Divorce Attorneys & Support Resources on the Treasure Coast 

There’s a particular kind of overwhelm that comes with googling “divorce attorney near me” for the first time. Suddenly you’re staring at dozens of names, no idea who’s actually good, who’s aggressive versus collaborative, or who’s even taking new clients, all while trying to hold everything else together. 

If you’re at that point, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to sort through it blind. Here’s who Treasure Coast moms actually recommend, what makes each one different, and a few things worth knowing before you pick up the phone. 

Important Disclaimer: This article shares attorney names and resources local moms have recommended and is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Every divorce is different, and outcomes and experiences can vary significantly from case to case. Please consult directly with a licensed Florida attorney to discuss your specific situation before making any legal decisions. 

Not Sure Where to Start? Quick Decision Guide 

● Want an aggressive advocate who fights hard, especially in custody disputes? Lisa Batts consistently comes up as the go-to. 

● Prefer a more amicable, lower-conflict process? Jessica VanValkenburgh was specifically praised for supporting clients who want to choose peace over fighting every small point. 

● Need more than just divorce, like a will or a custody modification, handled by the same attorney? Trevor Sherrard was noted for handling multiple legal needs efficiently in one relationship. 

● Want to talk to someone before committing to any fees? Julie Anne Treacy and Shaun Plymale both offer free initial consultations. 

● Have a simple, uncontested case with no kids or alimony dispute? Skip to the DIY filing option below before hiring anyone. 

Divorce & Family Law Attorneys Treasure Coast Moms Recommend 

Lisa Batts, Stuart Law Group (Stuart) is one of the most frequently recommended family law attorneys on the Treasure Coast. She’s consistently described as sharp, well-prepared, and an aggressive fighter in the courtroom, particularly in custody disputes. Several moms credited her with helping them regain time with their children after it had been withheld, and one mom noted she’d used her across two generations in the same family, for both her own divorce and her mother’s. As with any attorney, experiences can vary case to case, so it’s worth scheduling a consultation to see if her style is the right fit for you. 

Jessica VanValkenburgh, McCarthy, Summers, Wood, Norman, Melby & Schultz, P.A. (Stuart, serving the Treasure Coast) leads the firm’s family law team and was repeatedly praised for being responsive, thorough, and genuinely supportive through difficult custody and co-parenting matters. One mom specifically appreciated that she supported a more amicable, less combative approach when that’s what the client wanted, backing a “choose peace over arguing over the small things” mindset rather than pushing for a fight on every point. Moms described her as someone who prioritizes their family’s long-term stability and security, not just a quick resolution. 

RJ Ferraro, Ferraro Law Group (Stuart, serving Martin County, St. Lucie County, and the Palm Beaches) came up frequently, with moms describing the firm as highly respected in the local legal community. Clients praised the team’s professionalism and ability to move cases forward efficiently, even in emotionally difficult circumstances. 

Trevor Sherrard, Sherrard Law Group (Stuart, serving the Treasure Coast) was called a lifesaver by more than one mom navigating a divorce. He’s described as kind, patient, and thorough in explaining options every step of the way, with several moms specifically appreciating that he never made them feel rushed during an already stressful process. One mom noted he handled her divorce, a will, and a custody modification all in a timely manner, a good option if you need more than just divorce representation. 

Erika Powers, The Powers Law Firm (Stuart) was praised for being responsive, efficient, and personally invested in her clients’ cases. Moms who’ve worked with her described feeling supported and prioritized throughout their divorce, even during a lonely and difficult time. 

Also Worth a Call 

● Popa Law Firm (Stuart) 

● Julie Anne Treacy (Stuart) — a local family law attorney offering free initial consultations, who’s spoken about relating personally to clients navigating divorce 

● Shaun Plymale, Treasure Coast Legal (Treasure Coast area) — also offers free consultations 

● Griffin Inskeep Law 

Divorce Coaching & Emotional Support 

A divorce attorney handles the legal side, but several moms pointed out that having emotional and strategic support alongside legal representation made a real difference: 

● Susan Ann Shirley, a Certified Divorce Coach who works alongside several local attorneys, helps clients navigate decisions and emotional strain throughout the process. 

● Patricia Sciarrino, Divorce and Legal Consulting was recommended as a good first call before even hiring an attorney, offering coaching and consulting to help clarify next steps. 

● DivorceCare, a national support group program, was recommended as an immediate, judgment-free community for anyone processing the emotional side of divorce. One local 

mom, who personally facilitated these groups for seven years alongside her husband, shared that she’s seen the program help heal many families going through exactly this kind of transition. 

Beyond the Legal Process: Reconnecting With Yourself 

Divorce isn’t just a legal process, it’s a personal one too. One mom offered a different kind of support: Luminous Harmony Healing, a wellness and energy-healing service, framed simply as a way to start feeling like yourself again during a hard transition. It’s not a replacement for legal or emotional support, but for some moms, having a space focused purely on personal healing is a meaningful part of getting through it. 

A Cost-Saving Option for Simple Cases 

Not every divorce requires extensive legal representation. For straightforward cases, no dispute over alimony and no minor children involved, one mom pointed out that Florida’s clerk of courts website provides the necessary forms to file for divorce yourself. Once completed and notarized, the sheriff’s office or a process server can handle serving your spouse, which can meaningfully cut down on legal costs. This route isn’t right for every situation, especially anything involving custody, shared assets, or alimony, but it’s worth knowing about if your case is genuinely simple and both parties are in agreement. 

Red Flags to Watch For 

Hiring an attorney during one of the most vulnerable times in your life makes it easy to overlook warning signs. A few worth taking seriously: 

● Pressure to sign a retainer agreement immediately, before you’ve had time to ask questions or compare options 

● Vague or evasive answers about fee structure, hourly rates, or what’s included in a retainer 

● Poor communication or slow response times, even during the initial consultation 

● Promises of a guaranteed outcome; no honest attorney can promise how a judge will rule 

● Feeling dismissed or rushed when you bring up concerns; you deserve to feel heard, not just processed 

What Moms Say Matters Most in a Divorce Attorney 

Across the recommendations, a few consistent themes stood out: 

● Responsiveness and communication, especially during high-stress moments 

● A genuine focus on the family’s long-term stability, not just winning 

● Feeling heard and prioritized, rather than treated as just another case 

● Transparency about fees and the overall process upfront 

Quick Tips Before You Choose an Attorney 

● Ask if a free consultation is available before committing, several local attorneys offer them 

● Ask directly about fee structure and what’s included upfront 

● Consider whether a divorce coach or consultant alongside your attorney might help you feel more supported 

● If your case is simple and uncontested, ask whether self-filing might be a realistic, lower-cost option 

● Trust your gut about communication style and any red flags above; you’ll be working closely with this person during a hard time 

● Lean on your community, whether that’s friends, family, or local support groups like DivorceCare 

Final Thought 

No one plans for their marriage to end, but if you’re navigating that reality, know that you don’t have to figure it out alone. The Treasure Coast has no shortage of experienced, compassionate attorneys and support resources ready to help you move forward.