Richard West

Richard West is managing partner and founder of the Orlando law firm, West Family Law Group. As an attorney who practices family law exclusively, Richard is known for inspiring confidence in clients at one of the most stressful times in their life. Listening, educating, advocating, he guides clients to sound strategic decisions that protect their priorities. Richard is focused on assuring clients realize the greatest value from his legal counsel, while minimizing the emotional costs of divorce. A skilled litigator, as well as an insightful collaborative lawyer, Richard offers clients the full range of approaches to best suit their situation and goals. With almost 40 years of experience in family law, Richard uses his experience with the legal system, judges and other lawyers to help clients achieve the best possible results.
Richard has practiced law in Orlando since 1986. Board-Certified in Marital and Family Law since 1990, he is Past President and current Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Florida Chapter and a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Richard is a Diplomate of the prestigious American College of Family Trial Lawyers, he is one of only 100 lawyers in the country to have been honored with that distinction He is also a member and Past Chair of the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the AAML Foundation. He has been selected as one of Orlando’s top family lawyers by Orlando Magazine since 2006. Each year since 2005, he has been nominated and named to the Best Lawyers in America and for 2024 recognized as “Orlando Family Lawyer of the Year” for the fifth time. West Family Law Group has been named a Tier 1 firm in Orlando for family law by US News-Best Lawyers, “Best Law Firms in 2017-2021”. He has an A–V rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is listed as “Preeminent”.
Committed to keeping his client’s out of court, whenever possible, he is a strong proponent and early adopter of Alternative Dispute Resolution in divorce and family law cases. Richard has been a mediator since 1988 and is a founding member of The Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida Alliance and The Central Florida Family Law Inn of Court. He was one of the first two lawyers in Orlando trained in Collaborative Law. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America not just as a family lawyer but as a mediator and collaborative lawyer as well.
Richard is a frequent lecturer for the Florida Bar, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the International Academy of Family Lawyers, The American Bar Association, and has spoken to numerous groups and organizations throughout the United States on family law. His topics have included trial preparation, collaborative law, alternative dispute resolution methods, and mediation techniques.
Richard grew up in Florida and is married to Pam. Outside of his practice, he enjoys golf, travel, cooking, and reading. Richard and Pam, and West Family Law Group support local organizations such as Team Gamez Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Central Florida Women’s League.