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Biographical Information

Raymond J. Rafool, II, a partner at Rafool, LLC, is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, all courts in the State of Florida; the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida; and the U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida. Mr. Rafool, a Board Certified Attorney in Marital and Family Law, concentrates his practice on domestic and international family law and business and commercial litigation. Mr. Rafool is Board Certified in marital and family law by the Florida Bar, and Nationally Board Certified as an Expert in Family Trial Law by The National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA).

Mr. Rafool was named in the Miami Herald’s 2015 – 2018 list of South Florida’s Legal Leaders, Top Rated Lawyers.  He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and was selected to the 2013-2020 Florida Super Lawyers list which recognizes no more than five percent of attorneys in each state. In addition, Mr. Rafool is rated a Florida Top Lawyer in Family Law by ALM and has a perfect 10 Avvo rating. For 2015-2020, Mr. Rafool is a Top 100 Lawyers, and on the Executive Committee for The National Advocates. He has represented many celebrities and individuals in complex family, same sex, and business litigation and lectures and has authored numerous publications on aforementioned practice areas. Mr. Rafool is a past Vice Chair and member of the Florida Family Law Rules Committee, the past Chair and member of the Florida Criminal Rules Committee, a past Vice Chair and member of the Florida Judicial Administration, Selection and Tenure Committee and a past Representative on the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Committee.

Admission Dates & Jurisdictions

  • The Florida Bar
  • United States of America, Supreme Court, February 20, 2001
  • Federal District Court, Southern District of Florida, February 13, 2007
  • Federal District Court, Middle District of Florida, August 20, 1992
  • Executive Committee Member, The National Advocates.
  • Chair (2001-2002), Vice Chair (1999-2000, 2000-2001),
    • Chair Fast-Track Committee (2000-2001),
    • Secretary (1997-1998, 1998-1999), Subcommittee I
    • Chair (1998-1999) and Member (1996-2002), Florida
    • Rules of Criminal Procedure Committee (Florida Bar Committee)
  • Vice Chair (2002-2003), Member (1998-2004), Florida
    • Judicial Administration, Selection and Tenure Committee (Florida Bar Committee)
  • Vice Chair (2004-2005), Subcommittee Chair (2003-2004), Member (2002-2008), Florida
    • Family Law Rules Of Procedure Committee (Florida Bar Committee)
  • Representative (2001-2002), Florida Rules of Judicial
    • Administration (Florida Bar Committee)
    • Member (current), CLE Committee, Florida Bar Family Law
    • Section
  • Treasurer (2003-2004), Secretary (2002-2003), Member (2001-2004) Polk County Family Lawyer’s Association
  • Member, (2001-2002), Legislative Committee, Criminal
    • Section (Florida Bar Committee)
    • American Bar Association (Former Member)
    • Polk County Trial Lawyers Association (Former Member)
    • Polk County Family Lawyers Association/Bar (Former Member)
  • CLE Chairman(1998-2005), Executive Committee(1997-1998)
    • and Member (1997-2005), Willson American Inn of Court
  • Who’s Who in American Law
  • Member (1995-2002), City Of Winter Haven, Florida, Board of Adjustment
  • Dade County Bar Association

Education

  • Stetson University College of Law, St. Petersburg, Florida
    • Juris Doctorate Degree, May 1991
    • Honors and Activities:
      • Dean’s List; Spring 1990
      • Honor Roll; Fall 1989, Fall 1991
      • Vice President, Student Bar Association
      • Representative, Student Bar Association
      • Who’s Who Among American Law Students
      • Member, Advisory Committee on Annual Budget
      • Chairman, Committee on Revision of Campus Alcohol Policy
      • Member, Trial Advocacy Society
      • Commissioner of Intramural Softball
  • University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
    • Bachelor of Arts Degree, History, April 1988
    • Honors and Activities:
      • Phi Alpha Theta (Honor Society)
      • Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity

