Attorney Maytel Sorondo Bonham has the experience and compassion to help clients navigate through the rough waters of divorce and estate planning.

When the happy memories of their wedding day have faded and the promise of a life together  is no longer viable, many couples inevitably head down the difficult road to divorce. It can be one of the most challenging experiences a person ever faces—a period that brings stress and a fear for the future.

The good news, however, is that it is not a path one has to travel alone. An accomplished, compassionate family law attorney can make a world of difference during this tumultuous time, serving as a guide and trusted ally.

“People going through a divorce are looking for a champion or a hero,” attorney Maytel Sorondo Bonham says. “They need someone who is going to listen to them; someone who is going to educate them and be their advocate.

“Divorce is an unknown and change frightens people. I try to reassure them that we’re going to work on it together and find a new normal for their family. I make sure they are advised throughout the process.”

An honors graduate of both the University of Central Florida and the University of Florida Levin School of Law with over 25 years of experience, this well-respected attorney focuses her practice—The Law Office of Sorondo Bonham—on  family law, including mediation,  as well as estate planning and probate law. Along with a dedicated  staff that includes two paralegals, she provides the personal attention that is hard to find at a larger firm, where clients often get lost in the shuffle.

Those going through a divorce have plenty of questions, regarding everything from child custody to mortgage payments. Ms. Bonham is always quick to answer a phone call or reply to an email to ease their concerns.

“What differentiates us from anybody else out there is that we’re going to treat you as a person— not as a number, not as a case, not as a matter and not as a task,” she says. “You are a person, so we do not want to use a cookie cutter approach. We will be accessible for you and proactively working on your case to find out how to make it better, and we will keep you updated on everything happening throughout the process.”

At the first consultation meeting, Ms. Bonham ascertains her clients’ priorities and determines whether she is the right fit for their needs. “We have to make sure we feel comfortable with each other,” she explains. “That is really critical, because this is by far the most  personal relationship you will have—outside of your doctor—with any other professional in your life. It has to feel natural.”

From there, she stresses that each divorce case is unique. Clients may have parents, friends or neighbors who have been through the ordeal, but  that does not mean they will have the same circumstances and outcome.

“The devil is in the details,” she says. “Understanding what those details are and how they fit together is the key. It’s a giant puzzle and the pieces are completely different from case to case.”

Divorces can take various paths—such as a pre- suit arrangement, mediation or litigation—and Ms. Bonham  will work tirelessly on her clients’ behalf no matter which way the case unfolds.  To better serve her clients, she became a mediator herself a few years ago, acting as a neutral third party to resolve disputes, and recognizes the benefit it can have in many situations.

Mediation allows the parties to compromise and come to an agreement together, which reduces stress and saves time and money in the long run.

“If you end up with a trial situation and have your case resolved by a judge, one or both parties are going to be miserable and you will likely be dealing with a modification later on,” she says. “That’s why mediation is a great alternative. It allows the parties to be part of the solution.”

As for the estate planning portion of her practice, Ms. Bonham emphasizes that it is not just for the wealthy. Many are hesitant to talk about their own mortality, but she has a way of making clients feel comfortable and putting  a plan into place.

“Every single person over the age of 18 should have some version of estate planning,”  she says. “It is incredibly  difficult  for family members to be faced with a trauma and be unable to make decisions for their loved one on both the health and financial fronts.

“This is an area where I strive to educate our clients and provide the best path to have their wishes realized with the least amount of interference when their loved ones are trying to make decisions in their absence.”

No matter what role she is serving—whether attorney, mediator or advocate—Ms. Bonham finds the law to be a rewarding career. She is especially proud to navigate clients through the difficult journeys of families in trauma.

“Having my own family, the more I see families falling apart, the more I want to help,” she says. “There are many pains that my clients are going through and they need to see a light at the end of the tunnel. When I can be part of that journey and help them heal, it’s very fulfilling.”

The Law Office of Sorondo Bonham, PLLC
10421 Moss Park Road • Orlando • 407-368-7985  • Bonham.law

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s March 2020 issue.