About

Mark Maynor, Senior Attorney and Founder: Senior attorney and founder of Maynor Associates and Affordable Divorce Center, J. Mark Maynor has practiced family law in Palm Beach County for over 37 years. Responding to a need for quality family law legal services at affordable rates, Mr. Maynor created Affordable Divorce Center and oversees a team of highly skilled attorneys and paralegals.

Regarded as a leader in the field of Florida family law, Mr. Maynor is a sought-out family law attorney in high net-worth cases and brings the same level of personal attention to the Affordable Divorce Center. His reputation has been built on a combination of compassion for his clients and a keen working knowledge of the Florida court system.

Mr. Maynor’s expertise in Marital & Family Law, is further underscored by his AV® Preeminent Rating given by Martindale-Hubbell®, which is the highest rating an attorney can receive and indicates the highest level of professional and ethical excellence. He has also been named a “Florida Super Lawyer” in the area of Divorce and Family Law, a listing of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Most recently, the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys voted him one of Florida’s 10 Best Family Law Attorneys in 2017.

A lifelong resident of Florida, Maynor grew up in Palm Beach County and received his B.A. from the University of Florida in 1977. In addition to a rigorous honors program, he was also a linebacker on the University of Florida Gators football team from 1973-1976. He earned his J.D. degree from the University of Florida in 1979 and was admitted to practice in 1980

Shawn Gearhart, Lead Attorney: Shawn Gearhart is the lead attorney at Affordable Divorce Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. After graduating from Barry University School of Law, he was admitted to the Florida Bar. Indicating the highest levels of professional excellence in his field, Mr. Gearhart is AV-Preeminent Rated by Martindale Hubbell, the leading source for rating attorneys based on ethical standards and legal ability. In addition to all Florida State Courts, he is also admitted to practice in Federal Courts in the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.

Mr. Gearhart graduated Cum Laude from the University of South Florida with a BA in Communications. He has practiced family law in Florida since he started his law career, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and others in the Palm Beach County legal community.

His practice is focused on all aspects of family and marital law, including dissolution of marriage, timesharing (custody), child support, alimony, equitable distribution of assets and debts, modification, enforcement, relocation, contempt, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, settlement agreements, mediations, jurisdictional issues, international custody issues, paternity and domestic violence. In addition, Mr. Gearhart also represents individuals in both Chapter 7 bankruptcy and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Court.

Stephanie A. Parsons is an associate attorney at Affordable Divorce Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she focuses her practice on all aspects of family law including dissolution of marriage, timesharing (custody), child support, alimony, equitable distribution of assets and debts, modification, enforcement, relocation, contempt, pre-nuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, settlement agreements, mediations, jurisdictional issues, paternity and domestic violence.

Ms. Parsons graduated from University of Central Florida in Orlando with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Health Sciences. She continued her education at St. Thomas University Law School in Miami Gardens, Florida, where she earned her law degree and was subsequently admitted to the Florida Bar.

Ms. Parsons has a passion for helping Florida families. She has experience in the areas of real estate, family law and civil litigation and is committed to providing the highest caliber of legal service to her clients with competence, care and compassion.

An avid environmentalist and Florida native, she is keenly interested in helping with legislation governing the Everglades and the continued battle to preserve land essential to the Florida ecosystem.

Genny Contreras is an Of Counsel with Affordable Divorce Center and the senior attorney in our Fort Pierce office. Ms. Contreras is a present member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, Martin County Bar Association, and the St. Lucie County Bar Association.

Ms. Contreras’ passion for law started while studying business and owning a construction company where she holds licenses in Real Estate, Air Conditioning and as a General Contractor. Pulled in a different direction, she decided to pursue her legal education and graduated from St. Thomas School of Law, Miami Florida where she received her Juris Doctor Degree along with a Certificate in Environmental Sustainability, Business Law, and Real Estate law. In addition to her demanding schedule, Ms. Contreras received a Pro Bono Commendation Certificate for outstanding commitment to public service.

As a lifelong resident of South Florida, she graduated from Palm Beach State College with a B.A.S. in Supervision and Management and was on the President’s Academic Honors list. She was a member of the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society.

Today, she continues to take pride in assisting individuals facing hardships and providing legal advice of those within her community here in St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach County.

In her free time, Ms. Contreras likes to read, kayaking, spend time with friends and family, and play pickleball.

Wendy Lopez de Melo: Wendy Melo is a Paralegal at the Affordable Divorce Center. Her expertise is in the area of marital and family law involving divorce, co-parenting, time sharing, and modification of support and alimony.

Wendy is the primary contact for Document Preparation Program clients, preparing the necessary documents enabling them to go to their final hearing. She has a tender heart and a special gift of making others feel comfortable during difficult times.
Wendy first joined the firm in 2013 as a junior paralegal. Wendy started her career as a legal assistant. She has served various law firms in administrative positions and has acquired over 13 years of experience in the legal field.

Wendy is bilingual in Spanish/English.

Kathleen Parsons: “My position at the Affordable Divorce Center allows me to help people during a very difficult time in their lives.I have a real understanding of the emotional toll on our clients, so to be there to help them through this life-changing experience gives me great satisfaction.”

Kathi joined Affordable Divorce Center bringing with her years of experience in office administration.She comes to us from a long career in the field of elementary education where she earned a master’s degree.

Kathi’s role as the firm’s case administrator makes the most of her excellent organizational skills providing direct support to the attorneys.A compassionate listener, Kathi is the first point of contact for new clients, and is their liaison throughout their case.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, sewing and writing.

Wendy is the friendly voice you first hear when calling the Affordable Divorce Center.  She joined the firm in 2013 and since then has served as Office Administrator and a Junior Paralegal.  Wendy oversees the Document Assistance program, drafting documents and assisting clients with procedural questions.  She is also responsible for all administrative functions such as filing, scheduling and the overall efficient and smooth operation of the office.

Mrs. Melo started her career as a legal assistant.  She has served various law firms in administrative positions and has acquired 9 years of professional experience in law office management.  She is bilingual in Spanish/English.

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