Professional Experience

  • The Florida Bar
  • United States of America, Supreme Court, February 20, 2001
  • Federal District Court, Southern District of Florida, February 13, 2007
  • Federal District Court, Middle District of Florida, August 20, 1992
  • Executive Committee Member, The National Advocates.
  • Chair (2001-2002), Vice Chair (1999-2000, 2000-2001),
    • Chair Fast-Track Committee (2000-2001),
    • Secretary (1997-1998, 1998-1999), Subcommittee I
    • Chair (1998-1999) and Member (1996-2002), Florida
    • Rules of Criminal Procedure Committee (Florida Bar Committee)
  • Vice Chair (2002-2003), Member (1998-2004), Florida
    • Judicial Administration, Selection and Tenure Committee (Florida Bar Committee)
  • Vice Chair (2004-2005), Subcommittee Chair (2003-2004), Member (2002-2008), Florida
    • Family Law Rules Of Procedure Committee (Florida Bar Committee)
  • Representative (2001-2002), Florida Rules of Judicial
    • Administration (Florida Bar Committee)
    • Member (current), CLE Committee, Florida Bar Family Law
    • Section
  • Treasurer (2003-2004), Secretary (2002-2003), Member (2001-2004) Polk County Family Lawyer’s Association
  • Member, (2001-2002), Legislative Committee, Criminal
    • Section (Florida Bar Committee)
    • American Bar Association (Former Member)
    • Polk County Trial Lawyers Association (Former Member)
    • Polk County Family Lawyers Association/Bar (Former Member)
  • CLE Chairman(1998-2005), Executive Committee(1997-1998)
    • and Member (1997-2005), Willson American Inn of Court
  • Who’s Who in American Law
  • Member (1995-2002), City Of Winter Haven, Florida, Board of Adjustment
  • Dade County Bar Association

Honors & Awards

  • AV® Preeminent – Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013 – 2020 Super Lawyers®, – Thomson Reuters
  • Rated Lead Counsel – Thomson Reuters
  • Rated a Florida Top Lawyer in Family Law by ALM
  • 10 Superb – Avvo Rating
  • Top Lawyers, South Florida Legal Guide
  • A Top 100 Lawyer, The National Advocates
  • A Top 10 Family Law Attorney, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys, Inc.
  • A Top 30 Matrimonial and Family Law Lawyer, The National Advocates
  • Top One Percent, The National Association Of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2017 and 2019, Florida Trend Legal Elite, Florida Trend Magazine
  • 2015 – 2020, “10 Best Attorney” – American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

Professional Associations

Family Law Section, Florida Bar

Miami Dade County Bar Association

Press

News

2019

EXCLUSIVE: Hulk Hogan is back in court with his ex-wife fighting her claims he hid millions from her, including a payout from Gawker over sex tape Daily Mail, January 23, 2019

2018

EXCLUSIVE: Hulk Hogan’s ex-wife accuses him of concealing his assets and demands he pay her 40 PER CENT of his earnings as agreed in divorce settlement or be held in contempt, Daily Mail, June 29, 2018

Linda Hogan Claims Hulk Hogan Is ‘Hiding’ Money From Her, SE SCOOPS, June 30th, 2018

WWE champ Bray Wyatt has showered his Total Diva girlfriend JoJo Offerman with diamonds and swimsuits but reneged on spousal and child support, his estranged wife claims, Daily Mail, February 22, 2018

2017

Celebrity Lawyer Raymond Rafool Holds Forth On The Weinstein Scandal
October 13, 2017

EXCLUSIVE: Real Housewife Joanna Krupa’s divorce is declared final by Miami court just weeks after her settlement with Brandi Glanville
August 17, 2017

JOANNA KRUPA OFFICIALLY SINGLE After Drama-Free Divorce
August 17, 2017

The South Beach-Hollywood divorce that took only 15 minutes to make final
August 17, 2017

Joanna Krupa and Romain Zago Finalize Divorce
August 17, 2017

RHOMiami Alum Joanna Krupa & Romain Zago Finalize Divorce
August 17, 2017

Brandi Glanville Apologizes To Joanna Krupa As Their Smelly Vagina Feud Comes To An Official End!
August 2, 2017

Stinky ‘Real Housewives’ lawsuit settled out of court
August 2, 2017

Joanna Krupa and Brandi Glanville settle smelly vagina suit
August 2, 2017

Brandi Glanville Apologizes to Joanna Krupa as the Feuding Former Housewives Stars Settle Long-Running Lawsuit
August 1, 2017

Joanna Krupa Ex Romain Zago Testifies: Her Vagina Smells GREAT! Brandi Glanville is LYING!
August 1, 2017

