Defley, Elizabeth Welsh

Teris Deitch handles all matters involving divorce, child support, alimony, distribution of assets (including family businesses, investment plans, retirement plans and real property), modification of prior court orders, paternity, time-sharing (formally "custody"), and enforcement.

Teris is devoted to helping her clients set realistic, practical, and carefully chosen goals early in their case. While she is an effective advocate, her clients appreciate her warm and friendly demeanor and find she is careful not to create more controversy than that which already exists. Teris understands that her clients are dealing with one of the most overwhelming times of their lives so she works hard to support her clients both legally and emotionally throughout the entire process.

Although Teris is an experienced trial attorney, she is dedicated to exploring all reasonable and creative settlement options so that the best interests of the family as a whole may be served. Trial is generally an expensive and unnecessary route of last resort which leaves the parties and their resources completely drained. Teris's family law practice encourages resolution and concentrates on productive and positive problem solving. She is trained to handle cases in the Collaborative Law model and believes strongly that cases handled in this manner are more dignified for the parties and yields better results and outcomes for the families as a whole.  She strives to know each of her clients as individuals and to fully understand their specific family circumstances as it relates to their particular case.

Teris believes that matters involving children require the utmost care and sensitivity. She works hard to minimize the effects of the divorce on the children because, where children are involved, their interests and needs must be paramount in any family law case.

Teris is a member of the Central Florida Family Law Inns of Court, the Central Florida Collaborative Law Group, the Central Florida Association for Women Lawyers, the Greater Orlando Asian American Bar Association, serves on the Orange County Bar Family Law Executive Committee, is a member of the Florida Bar (including the Family Law Section), and the State Bar of California. 

Teris received her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in December, 1994 and her law degree from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law in December, 2001; both degrees were awarded with honors. While at the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, Teris also received several Book Awards (which are awarded to the top performing student) and honors in several classes.