others and my wishes. It was a very long drawn out and extremely taxing process through which both Ms. Best and Amy her paralegal were amazing and patient. Ms. Best was able to obtain exactly what my boyfriend had intended and he and I could not be happier to have hired her. We always recommend her to anyone who needs advice in similar situations and will always continue to refer to her. Ms. Best and her team are simply the BEST.

Nathan
March 30, 2016

I hired Ms. Best to represent me on a long drawn out divorce case from hell. Ms. Best and her staff were accommodating and very understanding while I went through this horrific ordeal. I can safely say that I could not have picked a better attorney to help me out and she still does because the mother of my children never quits. Ms. Best helped me to obtain 50% custody of my two children and I could not be more grateful. There have been many many frantic phone calls to her office at all hours of the night and Amy and Ms. Best were amazing. We appreciate you so much. I most certainly have and will continue to recommend Ms. Best to anyone who may need a Family Law attorney.

Ann
March 30, 2016

I hired Susan back in 2010 to assist me in collecting unpaid child support from my ex-husband, WHICH was a nightmare for me. She was able to get child support from my ex with ease. So much stress was lifted from my shoulders. Susan and her assistant, Amy were very professional, very compassionate and understanding. They were stern when they needed to be as well. I would HIGHLY recommend Susan. She really is the BEST!

anonymous
October 10, 2017

I hired Ms Best to help me with visitation and custody of my then 3 month old son and a year and half later she withdrew from my case. She and her staff always told me that it was an investment in my child to fight for my rights. What it was an investment in Ms Best pocket. She let the mother of my child not follow court orders and when I pressed her on these she got angry with me. She would drag her feet at points of the case and tell me that it was the way the court goes. She allowed the mother's attorney bring things up in hearings that were not for what we were in court for but always told me that is not why we are here for today and we would have to wait for the final hearing to bring up these things. We went to court multiple times for non compliance by the mother and each time she did not stand up for me and gave her more time to comply with the court order. The mother would just give a little more information and to this day she is still not in compliance with her information. She will drag everything out and you will pay her for it. If you are a father DO NOT HIRE!!!!

Thomas
October 16, 2012

I hired Susan Best to handle a simple child support and visitation modification. After 7 months and $2,500.00 (and an additional $1,500.00 she blackmailed me with) she still hasn't finished the job. I have requested in person, by phone and by emails that she file discovery requests on my ex, take her deposition, file a motion for contempt on her and set it for hearing...NOTHING. That is what she has done. NOTHING. She specifically told me not to tell her how to run her practice! And then she had the nerve to send me a bill saying she has used up all of the money and would withdraw if I didn't pay her MORE MONEY before the final hearing! Then she had her secretary send me an email that said it had to be paid in 2 weeks time or she would withdraw! For what? At the one hearing we had, she was not prepared, she was still filling out overdue paperwork minutes before the judge walked in and not once tried to state my case to the judge before he ruled. Incompetence. Indifference. It is extremely apparent she has a complete lack of understanding of law and procedure and a complete lack of confidence in her legal abilities. She talks big in the office but doesn't say a word when you need her to --in court. She is also a HUGE gossip! She told me things about other clients and then said "I don't why I just told you all that." She even sent me a long, rambling detailed email one time where she discussed at length another case she was handling. She also told me she has other clients who have filed complaints with the Florida Bar (check it out for yourself). She is currently being investigated. Do not waste your time or money on this lawyer.

Mark
February 5, 2017

I am a disabled US Army Combat Veteran that was in need of legal representation from my past divorce case. Mrs. Best's assistant Amy was very knowledgeable and helpful when I first contacted her office about my case. Other lawyers in the Lakeland and Tampa area would not consider taking my case. I asked the initial question are your Pro Father or Pro Mother for your clients. Amy answered that Mrs. Best represents all clients and does not discriminate. This put my mind at much ease from this point forward. All initial questions I had were answered by Amy and she impressed upon me confidence in my case. I hired Mrs. Best and shortly thereafter a clear and concise plan of action was made. Several motions were filed involving this case and each was handled with due diligence. At the conclusion of my case a very favorable outcome had occurred. If you want an attorney that will stand by your side no matter what obstacle or circumstance then seek legal services from Mrs. Best. I was treated with dignity and respect at all times by Amy and Mrs. Best. They are true professionals and will do their very best to ensure all options are explored to resolve your case. I highly recommend Mrs. Best to represent anyone that is in need of an attorney.

