Choosing a family law attorney is one of the most important decisions you will make during one of the hardest chapters of your life. You deserve to know exactly who is fighting for you — their background, their record, their values, and why they chose this work. Here is Jennifer's story.
A Foundation Built for the Courtroom
Jennifer M. Erlinger grew up in the Tampa Bay area and moved to Jacksonville in 2009 — the city she now calls home and serves every day as a family law attorney.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Florida — one of the nation's premier public research universities. She then continued her education at Stetson University College of Law, where she focused on Trial Advocacy and earned a Certificate of Concentration in Advocacy Excellence from Stetson's top-ranked advocacy center. Stetson Law consistently ranks among the nation's best law schools for trial practice — making it the ideal preparation for a career built on courtroom advocacy.
Jennifer also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Stetson University — giving her a uniquely comprehensive understanding of the financial complexity that family law cases often involve, including high-asset divorces, business valuation, and complex property division.
She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2004 and has been practicing law for over 22 years.
A Career Built on Serving Families and Children
Juvenile Prosecutor — 6th Judicial Circuit, Florida
Jennifer began her legal career as a juvenile prosecutor — fighting for the rights and safety of children in the court system. This early experience shaped her child-centered approach to family law that she carries into every case today.
Assistant State Attorney & Assistant Attorney General
Jennifer served as both an Assistant State Attorney and an Assistant Attorney General, working in child support enforcement and the Florida Ethics Bureau — where she was one of only two attorneys who investigated and prosecuted ethics violations by Florida public officials and employees. This elite prosecutorial background gives Jennifer an unmatched understanding of how to build persuasive, evidence-based legal arguments.
Guardian Ad Litem Program — Child Advocacy
Jennifer served as a Program Attorney for the Florida Guardian Ad Litem Program, representing foster children aging out of the Florida foster care system. She became a State Expert on Independent Living Benefits for dependent children — a distinction that reflects her depth of commitment to protecting children's rights and futures.
Family Law Attorney — Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A.
Jennifer joined Wood, Atter & Wolf, P.A. — one of Jacksonville's most established law firms, founded in 1957 — where she specialized in family law and successfully represented hundreds of clients in contested and uncontested divorce, custody, and domestic violence cases across Northeast Florida.
Founder — Erlinger Family Law
In 2024, Jennifer founded Erlinger Family Law — her own Jacksonville-based firm dedicated exclusively to family law. The firm reflects everything she has built over two decades: a fierce commitment to client advocacy, a compassionate approach to the emotional weight of family law, and a strategic courtroom mindset that sets her apart.
Published Author — Florida Family Law
Jennifer is the author of Florida Family Law: Enforcing Your Legal Rights and Rebuilding Your Life — a practical guide written specifically for Florida families navigating divorce, custody, and family court. She is also the author of numerous articles on the Jacksonville Divorce Lawyer Blog, reflecting her long-standing commitment to public legal education across Northeast Florida.
More Than a Resume — A Personal Commitment to Every Client
Jennifer does not just understand family law academically — she understands it personally. Having navigated her own high-conflict divorce as a mother, she has experienced firsthand how deeply these legal proceedings affect children and families. That personal insight informs every case she takes. She does not just see clients as cases — she sees real families, real children, and real futures that deserve her very best.
Peer attorneys who have referred clients to Jennifer consistently describe her as "an outstanding advocate" with "an outstanding reputation in Jacksonville as a family lawyer." Clients describe her as "determined," "compassionate," "by your side every step of the way" — and consistently credit the combination of Jennifer and her team for outcomes they could not have achieved alone.
Beyond the courtroom, Jennifer is active in the Jacksonville community — volunteering at local schools, donating time to charitable causes, and advocating for those in need. She is a member of the Florida Bar Family Law Section and the Jacksonville Women Lawyer's Association.
"Fighting For Your Family. Every Step of the Way." is not a tagline. It is a promise Jennifer makes personally to every client who walks through the door.
"My choice to retain Ms. Erlinger was the best decision I could have made to handle my divorce after 19 years of marriage. She skillfully guided me through the process that ended with a positive outcome and a great path forward for the rest of my life."
"From the moment I called Jennifer she was ready and on alert. If you want an understanding lawyer to get the job done Jennifer is your woman. She is determined and by your side every step of the way."
"Jennifer Erlinger is an excellent family law attorney. She understands the intricacies and challenges of family law cases and provides her clients with zealous representation."
"Jennifer went above and beyond while also displaying a personal interest in the situation. I would highly recommend her to anyone else with a family law issue."
Exclusively Focused on Florida Family Law
Erlinger Family Law handles the full range of Florida family law matters. Family law is all we do — which means deeper expertise and better outcomes for every client we serve.
📍 Proudly Serving Northeast Florida Since 2004
Ready to Talk to Jennifer?
22 years of experience. A prosecutorial mindset. A personal commitment to every family she represents. Jennifer is ready to listen, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand your options — with zero pressure and zero obligation.