our story
The Only Board Certified Family Law Specialist in Central Florida with an MBA and Psychology Degree
When Your Divorce Involves Millions in Assets, Complex Business Valuations, or High-Conflict Custody—You Need More Than a "Good Lawyer"
Education & Credentials:
- Juris Doctor, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law (2003)
- Master of Business Administration, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, SUNY Buffalo (2000)
- Florida Bar Member since November 2003
- Collaborative Law Attorney
The Multidisciplinary Advantage
What distinguishes Mary from other Florida attorneys is her comprehensive approach to legal problem-solving. Her psychology degree provides the emotional intelligence to truly understand client concerns and craft strategies that account for the human element often overlooked in legal proceedings. Her MBA from the prestigious Rollins College equips her with sophisticated financial analysis capabilities essential for complex business transactions, divorce proceedings involving substantial assets, and estate planning strategies that optimize wealth preservation.
This unique combination means clients receive counsel that goes beyond legal technicalities to encompass real-world business implications and personal wellbeing—comprehensive strategy that delivers anticipated results.
Serving Central Florida & Beyond
Mary practices throughout Central and Southeast Florida, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia, Brevard, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Her offices in Orlando and Montverde serve clients throughout the region, with consultations available by appointment.
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our story
A Board Certified Family Law Specialist in Central Florida with an MBA and Psychology Degree
When Your Family Involves a High Net Worth/significant income, Complex or High-Conflict Circumstances...You Need More Than a "Good Lawyer"
Most divorce attorneys understand law. Mary Zogg understands law, business finance, AND human psychology. It’s this rare combination—Board Certification from The Florida Bar, MBA training from Rollins College, and a psychology degree from SUNY Buffalo—that makes Mary uniquely qualified to handle Central Florida’s most complex, high-stakes divorce cases. For 20+ years, she’s protected business owners, executives, and high-net-worth families facing divorces where millions hang in the balance and where children’s wellbeing requires sophisticated psychological strategy.
Education & Credentials:
- Collaborative Trained Law Attorney (2014)
- Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator (2013)
- Master of Business Administration, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida (2009)
- Florida Bar Member since November 2003
- Juris Doctor, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law (2003)
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, SUNY Buffalo (2000)
The Multidisciplinary Advantage
What distinguishes Mary from other Florida attorneys is her comprehensive approach to legal problem-solving.
- Her psychology degree provides the emotional intelligence to truly understand client concerns and craft strategies that account for the human element often overlooked in legal proceedings.
- Her MBA from the prestigious Rollins College equips her with sophisticated training and education essential for complex business transactions, divorce proceedings involving substantial assets, and estate planning strategies that optimize wealth preservation.
This unique combination means clients receive counsel that goes beyond legal technicalities to encompass real-world business implications and personal well-being. This is her comprehensive strategy that delivers anticipated results.
See if Board Certified representation is right for your case
Orlando: (321) 209-1878| Clermont: (352) 418-0418
Board Certified
1 of approximately 300 attorneys in Florida holding this highest credential
MBA - Rollins College
Rare among family law attorneys
20+ Years Experience
Assisted Hundreds of families in Florida
WHY MARY'S BACKGROUND MATTERS TO YOUR CASE
Three Degrees. One Strategic Advantage for Your Family.
You need an attorney who doesn’t just hire experts. You need an attorney who IS the expert.
WHY THIS COMBINATION IS UNMATCHED
Board Certified + MBA = The Strategic Advantage Your Case Needs
It’s not just that Mary has three degrees. It’s that these three specific disciplines create synergistic advantages in complex, high-asset divorce cases.
How the Trifecta Works Together:
Board Certified by The Florida Bar
Less than 1% of Family Law Attorneys in Florida are Board Certified
MBA – Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business
While most family law attorneys rely entirely on expert witnesses to explain financial concepts, Mary speaks the language of business fluently.
BA in Psychology – SUNY Buffalo
Mary earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo before attending law school.
Business Owner Divorce
Legal Expertise (Board Certified):
→ Knows Florida case law on business valuations→ Understands discovery strategies for business records→ Has significant trial experience
Result: Business protected, proper valuation achieved, client's emotional wellbeing maintained throughout process.
→ Knows Florida case law on business valuations→ Understands discovery strategies for business records→ Has significant trial experience
Result: Business protected, proper valuation achieved, client's emotional wellbeing maintained throughout process.
