Debra Lynn Mechanick

I was a client of DM's for several months in developing and negotiating a divorce agreement from an abusive spouse. Debra was always timely in responding to my e-mails and kindly offered a lesser fee in deference to my financial situation, which I very much appreciate. What I missed during the proces...s of our work together was her ability to fiercely protect and defend my need for absolute separation on all levels from my abuser. From her background in social work, specifically in working with DV cases, I thought she would have a basic understanding of an abusers proclivity to maintain control over their victim, including weaponizing any available tool or term in a divorce agreement that maintains access to their spouse. Her suggested strategy was to give in to every term my abuser requested including allowing my abuser to remain connected to me via leases in my name, claiming that he wouldn't sign the divorce agreement otherwise. Since then, I've discovered at least one way in which I could have exercised leverage to force him to release our union on a lease agreement. It's been a year since I began the initial divorce from my abuser. My divorce has been granted, but the divorce agreement I created with Debra has shackled me to my abuser in ways I never imagined and I am now painfully working my way through the court system towards redrafting an agreement clause by clause. My suggestion to anyone dealing with an abusive spouse is to work with a highly principled litigator with a track record, not a mediator.

I saw her today for a prenup consult and she was fantastic - strong and shrewd in her knowledge yet kind and thoughtful. I would recommend her to anyone. I think she pours her heart into this job but has the intelligence to back it up. In my case it turned out I have to find an attorney in NJ sinc...e the prenup that my other half drafted with his attorney is based in NJ, so sadly I have to find another attorney otherwise she would be it!

Debra is very knowledgeable. I can honestly say it was a pleasure working with her. She made the process less painful. I received replies to my questions in a timely manner. She even followed-up with me on a weekend, calling from her personal cell phone. She met with me at a time when it was conveni...ent for me, coming in on her day off. Debra made sure we got it right. Thank you Debra!