Christopher L. Dunham
Central Florida Trial Attorney
Christopher “Chris” Dunham is an Ocala native and trial attorney who has practiced
in Central Florida since his admission to The Florida Bar in 2007. For nearly
two
decades, he has represented clients in Marion County and surrounding communities
during some of the most consequential moments of their lives.
Today, Chris’s practice is centered on family law, including financially complex
divorces and other contested matters. He also represents clients in guardianship
and estate-planning matters and accepts a select number of serious criminal cases—particularly
cases that may require a trial.
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Contact Dunham & Ingram LLCfor your consultation.
Family Law and Financially Complex Divorce
Family law comprises the substantial majority of Chris’s practice. He represents
clients in contested and uncontested divorces, parenting and time-sharing disputes,
alimony and child-support matters, paternity cases, modifications, enforcement proceedings,
domestic-violence injunctions, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Chris has represented physicians, business owners, and individuals involved in Ocala’s
horse industry. He understands that a divorce involving a professional practice,
closely held business, real estate, investments, equine-related assets, or complicated
income streams requires careful preparation and a clear understanding of the client’s
broader financial interests.
These cases often involve more than the division of property. A client may also be
concerned about preserving a business, protecting professional standing, maintaining
privacy, and creating stability for children. Chris approaches each issue separately
and strategically, identifying which matters can be resolved through negotiation
and which require litigation.
Although many family-law cases are resolved through mediation, Chris prepares from
the beginning with the possibility of trial in mind. That preparation allows him
to negotiate from an informed position while remaining ready to present the evidence
in court if a reasonable resolution cannot be reached.
Selective Criminal Defense Representation
Chris began his legal career as a prosecutor in Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit.
At the State Attorney’s Office, he handled thousands of misdemeanor and felony cases
and developed extensive courtroom experience.
He now accepts only a limited number of criminal-defense matters, focusing primarily
on significant cases that are likely to require substantial motion practice or trial.
This selective approach allows him to devote close attention to the evidence, legal
issues, and trial strategy in each case he accepts.
His experience includes first-degree felony cases carrying potential life sentences,
DUI litigation, evidentiary hearings, and motions to suppress. Having prepared and
tried criminal cases as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, Chris understands
how the State evaluates a case—and how weaknesses in its evidence or legal theory
can affect the defense.
Guardianship and Estate Planning
Chris also represents individuals and families in guardianship proceedings and estate-planning
matters. Whether a family is preparing for the future, protecting a vulnerable loved
one, or addressing a disputed guardianship, he provides practical guidance informed
by years of courtroom experience.
These matters frequently involve sensitive family relationships, valuable assets,
and difficult decisions concerning incapacity, care, and financial responsibility.
Chris helps clients understand their options, anticipate potential disputes, and
put appropriate legal protections in place.
A Trial Attorney’s Approach
Chris has tried hundreds of cases and appeared in thousands of hearings involving
family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. He believes effective representation
requires more than confrontation. It requires knowing the facts, understanding the
client’s priorities, evaluating risk honestly, and recognizing when negotiation
serves
the client better than litigation—and when it does not.
His courtroom background influences every matter he handles. Even when trial is unlikely,
careful preparation can clarify the issues, expose weaknesses in the opposing position,
and create better opportunities for a negotiated resolution.
Direct Access and Personal Representation
Clients work directly with Chris throughout their representation rather than being
routinely passed between layers of staff. His team manages filings, scheduling,
and
office logistics, while Chris remains personally involved in the legal strategy
and
client communication.
This approach is particularly valuable to professionals, business owners, and families
who expect responsive communication, candid advice, and counsel who understands
both
the legal and practical consequences of important decisions.
Chris earned his Juris Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law. He
also earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida State University and an
associate degree from the University of Central Florida. He has been a member of
The Florida Bar since 2007.
For clients facing a divorce, family dispute, guardianship proceeding, estate-planning
decision, or serious criminal charge, Chris offers nearly two decades of Central
Florida courtroom experience, personal attention, and representation built around
the circumstances of the individual case.
Bar Admissions
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Marion County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Young Lawyers Association
- D.R. Smith American Inn of Court
Education
- Florida State University College of Law - Juris Doctor
- Florida State University – Bachelor's Degrees and Master's Degree
- University of Central Florida – Associate of Arts Degree
If you would like to learn how Mr. Dunham and his team can represent your rights
and provide you with compelling advocacy before the court, contact his officestoday!