MEET OUR TEAM

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 Mary C. Evans, Esq., is an experienced Florida family law attorney and former Circuit Court Judge who dedicated more than a decade to serving on the Unified Family Court bench in Florida's Twentieth Judicial Circuit. During her judicial service, she presided over thousands of family law, dependency, domestic violence, and related proceedings, giving her a unique understanding of both the legal process and the practical challenges families face. 

Today, Mary brings that experience to CourtSide Legal Services, where she is committed to making quality legal services more accessible and affordable. She provides legal coaching, limited-scope representation where permitted, document review and drafting, and guidance for individuals navigating the court system.

In addition to her legal practice, Mary is an educator, author, and frequent speaker on family law and access to justice. She has taught at the university level, co-authored educational resources for self-represented litigants, and continues to advocate for practical, community-based legal solutions that empower individuals to make informed decisions. 

Mary's philosophy is simple: everyone deserves access to knowledgeable legal guidance, compassionate service, and a clear path forward.

Florida Bar No. 665371

 Jennifer M. Dages serves as the Firm Administrator and Managing Paralegal for CourtSide Legal Services, where she oversees the firm's daily operations, client experience, and legal support services. With more than two decades of experience in family law, litigation support, law firm administration, and child welfare, Jennifer brings extensive knowledge of Florida court procedures and legal case management.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has worked alongside attorneys, judges, court personnel, and community organizations to help clients navigate complex legal matters with professionalism, compassion, and efficiency. She has developed and managed legal support systems, coordinated complex cases, and built organizations dedicated to improving access to justice and delivering exceptional client service.

Jennifer is passionate about making legal services more accessible and affordable for individuals and families. She is committed to ensuring that every client receives responsive communication, organized case management, and a supportive experience throughout the legal process. Her leadership helps ensure that CourtSide Legal Services delivers efficient, high-quality service while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

As Firm Administrator and Managing Paralegal, Jennifer works closely with Attorney Mary C. Evans to ensure clients receive outstanding legal support, personalized attention, and a seamless experience from their first consultation through the resolution of their legal matter.

 Annette Earby serves as the Executive Assistant at CourtSide Legal Services, where she is the driving force behind the firm's day-to-day coordination and operational efficiency. Known for her exceptional organizational skills and proactive approach, Annette keeps the team on track by managing logistics, coordinating schedules, and ensuring that critical tasks are completed seamlessly.

Often described as the person who "makes things happen," Annette plays an essential role in supporting the attorneys and staff so they can remain focused on serving clients. Her attention to detail, resourcefulness, and commitment to excellence help keep the office running smoothly and efficiently.

Dedicated, dependable, and solutions-oriented, Annette is passionate about creating an organized and welcoming environment for both clients and the CourtSide Legal Services team. Her behind-the-scenes leadership is an integral part of delivering the exceptional service that clients have come to expect.

Francesca Onstad is a seasoned paralegal with more than 12 years of experience supporting attorneys and clients in a wide range of family law matters. Throughout her career, she has earned a reputation for her attention to detail, professionalism, and commitment to providing exceptional client service.

In addition to her extensive paralegal experience, Francesca served for several years as the Judicial Assistant to a Florida Circuit Court Family Judge. This unique role provided her with valuable insight into court operations, judicial procedures, and the administration of family law cases. Her experience on both the legal practice and court administration sides of the justice system gives her a well-rounded perspective that benefits both attorneys and clients alike.

At CourtSide Legal Services, Francesca assists with case management, legal document preparation, client communications, and litigation support. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal process with compassion, efficiency, and professionalism while ensuring every case receives the attention it deserves.

Francesca is passionate about making the legal process less overwhelming for clients and takes pride in helping individuals and families move forward with confidence through knowledgeable, organized, and responsive support.

Chrissie Weinstein is a dedicated Legal Assistant with more than five years of experience supporting attorneys and clients through every stage of the legal process. Known for her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and client-focused approach, she plays an integral role in ensuring that every case is managed efficiently and professionally.

Before transitioning into the legal field, Chrissie worked on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, where she gained firsthand experience in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that demanded precision, accountability, and exceptional communication. She also has a strong background in compliance, bringing expertise in process management, documentation, tracking, and quality assurance to every aspect of her work.

At CourtSide Legal Services, Chrissie assists with client communications, legal document preparation, case organization, and administrative support. Her unique combination of financial market experience, compliance knowledge, and legal support enables her to keep cases organized, deadlines on track, and clients informed throughout the legal process.

Chrissie is passionate about providing compassionate, responsive service and takes pride in helping clients feel supported and confident as they navigate what can often be a challenging legal journey. Her commitment to excellence and attention to detail make her a valued member of the CourtSide Legal Services team.

Nancy Richardson serves as the Legal Assistant and Intake Specialist for CourtSide Legal Services, where she is often the first point of contact for clients seeking trusted legal guidance. With extensive experience in child welfare and family law, Nancy understands the importance of compassion, professionalism, and clear communication during difficult times.

Throughout her career, Nancy has worked closely with families, legal professionals, and community partners, helping individuals navigate complex situations while ensuring they feel heard, supported, and informed. Her knowledge of family law processes and commitment to exceptional client service help create a welcoming and organized experience from the very first call.

Beyond her professional experience, Nancy is actively involved in the community and is passionate about serving others. At CourtSide Legal Services, she is dedicated to connecting clients with the resources and support they need while helping ensure every client receives personalized attention and outstanding service from the moment they reach out.