High Conflict Custody Dispute
Legal Expertise:
→ Knows Florida law→ Experience with custody evaluations and expert witnesses→ Trial skills to present evidence effectively→ Understands child support calculations and income analysis
Result: A parenting plan geared to your unique family.
→ Knows Florida law→ Experience with custody evaluations and expert witnesses→ Trial skills to present evidence effectively→ Understands child support calculations and income analysis
Result: A parenting plan geared to your unique family.
Executive Divorce with Complex Compensation
Legal Expertise:
→ Knows Florida law on dividing unvested equity compensation→ Experienced trial lawyer→ Understands RSUs, stock options, deferred compensation structures→ Analyzes executive compensation packages without relying entirely on HR
Result: A distribution of your assets and liabilities and identification of your supportive obligations that matches the complexity of your compensation.
→ Knows Florida law on dividing unvested equity compensation→ Experienced trial lawyer→ Understands RSUs, stock options, deferred compensation structures→ Analyzes executive compensation packages without relying entirely on HR
Result: A distribution of your assets and liabilities and identification of your supportive obligations that matches the complexity of your compensation.
FROM PSYCHOLOGY TO LAW TO BUSINESS
How Mary Became Central Florida's Go-To Attorney for Complex Divorce
Step 1
The Psychology Foundation
Mary's path to becoming a Board Certified family law specialist began with a deep interest in human behavior and relationships. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
"I was fascinated by why people behave the way they do, particularly in relationships and under stress,"
Mary explains.
"I initially considered becoming a therapist or counselor."
But during college, she became interested in how legal systems intersect with psychological issues, again in particular to family law contexts where emotional dynamics drive so much of the conflict and alternative dispute resolution.
"I realized I could have more impact helping people through the legal system (where concrete outcomes like custody, property division, and financial security are determined) while still applying psychological understanding to the strategy."
Step 2
Law School and Early Practice
Mary attended law school at SUNY Buffalo, where she concentrated on Labor and Employment Law.
"I eventually discovered that family law was my calling. It combines legal strategy, financial analysis, psychological insight, and meaningful impact on families' lives."
She became licensed in Florida in 2003 and began building her family law practice in Central Florida.
Step 3
The MBA Advantage
Several years into practice, Mary recognized that business owner and executive divorces presented financial complexity her legal training alone didn't fully address.
"I was handling cases involving businesses and complex financial structures. I could hire expert witnesses, but I couldn't speak their language fluently. I couldn't challenge opposing experts' methodology. I was dependent on others to explain financial concepts to me."
So she pursued an MBA from Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business while maintaining her full-time legal job.
"It was challenging working full-time as an attorney while completing graduate business courses. But it transformed my practice."
The MBA training gave her sophisticated understanding of:
- Business valuations and financial statement analysis
- Corporate finance and accounting
- Strategic management and operations
- Tax strategy and implications
"After completing my MBA, I could challenge business valuation experts' methodology. I could structure divisions that were tax-efficient. I wasn't dependent on others to understand the numbers, I understood them myself now."
Step 4
Board Certification
With 20+ years of family law experience and hundreds of cases under her belt, Mary pursued Board Certification from The Florida Bar.
"Board Certification is The Florida Bar's highest recognition of expertise. It requires peer review, judicial review, examination, and proven trial experience. It's rigorous and many experienced attorneys don't achieve it."
Mary earned Board Certification in Marital & Family Law, joining the less than 1% of Florida attorneys who hold this credential.
"Board Certification represents official recognition that my expertise has been tested, reviewed, and verified. It matters to judges, opposing counsel, and clients. It's proof, not just claims, of competence."
Step 5
The Practice Today
Today, Mary maintains offices in both Orlando and Clermont, serving surrounding Central Florida families facing complex divorce.
Her practice focuses on:
- High-net-worth divorces involving substantial assets
- Business owner and professional practice divorces
- Executive divorces with complex compensation
- High-conflict custody and parental alienation
- Sophisticated asset protection and division
"The cases I handle are rarely simple. They involve high-valued assets, complex businesses, difficult custody situations, or high-conflict dynamics. These cases require more than generic legal knowledge; they require the combination of legal expertise, financial sophistication, and psychological insight I've spent my career developing."
