Gill S. Freeman (Retired Judge 11th Judicial Circuit) joins JAMS from the Miami Dade Circuit Court, where she was highly regarded for her settlement skills in a broad range of legal matters, especially family law matters. Whether as a celebrated trial judge or an accomplished trial attorney, Ms. Freeman brings a seasoned perspective from both the bench and bar to every mediation and arbitration. Known for her warm personality, calm demeanor and thorough preparation, Ms. Freeman will positively engage with attorneys and parties in creating an atmosphere conducive to resolving disputes.
Prior to joining JAMS, Ms. Freeman sat on the Miami Dade Circuit Court for nearly 20 years including the Family Court. She was the first judge to preside over the Complex Business Division, serving there for five years.
Prior to her appointment to the bench, Ms. Freeman practiced commercial, insurance, securities, and family law for twenty years at a major South Florida law firm. Her move to the bench was largely driven by her desire to effectuate change and fairness in the court system. Ms. Freeman is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards honoring her for her dedication and commitment to fairness, diversity and the elimination of bias in the legal profession. Most recently the Young Lawyers Section of The Florida Bar named her “Jurist of the Year” for her outstanding contributions.
Representative Matters (Family Law)
Ms. Freeman handled, as part of her private practice and as a presiding judge, virtually all aspects of family law cases, including:
- Creation and modifications of timesharing plans
- Matters involving custody and timesharing including cases when one or both parents have alcohol, drug, or mental health concerns
- Relocation and unauthorized removal of children from the state
- Custody and care of children with special needs
- Equitable Distribution including valuation of property, date of date of valuation
- Negotiation and enforcement of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Dissolution of family partnerships and family corporations
- Distribution of assets and debt, tax issues in divorce
- Paternity cases involving DNA, surrogate/in vitro cases
- Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse of minors and young adults
- Alimony
- Annulment
- Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction
- Adoptions