Adriana
March 30, 2016

Ms. Best was hired by my sig. other for his divorce. Ms. Best and her team were very accommodating and understanding of his needs and wants. I came into the picture in the middle of this ordeal and they made sure to respect my sig. others and my wishes. It was a very long drawn out and extremely taxing process through which both Ms. Best and Amy her paralegal were amazing and patient. Ms. Best was able to obtain exactly what my boyfriend had intended and he and I could not be happier to have hired her. We always recommend her to anyone who needs advice in similar situations and will always continue to refer to her. Ms. Best and her team are simply the BEST.

Nathan
March 30, 2016

I hired Ms. Best to represent me on a long drawn out divorce case from hell. Ms. Best and her staff were accommodating and very understanding while I went through this horrific ordeal. I can safely say that I could not have picked a better attorney to help me out and she still does because the mother of my children never quits. Ms. Best helped me to obtain 50% custody of my two children and I could not be more grateful. There have been many many frantic phone calls to her office at all hours of the night and Amy and Ms. Best were amazing. We appreciate you so much. I most certainly have and will continue to recommend Ms. Best to anyone who may need a Family Law attorney.

Ann
March 30, 2016

I hired Susan back in 2010 to assist me in collecting unpaid child support from my ex-husband, WHICH was a nightmare for me. She was able to get child support from my ex with ease. So much stress was lifted from my shoulders. Susan and her assistant, Amy were very professional, very compassionate and understanding. They were stern when they needed to be as well. I would HIGHLY recommend Susan. She really is the BEST!

anonymous
October 10, 2017

I hired Ms Best to help me with visitation and custody of my then 3 month old son and a year and half later she withdrew from my case. She and her staff always told me that it was an investment in my child to fight for my rights. What it was an investment in Ms Best pocket. She let the mother of my child not follow court orders and when I pressed her on these she got angry with me. She would drag her feet at points of the case and tell me that it was the way the court goes. She allowed the mother's attorney bring things up in hearings that were not for what we were in court for but always told me that is not why we are here for today and we would have to wait for the final hearing to bring up these things. We went to court multiple times for non compliance by the mother and each time she did not stand up for me and gave her more time to comply with the court order. The mother would just give a little more information and to this day she is still not in compliance with her information. She will drag everything out and you will pay her for it. If you are a father DO NOT HIRE!!!!

Thomas
October 16, 2012

I hired Susan Best to handle a simple child support and visitation modification. After 7 months and $2,500.00 (and an additional $1,500.00 she blackmailed me with) she still hasn't finished the job. I have requested in person, by phone and by emails that she file discovery requests on my ex, take her deposition, file a motion for contempt on her and set it for hearing...NOTHING. That is what she has done. NOTHING. She specifically told me not to tell her how to run her practice! And then she had the nerve to send me a bill saying she has used up all of the money and would withdraw if I didn't pay her MORE MONEY before the final hearing! Then she had her secretary send me an email that said it had to be paid in 2 weeks time or she would withdraw! For what? At the one hearing we had, she was not prepared, she was still filling out overdue paperwork minutes before the judge walked in and not once tried to state my case to the judge before he ruled. Incompetence. Indifference. It is extremely apparent she has a complete lack of understanding of law and procedure and a complete lack of confidence in her legal abilities. She talks big in the office but doesn't say a word when you need her to --in court. She is also a HUGE gossip! She told me things about other clients and then said "I don't why I just told you all that." She even sent me a long, rambling detailed email one time where she discussed at length another case she was handling. She also told me she has other clients who have filed complaints with the Florida Bar (check it out for yourself). She is currently being investigated. Do not waste your time or money on this lawyer.

Mark
February 5, 2017

I am a disabled US Army Combat Veteran that was in need of legal representation from my past divorce case. Mrs. Best's assistant Amy was very knowledgeable and helpful when I first contacted her office about my case. Other lawyers in the Lakeland and Tampa area would not consider taking my case. I asked the initial question are your Pro Father or Pro Mother for your clients. Amy answered that Mrs. Best represents all clients and does not discriminate. This put my mind at much ease from this point forward. All initial questions I had were answered by Amy and she impressed upon me confidence in my case. I hired Mrs. Best and shortly thereafter a clear and concise plan of action was made. Several motions were filed involving this case and each was handled with due diligence. At the conclusion of my case a very favorable outcome had occurred. If you want an attorney that will stand by your side no matter what obstacle or circumstance then seek legal services from Mrs. Best. I was treated with dignity and respect at all times by Amy and Mrs. Best. They are true professionals and will do their very best to ensure all options are explored to resolve your case. I highly recommend Mrs. Best to represent anyone that is in need of an attorney.