EXCLUSIVE: I’m sorry! Brandi Glanville APOLOGIZES to Joanna Krupa for calling her a cheater with a smelly vagina as the Housewives settle their longstanding legal feud 
August 1, 2017

Joanna Krupa & Brandi Glanville Settle Smelly Vagina Lawsuit
August 1, 2017

Supermodel Joanna Krupa Files For Divorce!
July 12, 2017

EXCLUSIVE: Real Housewives’ Joanna Krupa and her ex pictured after giving a deposition over claims that Brandi Glanville is lying about being broke to avoid smelly ‘p****’ slur pay out
July 10, 2017

JOANNA KRUPA FILES FOR DIVORCE
July 10, 2017

Joanna Krupa and Romain Zago File for Divorce
July 10, 2017

Who Is Samantha Rotunda, WWE Star Bray Wyatt’s Wife? Nasty Divorce Battle Swirl Amid Cheating Allegations
June 13, 2017

Wife accuses WWE superstar of having affair with ring announcer
June 12, 2017

EXCLUSIVE: Smackdown! Wife of WWE champ Bray Wyatt files for divorce accusing him of ‘adultery and misdeeds’ as her lawyer claims he’s having an affair with ring announcer and ex Total Diva star Jojo Offerman
June 12, 2017

JOANNA KRUPA GOES FISHING FOR BRANDI 411 IN VAGINA LAWSUIT
January 27, 2017

Judge wants to see gynecological records of ‘Real Housewife’
January 27, 2017

EXCLUSIVE – Joanna Krupa – Fires Back at Brandi Glanville’s Attempt to Have Legal Battle Tossed, You Don’t Know Anything About My ‘Housewives’ Contract
January 11, 2017

2016

WWE NEWS: Paige In A Wrong Engagement With Alberto Del Rio? – See What Del Rio’s Lawyer Said…
October 18, 2016

Alberto Del Rio — Wife’s Lawyer Responds To Engagement … He’s Still Married!
October 16, 2016

Stink over Real Housewife’s alleged slander takes another twist 
September 22, 2016

EXCLUSIVE: Lisa Vanderpump blasts Brandi Glanville as a ‘liar’ over claims Mohamed Hadid cheated on his ex Yolanda Foster with Joanna Krupa (and called her privates ‘smelly’)
August 29, 2016

Alberto del Río acusado de Adulterio en Divorcio con Angela Velkei
August 22, 2016

Alberto Del Rio — Involved In Bitter Divorce Battle … Accused Of Committing Adultery
August 22, 2016

CAT FIGHT — RHOBH Star Brandi Glanville: RHOM Hottie Joanna Krupa’s Medical Records Will Show If Her Vagina’s Stinky!
July 19, 2016

2015

‘Perjury’ & ‘Fraud’? Linda Hogan’s Lawyer Threatens Action Over Hulk Rants: ‘He’s A Liar!’
July 30, 2015

Top 50: 2015 Women Florida Super Lawyers – Top List

Five Strategies to Get a Better Deal in Mediation
March 5, 2015

Joanna Krupa Sues Brandi Glanville Over Cheating Claims and Smelly Vagina Comments, Demands Trial by Jury
January 23, 2015

Joanna Krupa SuesHey, Brandi Glanville …Keep My Vagina Out Of Your Mouth
January 22, 2015

Leonardo DiCaprio surrounded by women yet again
January 14, 2015

Joanna Krupa Suing ‘Real Housewives’ Star Brandi Glanville — See the Document
January 14, 2015

2014

Lawyer on Flo Rida paternity suit: “Surely he knows where babies come from”
March 29, 2014

Justin Bieber caught boozing underage: Who is to blame?
January 24, 2014

2013

Flo Rida’s Alleged Baby Mama Sues For ‘Good Fortune’ Child Support
November 26, 2013

The Growing Popularity of the Prenup
October 31, 2013

MLB, Porter Fischer’s lawyer meet
July 3,2013

Reports: Lab employee, MLB to meet
July 2,2013

Investigators to View Alleged ‘Roids Smoking Gun
July 1,2013

Former Biogenesis employee who leaked documents to meet with MLB investigators this week
July 1,2013

