Wendy Mara | Ormond Beach Divorce & Family Lawyer

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About Wendy

Wendy A. Mara attended Stetson University where she was selected for Phi Beta Kappa, widely considered to be the nation's most prestigious honor society. After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1993, Ms. Mara taught language arts in both Volusia County public high schools and Father Lopez Catholic High School for 13 years combined. While teaching full time, she earned her MBA from the University of Central Florida in 2006. During her time in graduate school, she was selected for membership in Phi Kappa Phi, another of the nation’s most prestigious honor societies.

Deciding to pursue a legal career, she entered law school at Florida Coastal School of Law where she graduated in the top 10 percent of her class. While in law school, she was a teaching and research assistant, earned the Dean’s Certificate for Pro Bono Work and became an award winning oralist for the Jessup International Moot Court Competition. Following graduation from law school, she was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2009 and entered the private practice of law in the Ormond Beach-Volusia and Flagler County area.

Mrs. Mara’s law practice is centered on family and domestic law, probate and wills, guardianship, and business matters. During her legal career, she has been recognized by her peers as a leader in the profession. She has served as Treasurer, Vice-President and President of the Volusia-Flagler Association for Women Lawyers. This organization honored Ms. Mara in 2015 with their Women of the Year Award for her work on behalf of women and children. Ms. Mara has also served as the Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President, and President of the Volusia County Bar Association, and she currenlty serves as Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Vousia County Bar Association. Ms. Mara is AV rated by Martindale Hubbell in recognition of her ethics and legal knowledge and ability, and she has been designated a Rising Star in Family Law and Probate by SuperLawyers in 2016-2018.

Outside of the legal profession, Ms. Mara is an active leader in her community, involved in many activities and organizations. She is a former member of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, winner of the 2013 Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award and former Chairperson of the PACE Center for Girls, Volusia-Flagler. Ms. Mara is also an active member of the Junior League of Daytona Beach and a volunteer for Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida where she donates her time to provide pro bono legal assistance to low income individuals. Living in Ormond Beach with her husband Robert and sons Robbie and Liam, she has six children and two grandchildren.

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Experience

Managing Attorney

Mara Law, P.A.

Present

Ormond Beach, FL

Admission

Verified Florida

2009

Education

University of Central Florida

M.B.A.

2006

Stetson University

B.A.

1993

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Volusia County Bar Association Past President
    2016-2017 / 2010 - Present
  • Dunn-Blount American Inn of Court Member
    Present
  • Florida Bar Family Law Section and Real Property Probate and Trust Section
    Present
  • Volusia Flagler Association for Women Lawyers Past President
    2010 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Florida Bar
  • Volusia County Bar Association
  • Volusia Flagler Association for Women Lawyers
  • Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida
Honors / Awards
  • AV Rating with Martindale Hubbell
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star in Probate and Family Law
  • Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida - for pro bono services
  • Volusia Flager Association for Women Lawyers - Woman of the Year
  • Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Leadership Award

Notable Work

Publications

Leading Counsel: Spotlights on the Top Elder Law and Estate Planning Attorneys Remarkable Press

2021

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

I represented a wife in a probate where the sister-in-law was the appointed personal representative. The sister-in-law did not have the wife's best interests at heart. I was able to ensure that the wife obtained her exempt personal property, the homestead, and the proceeds from an insurance claim on the homestead. The wife was very thankful and did not know that she was entitled to these assets.

How did you build a successful practice?

I have built a successful practice by working with a team of caring and knowledgeable paralegals and legal assistants who work with our clients diligently. Our clients are the focus of our practice, and we do everything we can legally do to help our clients reach their goals in the case.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

Clients should look for a lawyer with whom they can talk to and feel they have been heard. It is not enough for a lawyer to know the law; the lawyer needs to be able to explain the law in terms that are understandable to the client. The lawyer should always treat the client with respect and keep the client informed of the progress of the case. The lawyer should be well respected in the community and demonstrate knowledge in the particular area in which he or she is representing the client.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

It is important for the lawyer to have an understanding of the local judge's requirements for filing documents and for attending hearings before the judge. It is also helpful when the lawyer knows the other attorneys involved in the case.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

We have a client centered firm where we as a team treat each client with respect. Our focus is on discovering our clients' goals and explaining to them what is and what is not possible based on the law. We explain the options and the potential costs of each option, and we keep them informed each step of the process.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I love the fact that I am able to help people at a time of their greatest need. Clients put their trust in me to solve a life problem or issue, and I take that very seriously.

What are your other interests in addition to law?

I am married with six children and three grandchildren. I am a Cub Scout Den Leader for my youngest son's den, and I am a purple belt in United Martial Arts. I also enjoy gardening and camping.

Are you involved in your community?

Over the years, I have served in many capacities on many local boards such as the Volusia County Bar Association, Volusia-Flagler Association for Women Lawyers, Ormond Chamber of Commerce, and Volusia-Flagler PACE Center for Girls. Currently, I am a pro bono attorney for Community Services of Mid-Florida and Council on Aging. I am a Den Leader with Cub Scout Pack 3074, and I serve on the Planned Giving Advisory Council for the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida.

Mara Law, P.A. Highlights

Divorce & Family Law, Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody, Wills & Probate

Firm Size: 1
Firm Locations: 1
Languages: English