Adriana
March 30, 2016

Ms. Best was hired by my sig. other for his divorce. Ms. Best and her team were very accommodating and understanding of his needs and wants. I came into the picture in the middle of this ordeal and they made sure to respect my sig. others and my wishes. It was a very long drawn out and extremely taxing process through which both Ms. Best and Amy her paralegal were amazing and patient. Ms. Best was able to obtain exactly what my boyfriend had intended and he and I could not be happier to have hired her. We always recommend her to anyone who needs advice in similar situations and will always continue to refer to her. Ms. Best and her team are simply the BEST.

Nathan
March 30, 2016

I hired Ms. Best to represent me on a long drawn out divorce case from hell. Ms. Best and her staff were accommodating and very understanding while I went through this horrific ordeal. I can safely say that I could not have picked a better attorney to help me out and she still does because the mother of my children never quits. Ms. Best helped me to obtain 50% custody of my two children and I could not be more grateful. There have been many many frantic phone calls to her office at all hours of the night and Amy and Ms. Best were amazing. We appreciate you so much. I most certainly have and will continue to recommend Ms. Best to anyone who may need a Family Law attorney.

Ann
March 30, 2016

I hired Susan back in 2010 to assist me in collecting unpaid child support from my ex-husband, WHICH was a nightmare for me. She was able to get child support from my ex with ease. So much stress was lifted from my shoulders. Susan and her assistant, Amy were very professional, very compassionate and understanding. They were stern when they needed to be as well. I would HIGHLY recommend Susan. She really is the BEST!

anonymous
October 10, 2017

I hired Ms Best to help me with visitation and custody of my then 3 month old son and a year and half later she withdrew from my case. She and her staff always told me that it was an investment in my child to fight for my rights. What it was an investment in Ms Best pocket. She let the mother of my child not follow court orders and when I pressed her on these she got angry with me. She would drag her feet at points of the case and tell me that it was the way the court goes. She allowed the mother's attorney bring things up in hearings that were not for what we were in court for but always told me that is not why we are here for today and we would have to wait for the final hearing to bring up these things. We went to court multiple times for non compliance by the mother and each time she did not stand up for me and gave her more time to comply with the court order. The mother would just give a little more information and to this day she is still not in compliance with her information. She will drag everything out and you will pay her for it. If you are a father DO NOT HIRE!!!!

Thomas
October 16, 2012

I hired Susan Best to handle a simple child support and visitation modification. After 7 months and $2,500.00 (and an additional $1,500.00 she blackmailed me with) she still hasn't finished the job. I have requested in person, by phone and by emails that she file discovery requests on my ex, take her deposition, file a motion for contempt on her and set it for hearing...NOTHING. That is what she has done. NOTHING. She specifically told me not to tell her how to run her practice! And then she had the nerve to send me a bill saying she has used up all of the money and would withdraw if I didn't pay her MORE MONEY before the final hearing! Then she had her secretary send me an email that said it had to be paid in 2 weeks time or she would withdraw! For what? At the one hearing we had, she was not prepared, she was still filling out overdue paperwork minutes before the judge walked in and not once tried to state my case to the judge before he ruled. Incompetence. Indifference. It is extremely apparent she has a complete lack of understanding of law and procedure and a complete lack of confidence in her legal abilities. She talks big in the office but doesn't say a word when you need her to --in court. She is also a HUGE gossip! She told me things about other clients and then said "I don't why I just told you all that." She even sent me a long, rambling detailed email one time where she discussed at length another case she was handling. She also told me she has other clients who have filed complaints with the Florida Bar (check it out for yourself). She is currently being investigated. Do not waste your time or money on this lawyer.