2012

Appraisers in Splitsville
November 29, 2012

John Cena And Elizabeth Huberdeau Settle Divorce War: WWE Wrestler Makes Peace With Estranged Wife
July 18, 2012

John Cena — Makes Peace in Divorce War
July 18, 2012

Wrestler John Cena settles divorce
July 18, 2012

Miami Lawyer Raymond Rafool to Duke it Out With Wrestling Star John Cena in Divorce Court
June 11, 2012

Linda Hogan Calls Off Cougar Engagement to Fiancé Charley Hill After “Great Therapy”
May 15, 2012

John Cena Files For Divorce!
May 10, 2012

Report: WWE superstar John Cena files for divorce; wife hires Miami attorney
May 10, 2012

John Cena Divorce Prompts Wife to Hire Hogan Attorney; A Fan’s Perspective
May 10, 2012

WWE Star John Cena Files for Divorce
May 10, 2012

WWE superstar John Cena files for divorce; wife hires Miami attorney
May 10, 2012

Hulk Hogan And The Ex: They’re BFFs Again — After $3.5 Million in Legal Bills!
Apr 16, 2012

Hulk Hogan’s breach of contract lawsuit against ex-wife thrown out of court
March 15, 2012

2011

Ex-wife put Hulk Hogan against ropes in divorce settlement
November 23, 2011

2010

Hulk Hogan Sues Ex Wife; Her Lawyer Tells Him ‘Get A Life!’
November 16, 2010

Bad Father Just Wants to be Good Daddy
September 30, 2010

Fla. Priest Gets Equal Time and Custody of Child
September 29, 2010

Drug Troubles Taking Toll on Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan Empires?
September 22, 2010

Miami lawyer comes to aid of Martina Navratukiva’s ex
June 26, 2010

Tennis legend Martina & lesbian ex settle for $3M
June 22, 2010

Martina Navratilova, ex-lesbian partner settle out of court for three million dollars
June 22, 2010

Martina Navratilova ‘pays former lesbian lover $3m’ to settle bitter legal battle
June 22, 2010

Was Martina Navratilova’s move to Florida for more than just the weather?
June 22, 2010

Celebrity Divorce Attorney: Steamy Miami Social Scene Can Be a Deal-Breaker
May 19, 2010

‘Bombshell’ McGee to host at LIV
April 13, 2010

Ex-Wife Asks Court to Force NBA Star to Allow Daughter in Reality TV Show
April 8, 2010

Linda Hogan Shopping Tell-All Book That Hulk ‘Won’t Like’
January 26, 2010

Linda Bollea settles suit brought by crash victim John Graziano’s family
January 21, 2010

2009

What Next For Tiger Woods? Celebrity Breakups Often Extra Bumpy
December 20, 2009

Scandalous Split: Martina Navratilova Sued By Lesbian Lover
December 7, 2009

Lawyers Advice To Elin! Don’t Take $5 Mil — Demand More!
December 4, 2009

Hulk Hogan Wants to Marry Christian Girlfriend
December 1, 2009

The Bollea Divorce Rages On
December 1, 2009

Cura y Ex Bailarina se Enfrentan
November 11, 2009

Linda Hogan Responds to “Abusive Alcoholic” Slur in Hogan’s Book
November 3, 2009

Linda Hogan Slams Hulk Hogan’s New Book As Being Full of Sensationalist Lies
November 2, 2009

Sacerdote católico admite haber tenido un hijo con una ex bailarina exótica
October 19, 2009

Ex sues Martina Navratilova Over Breaking Agreement
October 15, 2009

Former Priest Seeking Custody of Child Fathered with Stripper
October 8, 2009

Ex-priest Admits to Fathering Stripper’s Baby
October 7, 2009

Navratilova’s Ex Sues for Palimony as ’Business’ Partner
October 7, 2009

Martina Gets Served
October 7, 2009

The priest, the sripper and their baby. We couldn’t have prayed for a better story
October 7, 2009

Navratilova’s Ex Sues for Frog Art, Guns
October 6, 2009

The Rich and the Sick: Steel Magnate’s Granddaughter Battles Ex-Hubby in Court
October 2, 2009

Attorney: Hulk Complies with Harley, Money Issue
September 18, 2009

Hogans Feud Over Spending
September 8, 2009

Linda Hogan Dishes About Her Divorce From Hulk, Her Children and Her Younger Love
August 7, 2009

