OFM_SORONDO_BONHAM_LAW_Profile_0320_Profile 2 / 20 / 20 10 : 47 AM Page 1 does not mean they will have the same circum - stances 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 A Trusted Guide in 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 Times of Trouble to be part of the solution . ” As for the estate planning portion of her prac - Attorney Maytel Sorondo Bonham has the experience tice , Ms . Bonham emphasizes that it is not just for the wealthy . Many are hesitant to talk about their and compassion to help clients navigate through the own mortality , but she has a way of making clients feel comfortable and putting a plan into place . By Matt Cosentino rough waters of divorce and estate planning . “ 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 attention that is hard to find at a larger firm , where hen the happy memories of their wed - faced with a trauma and be unable to make deci - clients often get lost in the shuffle . ding day have faded and the promise sions for their loved one on both the health and Those going through a divorce have plenty of of a life together is no longer viable , financial fronts . questions , regarding everything from child custody many couples inevitably head down “ This is an area where I strive to educate our to mortgage payments . Ms . Bonham is always the difficult road to divorce . It can be W clients and provide the best path to have their quick to answer a phone call or reply to an email to one of the most challenging experiences a person wishes realized with the least amount of interference ease their concerns . ever faces — a period that brings stress and a fear for when their loved ones are trying to make decisions “ What differentiates us from anybody else out the future . in their absence . ” there is that we’re going to treat you as a person — The good news , however , is that it is not a path No matter what role she is serving — whether not as a number , not as a case , not as a matter and one has to travel alone . An accomplished , compas - attorney , mediator or advocate — Ms . Bonham not as a task , ” she says . “ You are a person , so we do sionate family law attorney can make a world of dif - finds the law to be a rewarding career . She is espe - not want to use a cookie cutter approach . We will ference during this tumultuous time , serving as a cially proud to navigate clients through the difficult be accessible for you and proactively working on guide and trusted ally . journeys of families in trauma . your case to find out how to make it better , and we “ People going through a divorce are looking for “ Having my own family , the more I see families will keep you updated on everything happening a champion or a hero , ” attorney Maytel Sorondo falling apart , the more I want to help , ” she says . throughout the process . ” Bonham says . “ They need someone who is going to “ There are many pains that my clients are going At the first consultation meeting , Ms . Bonham listen to them ; someone who is going to educate through and they ascertains her clients ’ priorities and determines them and be their advocate . need to see a light whether she is the right fit for their needs . “ We have “ Divorce is an unknown and change frightens at the end of the to make sure we feel comfortable with each other , ” people . I try to reassure them that we’re going to tunnel . When I she explains . “ That is really critical , because this is work on it together and find a new normal for their can be part of that by far the most personal relationship you will family . I make sure they are advised throughout the journey and help have — outside of your doctor — with any other process . ” them heal , it’s very professional in your life . It has to feel natural . ” An honors graduate of both the University of fulfilling . ” From there , she stresses that each divorce case Central Florida and the University of Florida Levin is unique . Clients School of Law with over 25 years of experience , this may have parents , well - respected attorney focuses her practice — The friends or neigh - Law Office of Sorondo Bonham — on family law , The Law Office of bors who have including mediation , as well as estate planning and Sorondo Bonham , PLLC been through the probate law . Along with a dedicated staff that ordeal , but that includes two paralegals , she provides the personal 10421 Moss Park Road • Orlando • ( 407 ) 368 - 7985 • Bonham.law 8 ORLANDO FAMILY march 2020 ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM