Mary Lou Miller Wagstaff, ESQ.

Family Law Attorney

Having been born an Ohio Buckeye, it was not hard to become a Florida Cracker when my family moved to Winter Park. I was educated at The College of William & Mary which not only gave me a great education but appealed to my love of history, followed by law school at Stetson University College of Law. I started out as an in-house corporate attorney, but quickly decided I wanted to help people more directly in private practice.

After getting experience in corporate and business law, general litigation, and marital and family law, I realized my real passion was advocating for my clients who were going through a family crisis. I particularly like working with my clients who want to protect their children and families in this changing world. I try to focus on what is truly in the best interest of the children as my clients are engaged in an increasingly complex legal system.

I have participated in various statewide and local bar association committees, as well as civic and charitable groups, focused on helping change the practice of family law. Some attorneys tell clients that their divorce has to be like the breakup of a business. Instead, I believe family law attorneys should recognize the emotional turmoil of families in crisis and approach their cases in a more therapeutic manner. This is how I approach every case, with genuine care and concern.

I serve as a Guardian ad Litem for children in high-conflict cases and am a certified mediator. I have represented Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg for more than 30 years in their adoptions program. Because families need legal counsel at all stages of their lives, I assist with wills, durable powers of attorney, and other life-planning documents, and when necessary, probate.

I am currently privileged to be on the Supreme Court Steering Committee of Families & Children where I also serve as liaison to the Florida Bar Family Law Rules Committee. You might also be interested to know I have written a chapter for the Florida CLE “Red” books.

I am passionate about helping my clients. I work hard with each and every case to make sure that it is handled competently, compassionately and thoroughly whether it is through litigation, mediation or collaboration, and I’m anxious to help you toward resolution.

Member of The Florida Bar, Clearwater Bar Association, Canakaris Inns of Court, Florida Supreme Court Committee on Families and Children, and board member of the Florida Association of Family and Conciliation Courts.