Hogan Marriage Over: Linda Gets ‘Outstanding’ Settlement, Hulk Still Loves Her
July 30, 2009

Hulk Hogan and Linda Bollea Settle Terms in Divorce
July 29, 2009

Linda Hogan with Boyfriend Charlie Hill at LIV at Fontainebleau
July 3, 2009

Martina Navratilova and Toni Layton Divorcing
June 24, 2009

Hulk Hogan and Wife Settle Divorce
July 29, 2009

Martina Navratilova and Toni Layton Divorcing
June 24, 2009

Hairdresser Claims Linda Hogan Used Alimony Money on Drugs
June 15, 2009

Linda Rips Hulk
April 17, 2009

Lawyer Slams Hulk Hogan for O.J. Comparison
April 15, 2009

Videos


Implications For Same Sex Couples Sun-Sentinel.com

The Priest, The Stripper and Their Baby CBS4.com

Former Priest Seeking Custody of Child Fathered with Stripper 7 News on the Net

Hulk Hogan vs. Linda’s Lawyer – Dramatic face off in courtroom YouTube

Hulk Hogan Divorce Update Tampa Bay Online

Speaking Engagements

Publications:

  • “Florida Family Law Practice for Paralegals”, Speaker, Presented by HalfMoon Education, Inc., April 17, 2019
  • “Level Up Conference: For The Love Of Money”, Speaker, Presented by Healthy and Happy Ever After, March 30, 2019
  • “Winning Your Case In Closing Arguments”, Speaker, Presented by American Inns of Court, March 1, 2019
  • “Florida Family Law Financials Workshop: Discovery and Depositions,” Speaker, Presented by The University of Miami, February 8, 2018
  • “Family Law Legal Updates/Celebrity Clients/Ethics and Professionalism,” Panelist, Presented by The Florida Bar, October 20, 2017
  • “Child Support Law in Florida,” Speaker, Presented by mylawCLE and the Palm Beach Bar Association, May 22, 2017
  • “Alimony in Florida 101: Types of Alimony, Defenses & Modification,” Speaker Presented by mylawCLE and the Palm Beach Bar Association, April 18, 2017
  • “Collaborative Law Panel,” American Bar Association, Round table Program, 2016
  • “Alimony and Child Support,” Presented by the Florida Bar – Young Lawyers Division Basic Family Law 2015, October 30, 2015
  • “Summary Judgments In Family Law,” American Bar Association, Sound Advice, Digital Asset Abstract
  • The 22nd Annual Nuts Bolts of Family Law Seminar, Presented by the Dade County Bar Association, September 2014 – “Experts” and “Discovery”
  • “The Potential Family Law Client (Initial Consultation Topics, Retainer Agreements)” Basic Family Law 2012, November 9, 2012
  • “What Every Plaintiff’s Lawyer Should Know About Criminal Law”, Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, 1997 Winter CLE Ski Seminar, Colorado, December 15, 1997

Publications

  • “Top 10 Tips For Celebrity Divorce Or Paternity Action,” American Bar Association, Section of Litigation, Family Law, Practice Points (March 10, 2016)
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2015
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2014
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2013
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2012
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2011
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2010
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2009
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2007
  • “Legal Effects Of Cohabitation”, Adoption, Paternity, And Other Florida Family Practice, Florida Bar practice series/treatise, 2005/2006 – Co-Author with Associate Adam Cowhey, Esquire
  • “It Must Be Relevant to A Felony Or The Means to Commit a  Crime and Facts in Support Must Be Clearly Stated in  the Supporting Affidavit for A Search Warrant,” Florida Criminal Law Journal, Vol. 21, No. 2, Summer 1998.
  • “There is No Better Late Than Never: The Filing Of a Charging Document Stops The State’s Free Vacuum Of  Discovery,” The Florida Defender, Vol. 10, No. 1, Spring 1998.
  • Co-author of “Know Your Confidential Informant,” The Florida Police Chief, February 1991.

Steering Committee

  • Florida Bar, Dissolution Of Marriage, 10th Edition, Publications
  •  Florida Bar, Dissolution Of Marriage, 9th Edition, Publications
  •  Florida Bar, Dissolution Of Marriage, 8th Edition, Publications