By Ashley Robinson Navigating a divorce in Palm Beach County can be emotionally overwhelming and legally complex. Whether you are dealing with high-asset property division, contested child custody, alimony disputes, or a straightforward uncontested separation, selecting the right attorney can significantly shape the outcome of your case and your long-term financial stability.
Family law matters in West Palm Beach fall under Florida’s 15th Judicial Circuit, where courts apply equitable distribution principles, enforce mandatory financial disclosure requirements, and place strong emphasis on parenting plans and mediation. With Florida’s recent statutory reforms eliminating permanent alimony, experienced legal counsel is more critical than ever.
After thorough research into attorney credentials, client feedback, peer ratings, and professional recognition, here are five of the most highly regarded divorce and family law attorneys serving West Palm Beach in 2026:
1. Eric C. Cheshire — Eric C. Cheshire, P.A.
Operating from West Palm Beach since 1988, Eric C. Cheshire is one of Palm Beach County’s most established and decorated divorce attorneys. With more than 37 years of courtroom and negotiation experience, he is consistently recognized across Justia, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google reviews as one of the region’s most trusted family law practitioners.
Why Clients Choose Him:
- AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell and recognized among America’s Most Honored Lawyers — Top 1%, reflecting the highest peer-reviewed standard for legal ability and ethics.
- Comprehensive divorce representation covering contested and uncontested divorces, child custody and timesharing, alimony, property division, same-sex divorce, and military divorce.
- Clients across platforms consistently praise his personal attention, direct communication, and willingness to keep them informed at every stage of proceedings.
Address: 580 Village Boulevard, Suite 200, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 | Phone: (561) 677-8090
2. Grant J. Gisondo — Law Offices of Grant J. Gisondo, P.A.
Grant J. Gisondo is a Board-Certified Marital and Family Law Specialist with offices in Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach. Board certification by The Florida Bar — earned by fewer than 6% of eligible attorneys — reflects rigorous testing, peer review, and demonstrated courtroom expertise. Gisondo’s background in business and finance makes him particularly well-suited for complex, high-asset divorce cases.
Why Clients Choose Him:
- Board certified in Marital and Family Law by The Florida Bar, and selected by the Florida Bar Family Law Referral Service for Palm Beach County — a distinction reflecting professional trust and peer recognition.
- Extensive experience handling divorces involving business ownership, investment property, professional practices, corporate assets, and high-net-worth equitable distribution disputes.
- Google and Avvo reviewers consistently highlight his honesty, calm under pressure, and tenacious courtroom advocacy, with clients noting he delivers results without unnecessary litigation costs.
Address: 500 Village Square Crossing, West Palm Beach, FL | Phone: Available via firm website
3. Doreen Yaffa — Yaffa Family Law Group
Doreen Yaffa is among a rare group of South Florida attorneys holding Board Certification in Marital and Family Law — a distinction she has maintained since 2001. Her firm, Yaffa Family Law Group, combines aggressive courtroom advocacy with compassionate client support, and is particularly recognized for its holistic, client-centered philosophy that extends beyond the courtroom.
Why Clients Choose Her:
- One of fewer than 6% of Florida attorneys board certified in Marital and Family Law, with over two decades of sustained certification — a testament to her legal knowledge, courtroom skill, and ethical standing.
- AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell for both legal ability and ethical standards, with strong recognition across Avvo and Google client review platforms.
- Specializes in collaborative divorce, domestic violence injunctions, high-conflict custody disputes, and post-divorce coaching — offering clients support that continues beyond legal proceedings.
Address: 301 Yamato Road, Suite 2190, Boca Raton, FL (serving West Palm Beach) | Phone: (561) 276-3880
4. Bruce S. Rosenwater — Bruce S. Rosenwater & Associates, P.A.
Bruce S. Rosenwater has been practicing family law in Palm Beach County for over 30 years, building a reputation as one of the area’s most compassionate and client-focused divorce attorneys. His firm handles divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, and real estate-related family law matters, with a philosophy centered on guiding clients through difficult transitions with both empathy and aggressive legal advocacy.
