Debra Lynn Mechanick

I am an Attorney and Social Worker, licensed to practice in New York State. I graduated from Columbia University School of Social Work and Pace University School of Law. As founder of DLM Divorce Mediation, I respond to the call for a more peaceful approach to separation and divorce. Couples contact me when they have accepted that while their marriage may be irretrievably broken, as individuals, their dignity must remain intact. I blend my expertise in both Social Work and the Law to help couples arrive at an agreement that is durable and custom-made for their family.

I also help individuals negotiate out of court divorce settlement with their spouses through direct legal representation. For some, establishing a strong strategic alliance is key to a successful outcome. 

Prior to establishing my law practice, I volunteered as Supervising Attorney at a New York City non-profit organization, helping indigent domestic violence survivors obtain final judgments of divorce against their former abusers. I was instrumental in teaching law student interns about the special needs of domestic violence survivors and how to assist them with the requisite skill set of empathy, compassion, and competence.

In furtherance of my commitment to helping those less fortunate to receive competent legal services, I volunteer as Co-Mediator and Consulting Attorney for New York Legal Assistance Group’s Divorce Mediation Project.

I serve on the New York City Bar Matrimonial Law Committee, and am an active member at other prominent organizations including the New York State Bar Association and the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation.