Luis A. Abreu, Attorney

Family: Wife: Sallie; children: Sarah, 24, and Maria, 20

Hobbies: Skiing, weightlifting, yard work

Fan of: University of Florida Gators, University of Virginia, and Davidson College

Favorite vacation spot: Caribbean Islands

Recently read: "King of Torts" by John Grisham

What are the most rewarding - and the most challenging - aspects of being in family law? "Helping parents with custody matters.  The most important thing I do in family law cases is to try to achieve the best results for a child and my client when parents separate.  From the beginning of a custody case, I try to get all parties to remember that children do not choose their parents - parents choose to have children.  And parents who place their children's needs first are always winners."

Are you seeing a trend toward "kinder, gentler" divorces - and do you encourage clients to try alternatives to the court system? "Not yet, but that's not always a bad thing.  Unfortunately, there will always be difficult divorce cases.  It is my belief, though, that there may be more contested cases today because the playing field has gotten more level - for women in equitable distribution matters and for men in custody matters.  I applaud the judicial and legislative efforts to encourage mediated settlements and believe that they may produce better and more economical results over time."