Why Clients Choose Him:
- Avvo reviewers award the firm a near-perfect 5-star average across 61 reviews, with clients regularly praising his responsiveness, compassion, and willingness to go beyond standard representation.
- Recognized on the Trustpilot platform among top Palm Beach family law firms, with strong client testimonials highlighting the firm’s personalized strategy and detailed communication throughout each case.
- Bilingual services (se habla español) extend the firm’s accessibility to a broader Palm Beach County community, ensuring non-English-speaking clients receive full and effective representation.
Address: West Palm Beach, FL | Phone: Available via firm website
5. William Wallshein — William Wallshein, P.A.
William Wallshein brings a unique combination of prosecutorial experience and longtime family law practice to West Palm Beach clients. After serving as Assistant State Attorney and Division Chief from 1984 to 1990, Wallshein founded his own firm and has since spent over three decades representing individuals across all areas of divorce and family law, as well as criminal defense.
Why Clients Choose Him:
- His prosecutorial background — including time as a Division Chief in the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s office — gives him a litigation mindset that is highly effective during contested divorce and custody proceedings requiring aggressive courtroom advocacy.
- Justia and FindLaw profiles confirm his longstanding presence in the West Palm Beach legal community, with strong peer endorsements citing his case-settlement skills, client loyalty, and courtroom reputation with local judges.
- Avvo reviewers highlight his patience, accessibility, and honest case assessments, with multiple clients noting his willingness to explain legal options clearly and remain available throughout difficult proceedings.
Address: West Palm Beach, FL | Phone: (561) 533-1221
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How are marital assets divided during a divorce in West Palm Beach?
A: Florida follows an equitable distribution framework, meaning courts divide marital assets and liabilities fairly — though not necessarily equally — between spouses. Judges consider factors such as income disparity, contributions to the marriage, duration of the union, and whether any assets were intentionally hidden or depleted. Non-marital assets, such as those acquired before the marriage or certain inheritances, are generally excluded from division.
Q: Does Florida still award permanent alimony?
A: No. Florida eliminated permanent periodic alimony under recent statutory reforms. Courts may now award bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, or durational alimony based on the financial need of the recipient spouse and the duration of the marriage.
Q: How does Florida handle child custody and timesharing?
A: Florida courts use the terms “parental responsibility” and “timesharing” rather than custody. Judges generally prefer arrangements that allow both parents meaningful involvement in the child’s life, unless evidence demonstrates that doing so would not serve the child’s best interests.
Q: Is mediation required before a divorce trial in Palm Beach County?
A: In most contested family law cases, mediation is required before a judge will allow the matter to proceed to a final trial. The majority of Palm Beach County family law cases — approximately 75 to 80 percent — resolve through mediation.
Q: Can a parenting plan be modified after the divorce is finalized?
A: Yes. Parenting plans and child support agreements may be modified if there has been a substantial, unanticipated, and permanent change in circumstances — such as a parent’s relocation, a significant shift in income, or a change materially affecting the child’s welfare.
Q: How long does a divorce typically take in West Palm Beach?
A: An uncontested divorce may be finalized within a few months. Contested divorces — particularly those involving business valuation, hidden assets, or prolonged custody disputes — can take considerably longer depending on court scheduling, the complexity of financial discovery, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate.
Q: What qualifies as non-marital property in Florida?
A: Assets acquired before the marriage, certain inheritances, individual gifts, and separately maintained financial accounts may qualify as non-marital property if they were not commingled with marital funds during the marriage.
A: What documents should I bring to an initial divorce consultation?
A: Useful documents include recent tax returns, bank and investment account statements, mortgage records, retirement account statements, pay stubs, business ownership documents, credit card balances, prenuptial agreements, and any documentation relating to children or household expenses.
Overall, Choosing the right divorce attorney in West Palm Beach is one of the most consequential decisions you will make during this process. The attorneys listed above have each demonstrated sustained commitment to their clients, strong professional reputations, and proven results across Palm Beach County’s family law courts. Consult with more than one attorney when possible, and select the professional whose experience and approach align most closely with your specific case needs.