Monica H. Donaldson Stewart - Chandler, AZ

Practical Experience. Strategic Resolution.

I am the managing attorney at Donaldson Cunningham, P.C., where I focus exclusively on family law. I help clients navigate prenuptial agreements, divorce, legal separation, parenting time, child support, and other significant life transitions with clarity, practical guidance, and a focus on long-term solutions.

For nearly three decades, I have worked with individuals and families facing difficult decisions during times of change. My goal is to help clients resolve family law matters as efficiently and respectfully as possible while protecting what matters most to them.

A Focus on Settlement

I believe that most family law cases are better resolved through thoughtful negotiation than through litigation. As a trained mediator and collaborative divorce professional, I work to help clients reach durable agreements while minimizing unnecessary conflict and expense.

Since 2007, I have served as a Judge Pro Tem for the Maricopa County Superior Court and have conducted more than 150 settlement conferences in family law matters. That experience has given me the opportunity to view disputes from multiple perspectives and has reinforced my belief that well-crafted settlements often provide better outcomes than courtroom battles.

My commitment to alternative dispute resolution began in law school, where I completed a semester-long mediation clinic. In 2009, I completed my first collaborative divorce training through the Collaborative Divorce Institute and have continued advanced training in collaborative practice and dispute resolution ever since.

Leadership and Service

Professional service has been an important part of my career. I am a member of Collaborative Professionals of Phoenix, and I have served the legal community in a variety of leadership roles, including:

• President, East Valley Bar Association (2008–09)
• Treasurer, East Valley Bar Association (2010–19)
• Secretary, East Valley Bar Association (2020–21)
• Secretary, Maricopa County Association of Family Mediators (2018–20)
• Member, Board of Legal Specialization, State Bar of Arizona (2009–2020)

I have been recognized as a Southwest Rising Star by Super Lawyers (2012–2013) and have been named a Southwest Super Lawyer each year since 2019.

Beyond the Office

My blended family includes my husband, six adult children, and several four-legged family members. Outside of my legal practice, I enjoy nature photography, reading, and writing. I am also the published author of several novels.

Family life is rarely simple, and legal issues often arise during some of life's most challenging moments. I believe the legal process should provide guidance and solutions—not add unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.