Navigating Divorce with Confidence: Family Law Specialist Maya Grey on Making Legal Support More Accessible
Interview by Heather Anderson
Maya Grey has built a career helping individuals navigate some of the most challenging moments in their lives. As a Certified Family Law Specialist, she takes a practical and compassionate approach, empowering clients with knowledge and resources so they feel more in control. With a background in education and psychology, Maya is passionate about making legal guidance straightforward and accessible. Whether through one-on-one consultations, mediation, or her DIY legal tools, she’s redefining what it means to get family law support.
You’ve spent years guiding individuals and families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Can you share how your background in education and psychology shaped your compassionate and teaching-oriented approach to family law?
Since I was little, I’ve always loved helping people. Teaching gave me a deep sense of being needed, and when I transitioned into law, I missed that connection. Family law brought me back to that core of helping people when they need it most. My background in education and child development also means I always consider how legal decisions will impact children in the long term. Psychology has helped me guide clients through the emotional side of divorce—how they interact with their spouse, what they say, and how to approach decisions in a way that serves their best interests.
“Regardless of how you feel about your ex, most children benefit from having both parents in their lives. Reinforce that both parents love them, and avoid negative talk about the other parent.”
You’re known for making legal support accessible and straightforward with your unique offerings—can you tell us about your 1-hour consultation model, the Navigating Divorce “101” Workshop, and the DIY templates and guides you provide?
Absolutely! My goal is to give people as much information and strategy as possible in just one hour. I start with an in-depth intake, asking about their background, relationship dynamics, finances, and goals. From there, I break down how the law applies to them and offer step-by-step guidance. Many clients leave this session feeling empowered to handle things on their own, but they can book additional sessions if they need more support.
1-hour consultations: Clients can usually book up to three without formally retaining me. These sessions provide strategy, legal guidance, and practical next steps tailored to their situation.
Navigating Divorce 101 Workshop: This covers the four main areas of divorce—child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division—giving attendees a roadmap to navigate the process.
DIY templates and guides: Unlike standard forms, my templates provide detailed, enforceable agreements that help people avoid common mistakes and ensure clarity in legal agreements.
For moms who are new to the legal side of divorce, what are some of the most important first steps they can take to feel more in control?
First, get informed—understanding your rights and responsibilities is empowering. Second, gather key financial documents like tax returns and bank statements. Finally, understand that even if no one has filed for divorce, the date of separation is determined by actions and intent, not necessarily by moving out or filing paperwork. This can be reassuring for those still living together due to financial constraints.
You emphasize negotiated settlements and aim to keep families out of court whenever possible. What’s one of the biggest benefits of settling outside of court, and how do you help your clients reach those outcomes?
No one knows your family better than you do. Settling outside of court allows you to have more control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions up to a judge. It’s also significantly faster and more cost-effective—court cases often take over a year to resolve. I work with clients to determine their priorities and find creative solutions that align with their long-term goals.
Your workshop, Navigating Divorce, covers the four most common issues that arise during the divorce process. Could you give our readers a sneak peek of what’s covered and how it might help them feel more prepared?
Sure! The workshop covers:
Child custody: Understanding legal vs. physical custody and common schedules by age group.
Child support: Key factors in determining payments and how long support lasts.
Spousal support: The difference between temporary and post-Judgment spousal support.
Property division: What qualifies as community vs. separate property and how the date of separation affects division.
Child custody and support are understandably big concerns for moms going through a divorce. Can you break down one or two common questions or misconceptions moms often have about these issues?
One misconception is that primary caregivers automatically get full custody—courts prioritize the child's best interests, which generally means shared custody. Another misconception is that child support is based on your expenses when, in reality, it’s calculated based on income, timeshare, and tax considerations.
Co-parenting can be one of the most challenging aspects of divorce. What’s one piece of advice you give moms who are transitioning to co-parenting to help set them up for success?
Regardless of how you feel about your ex, most children benefit from having both parents in their lives. Reinforce that both parents love them, and avoid negative talk about the other parent. Think of it as a family reorganization rather than a split.
You’re also a mediator, which gives parents a chance to have more control over their solutions. What’s an example of a scenario where mediation was a game-changer for your clients?
Mediation allows couples to craft agreements that work best for them rather than relying on rigid court orders. I had one couple where the husband voluntarily agreed to pay more than the standard child support calculation because he recognized it was better for his ex’s and children’s well-being. It’s rare to see that kind of compromise in couples who choose to go to court.
For moms worried about the financial aspects of divorce, like spousal or child support, what’s an empowering first step they can take to understand what might be fair and possible?
Using online child support calculators can give an initial idea of what to expect. While the results can be eye-opening—sometimes reassuring, sometimes disappointing—it’s better to know upfront so you can plan accordingly.
Divorce is such an emotionally charged time. What are some small but meaningful ways you’ve seen moms start to find stability during this process?
Information is power. Even something as simple as reading about the process or looking up court forms can help reduce feelings of chaos and vulnerability. Having a plan, however small, can create a sense of stability.
For anyone considering a consultation with you, what can they expect in terms of support and guidance?
I provide a structured yet supportive environment where clients can tell their story and get clear, actionable guidance. I also clarify the different levels of legal support:
One-hour consultations: Usually up to three sessions without a retainer.
Retaining me as a consulting attorney: I guide clients throughout their case without formally representing them in court.
Full legal representation: While I primarily focus on consultations, I refer out to trusted attorneys if full representation is needed.
Mediation services: I help couples and co-parents reach mutual agreements without court intervention, providing a supportive, neutral space for constructive discussions.
Where can people connect with you for more support?
Learn more about my services at Grey Family Law.
Book a 1-hour consultation for personalized legal guidance.
Join my e-mail list and workshop waitlist to be the first to know when new workshops become available.
Check out my DIY Templates for affordable, easy-to-use legal templates that can help you formalize detailed, enforceable agreements without having to hire an attorney
Connect with Maya Grey on LinkedIn.
You can also find Maya Grey on The M List, The Mamahood’s searchable database of mom-recommended resources, or connect and collaborate with her inside The Club membership for women Founders.