Step 6
Why She Does This Work
"Family law is deeply personal. I'm helping people through the worst period of their lives. Their financial security, their relationship with their children, their future...everything hangs in the balance.
When someone trusts me with something this important, I take it very seriously. I bring every tool I have—legal, financial, psychological—to advocate for them.
The combination of Board Certification, MBA training, and psychology background isn't just credentials. It's the nuanced expertise complex cases require. And when we achieve a great outcome—protect a business, secure appropriate parenting arrangements, expose hidden assets and income—I know I've made a real difference in someone's life."
MARY'S APPROACH TO REPRESENTATION
Strategic, Transparent, Client-Focused Representation
Strategic Thinking, Not Reactive Firefighting
A lot of attorneys approach divorce reactively—responding to whatever the other side does without an overall strategy.
Mary's approach is different:✓ Develop comprehensive strategy based on your goals, finances, and circumstances✓ Anticipate opposing side's moves and prepare responses in advance✓ Make deliberate, strategic decisions about discovery, experts, negotiation, and trial✓ Adapt strategy as case evolves while maintaining focus on end goals✓ Know when to fight and when to settle based on expected outcomes and cost-benefit analysis
"I'm not interested in fighting for fighting's sake. I'm interested in achieving optimal outcomes for my clients. Sometimes that requires aggressive litigation. Sometimes strategic settlement is better. Strategy means knowing the difference."
Mary's approach is different:✓ Develop comprehensive strategy based on your goals, finances, and circumstances✓ Anticipate opposing side's moves and prepare responses in advance✓ Make deliberate, strategic decisions about discovery, experts, negotiation, and trial✓ Adapt strategy as case evolves while maintaining focus on end goals✓ Know when to fight and when to settle based on expected outcomes and cost-benefit analysis
"I'm not interested in fighting for fighting's sake. I'm interested in achieving optimal outcomes for my clients. Sometimes that requires aggressive litigation. Sometimes strategic settlement is better. Strategy means knowing the difference."
Transparent Communication
Clients deserve to know:• What's happening in their case• What to expect• What things cost• What options exist• What outcomes are realistic
Mary's communication approach:✓ Regular updates✓ Prompt responses to client questions and concerns✓ Clear explanations of legal concepts and strategy✓ Honest assessment of strengths, weaknesses, and likely outcomes✓ Transparent billing (detailed invoices showing exactly what you're paying for)✓ Accessible (my clients have my cell phone number)
"The worst feeling in divorce is not knowing what's happening. I make sure clients understand every development, every decision, and every option. You're never left wondering."
No sugarcoating, no false promises, no games. Just honest, transparent guidance.
Mary's communication approach:✓ Regular updates✓ Prompt responses to client questions and concerns✓ Clear explanations of legal concepts and strategy✓ Honest assessment of strengths, weaknesses, and likely outcomes✓ Transparent billing (detailed invoices showing exactly what you're paying for)✓ Accessible (my clients have my cell phone number)
"The worst feeling in divorce is not knowing what's happening. I make sure clients understand every development, every decision, and every option. You're never left wondering."
No sugarcoating, no false promises, no games. Just honest, transparent guidance.
Empathy With Boundaries
Divorce is emotionally devastating. Clients are scared, angry, hurt, and overwhelmed.
Mary understands the emotional toll—her psychology background gives her insight into the grief, fear, and trauma clients experience.
"I provide compassionate, understanding support through this difficult time. But I also maintain professional boundaries that serve clients best."
What this means:✓ Empathy and support through difficult moments✓ Emotional validation without allowing emotions to drive bad decisions✓ Safe space to express fears and concerns✓ Strategic guidance that accounts for emotional realities while focusing on best outcomes✓ Realistic expectations rather than false reassurance✗ Not a therapist (and will refer you to one when appropriate)✗ Not a friend (friendship clouds professional judgment)✗ Not enabling emotional decision-making that harms your case
"My job is to protect your legal and financial interests, which sometimes means telling you things you don't want to hear or pushing back on emotionally-driven decisions. Compassionate representation doesn't mean agreeing with everything you want, it means fighting for what you need."
Mary understands the emotional toll—her psychology background gives her insight into the grief, fear, and trauma clients experience.
"I provide compassionate, understanding support through this difficult time. But I also maintain professional boundaries that serve clients best."
