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.

Features

• Adoption
• Child Custody
• Child Support
• Divorce
• Domestic Violence
• Paternity Cases
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
• Spousal Support (Alimony)

• License
  Licensed in New York
  State: New York
  Acquired: 2013
  Currently Registered
  
• Honors
  2015 - Certified Divorce Mediator, New York Peace Institute
  2014 - Certified Divorce Mediator, Center for Mediation and Training
  2013 - Fellowship Grant, Pace Law School Public Interest Law Center
  1988 - Certified Social Worker, The University of the State of New York Education Department
• Work Experience
  2014 - Present Attorney, Manhattan Supreme Court Uncontested Divorce Program
  2014 - Present Matrimonial Attorney/Mediator, The Law and Mediation Office of Debra Lynn Mechanick
  2013 - 2014 Supervising Attorney-Uncontested Divorce Program, Sanctuary for Families
• Associations
  2016
  New York City Bar Association Matrimonial Law Committee - Member
  2014 - Present
  The New York State Council on Divorce Mediation - Member
  2013 - Present
  New York County Lawyers' Association - Member
  2013 - Present
  Women's Bar Association of New York - Member
  2012 - Present
  New York City Bar Association - Member
  2012 - Present
  New York State Bar Association
• Education
  2012 - Pace Law School - JD - Juris Doctor
  1987 - Columbia University School of Social Work - MSW
  1985 - Clark University - BA - Bachelor of Arts
• Speaking Engagements
  2017 - Podcast: Approaching Financial Decisions in Divorce Dispassionately - Financially Ever After With Stacy Francis
  2016 - Financial Abuse in Marriage and Divorce - Association of Divorce Financial Planners Monthly Breakfast
• Publications
  2017 - SAS For Women
  Divorce in New York State: Ten Things to Know Before Calling a Lawyer
• Languages
  English - Native / Fluent

Location