John F. Schutz

With over 29 years of dedicated service to Palm Beach clients in family law matters, Mr. Schutz stands as a recognized authority in marital and family law. Since 2018, he has consistently been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers© Best Lawyers in America, with his firm earning recognition by Best Lawyers© as one of the Best Law Firms in America – widely regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

Mr. Schutz holds Board Certification in Marital and Family Law from The Florida Bar and National Board Certification as a Family Trial Advocate through the NBTA. His distinction as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) underscores his commitment to elevating standards and practices within family law. AAML Fellows are acknowledged by both judges and attorneys for their exceptional knowledge, skill, and integrity in family law matters. Having served as President of the AAML Florida Chapter, Mr. Schutz further demonstrates his leadership in the field. He is also honored as a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers, an exclusive global association of distinguished family law specialists. Since 2007, he has consistently been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" – a rating service that identifies outstanding lawyers based on peer evaluation and professional achievement.

A respected educator in his field, Mr. Schutz regularly presents at continuing legal education seminars organized by The Florida Bar, the American Bar Association, and both the Florida and National Chapters of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. His expertise has been shared through lectures on Family Law throughout Florida, across multiple states, and internationally. As a former Family Law Section Continuing Legal Education Committee member, he has developed numerous seminars addressing critical family law issues. His commitment to professional ethics is evidenced by his past chairmanship of The Florida Bar Grievance Committee (15D), which investigates allegations of misconduct by legal professionals. Beyond his standard practice, Mr. Schutz dedicates a portion of his time to representing disadvantaged clients referred through the local Legal Aid Society, the National Center for Exploited and Missing Children and the Central Authority of the United States of America Central Authority for Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

Mr. Schutz is a third-generation Florida native, having met his wife, Lisa, in high school. He has two beautiful teenage daughters, Madeleine and Hartley. They live together in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with his dog, Nacho, and her cat, Cupid. The family enjoys traveling and travel sports, which his daughters participate in regularly.

Education

• Stetson University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1995
• Florida State University, B.S., Political Science, 1991

Associations and Memberships

• The Florida Bar, admitted 1995
• The Florida Bar, Family Law Section, admitted 1996
• Board Certified in Marital and Family Law
• Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers
• Fellow, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
• President Elect AAML Florida Chapter
• Nationally Board Certified in Family Law Litigation by National Board of Trial Advocacy
• The Florida Bar Family Law Section, Executive Committee
• The Florida Bar Family Law Section, Continuing Legal Education Committee (Past Member)
• The Florida Bar Grievance Committee (Past Chair)
• Palm Beach County Bar Association, admitted 1995
• Family Law Inns of Court, Master (2014)

Honors and Accreditations

• 2018 – 2023 “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report-West Palm Beach in Family Law
• Best Lawyers in America© for 2018 – 2023 Marital & Family Law
• Lawyer of the Year, Best Lawyers® 2023 Marital & Family Law
• Florida Trend Magazine’s “Legal Elite”, 2006, 2011, 2012
• Super Lawyer, 2007 – 2023

Classes and Seminars

• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Symposium, 2011: “Injunctive Relief”
• The Florida Bar, Family Law Seminar, 2011: “Attorney’s Fees”
• The Florida Bar, Family Law Seminar, 2009: “Prenuptial Agreements”
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Annual Symposium, 2008: “Parental Alienation”
• The Florida Bar, Board Certification Review Course, 2006: “Guardian ad Litem”
• American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Webinar 2014: "Mediation"

Pro Bono and Community Involvement

• National Center for Exploited and Missing Children
• Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County