Mark
February 5, 2017

I am a disabled US Army Combat Veteran that was in need of legal representation from my past divorce case. Mrs. Best's assistant Amy was very knowledgeable and helpful when I first contacted her office about my case. Other lawyers in the Lakeland and Tampa area would not consider taking my case. I asked the initial question are your Pro Father or Pro Mother for your clients. Amy answered that Mrs. Best represents all clients and does not discriminate. This put my mind at much ease from this point forward. All initial questions I had were answered by Amy and she impressed upon me confidence in my case. I hired Mrs. Best and shortly thereafter a clear and concise plan of action was made. Several motions were filed involving this case and each was handled with due diligence. At the conclusion of my case a very favorable outcome had occurred. If you want an attorney that will stand by your side no matter what obstacle or circumstance then seek legal services from Mrs. Best. I was treated with dignity and respect at all times by Amy and Mrs. Best. They are true professionals and will do their very best to ensure all options are explored to resolve your case. I highly recommend Mrs. Best to represent anyone that is in need of an attorney.

Adriana
March 30, 2016

Ms. Best was hired by my sig. other for his divorce. Ms. Best and her team were very accommodating and understanding of his needs and wants. I came into the picture in the middle of this ordeal and they made sure to respect my sig. others and my wishes. It was a very long drawn out and extremely taxing process through which both Ms. Best and Amy her paralegal were amazing and patient. Ms. Best was able to obtain exactly what my boyfriend had intended and he and I could not be happier to have hired her. We always recommend her to anyone who needs advice in similar situations and will always continue to refer to her. Ms. Best and her team are simply the BEST.

Nathan
March 30, 2016

I hired Ms. Best to represent me on a long drawn out divorce case from hell. Ms. Best and her staff were accommodating and very understanding while I went through this horrific ordeal. I can safely say that I could not have picked a better attorney to help me out and she still does because the mother of my children never quits. Ms. Best helped me to obtain 50% custody of my two children and I could not be more grateful. There have been many many frantic phone calls to her office at all hours of the night and Amy and Ms. Best were amazing. We appreciate you so much. I most certainly have and will continue to recommend Ms. Best to anyone who may need a Family Law attorney.

Ann
March 30, 2016

I hired Susan back in 2010 to assist me in collecting unpaid child support from my ex-husband, WHICH was a nightmare for me. She was able to get child support from my ex with ease. So much stress was lifted from my shoulders. Susan and her assistant, Amy were very professional, very compassionate and understanding. They were stern when they needed to be as well. I would HIGHLY recommend Susan. She really is the BEST!

anonymous
October 10, 2017

I hired Ms Best to help me with visitation and custody of my then 3 month old son and a year and half later she withdrew from my case. She and her staff always told me that it was an investment in my child to fight for my rights. What it was an investment in Ms Best pocket. She let the mother of my child not follow court orders and when I pressed her on these she got angry with me. She would drag her feet at points of the case and tell me that it was the way the court goes. She allowed the mother's attorney bring things up in hearings that were not for what we were in court for but always told me that is not why we are here for today and we would have to wait for the final hearing to bring up these things. We went to court multiple times for non compliance by the mother and each time she did not stand up for me and gave her more time to comply with the court order. The mother would just give a little more information and to this day she is still not in compliance with her information. She will drag everything out and you will pay her for it. If you are a father DO NOT HIRE!!!!

Thomas
October 16, 2012

I hired Susan Best to handle a simple child support and visitation modification. After 7 months and $2,500.00 (and an additional $1,500.00 she blackmailed me with) she still hasn't finished the job. I have requested in person, by phone and by emails that she file discovery requests on my ex, take her deposition, file a motion for contempt on her and set it for hearing...NOTHING. That is what she has done. NOTHING. She specifically told me not to tell her how to run her practice! And then she had the nerve to send me a bill saying she has used up all of the money and would withdraw if I didn't pay her MORE MONEY before the final hearing! Then she had her secretary send me an email that said it had to be paid in 2 weeks time or she would withdraw! For what? At the one hearing we had, she was not prepared, she was still filling out overdue paperwork minutes before the judge walked in and not once tried to state my case to the judge before he ruled. Incompetence. Indifference. It is extremely apparent she has a complete lack of understanding of law and procedure and a complete lack of confidence in her legal abilities. She talks big in the office but doesn't say a word when you need her to --in court. She is also a HUGE gossip! She told me things about other clients and then said "I don't why I just told you all that." She even sent me a long, rambling detailed email one time where she discussed at length another case she was handling. She also told me she has other clients who have filed complaints with the Florida Bar (check it out for yourself). She is currently being investigated. Do not waste your time or money on this lawyer.