What this means:✓ Empathy and support through difficult moments✓ Emotional validation without allowing emotions to drive bad decisions✓ Safe space to express fears and concerns✓ Strategic guidance that accounts for emotional realities while focusing on best outcomes✓ Realistic expectations rather than false reassurance✗ Not a therapist (and will refer you to one when appropriate)✗ Not a friend (friendship clouds professional judgment)✗ Not enabling emotional decision-making that harms your case
"My job is to protect your legal and financial interests, which sometimes means telling you things you don't want to hear or pushing back on emotionally-driven decisions. Compassionate representation doesn't mean agreeing with everything you want, it means fighting for what you need."
Value Over Volume
Mary intentionally limits her caseload to provide exceptional service on complex cases.
"I don't take every case that walks through the door."
This means:✓ Thorough attention to your case details and strategy✓ Direct access to Mary (not passed off to junior attorneys)✓ Time to think strategically rather than rushing between court appearances✓ Comprehensive preparation for hearings, depositions, and trial✓ Better outcomes because each case receives the attention it deserves
Who Mary Represents:• Business owners and professionals facing complex asset division• Executives with sophisticated compensation structures• High-net-worth individuals with substantial assets• Parents facing high-conflict custody or parental alienation• Cases requiring strategic sophistication and proven expertise
"I don't take every case that walks through the door."
This means:✓ Thorough attention to your case details and strategy✓ Direct access to Mary (not passed off to junior attorneys)✓ Time to think strategically rather than rushing between court appearances✓ Comprehensive preparation for hearings, depositions, and trial✓ Better outcomes because each case receives the attention it deserves
Who Mary Represents:• Business owners and professionals facing complex asset division• Executives with sophisticated compensation structures• High-net-worth individuals with substantial assets• Parents facing high-conflict custody or parental alienation• Cases requiring strategic sophistication and proven expertise
Settlement When Possible, Trial When Necessary
Mary is both a skilled negotiator and experienced trial attorney. She uses whichever approach serves clients best.
Settlement-First Mentality:Most cases benefit from settlement:• Faster resolution (6-12 months vs. 18-24+ months)• Lower costs (often 50-70% less than trial)• More control over outcome (negotiated vs. judge-decided)• Better post-divorce relationships (especially important with children)
"I always explore settlement opportunities. Mediation, collaborative approaches, direct negotiation—I'm skilled in all of them. Settlement from strength, with proper financial analysis and expert input, often produces optimal outcomes."
Trial When Necessary:Some cases require trial:• Spouse refusing reasonable settlement• Significant asset hiding or financial fraud• Serious custody concerns or parental alienation• Complex legal issues requiring court decision• Spouse's unreasonable demands making settlement impossible
"When trial is necessary, I'm ready. 20+ years of courtroom experience. Board Certified trial skills. Proven track record of successful outcomes in contested cases. I don't back down from trial when it's in your interest. But I also don't recommend trial just to generate fees—only when it's truly the best path forward."
The Bottom Line:Smart strategy means knowing when to negotiate and when to fight. Mary knows the difference.
Settlement-First Mentality:Most cases benefit from settlement:• Faster resolution (6-12 months vs. 18-24+ months)• Lower costs (often 50-70% less than trial)• More control over outcome (negotiated vs. judge-decided)• Better post-divorce relationships (especially important with children)
"I always explore settlement opportunities. Mediation, collaborative approaches, direct negotiation—I'm skilled in all of them. Settlement from strength, with proper financial analysis and expert input, often produces optimal outcomes."
Trial When Necessary:Some cases require trial:• Spouse refusing reasonable settlement• Significant asset hiding or financial fraud• Serious custody concerns or parental alienation• Complex legal issues requiring court decision• Spouse's unreasonable demands making settlement impossible
"When trial is necessary, I'm ready. 20+ years of courtroom experience. Board Certified trial skills. Proven track record of successful outcomes in contested cases. I don't back down from trial when it's in your interest. But I also don't recommend trial just to generate fees—only when it's truly the best path forward."
The Bottom Line:Smart strategy means knowing when to negotiate and when to fight. Mary knows the difference.
CASE RESULTS & OUTCOMES
Real Results for Central Florida Families
Case Results Disclaimer: Every caseis unique. Past results donot guarantee future outcomes. The following examples have been modified to protect client confidentiality. Individual results depend on specific facts and circumstances.
