I advocate for clients who want to take charge of their lives and resolve conflict using a common sense approach. During my more than 20 years of practice, I have handled hundreds of matrimonial and family law matters. While I have extensive litigation experience, I now focus my practice on collaborative law and mediation because I want to make a positive difference in the lives of clients going through stressful family transitions. I help mothers and fathers in developing parenting plans that are practical and that honor the importance of the role of both parents. I am truly committed to resolving disputes by using non-adversarial techniques and I believe that most disputes can be resolved without litigation. I co-developed one of the first law school programs on Collaborative Practice in the United States and I am currently an Adjunct Professor of Collaborative Law at Pace University School of Law. I lecture widely on matrimonial law, collaborative law, domestic violence and conflict resolution at various institutions including Pace University School of Law, Fordham Law School, St. John's University and the Institute for Senior Action. My recent presentations include "Protecting Family Finances for Families in Transition", "Alternate Dispute Resolution and Domestic Violence: Challenge or Impossibility?" and "Collaborative Practice: What Is It and How Does It Work". My training and work in conflict resolution includes: special education; parent-teen; lesbian-gay-bi-sexual and transgender advocacy. I am fluent in French and Spanish.

I am experienced in all aspects of divorce and separation including pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements; separation agreements; family budgets (child and spousal support); and the equitable distribution of property. I work with traditional and non-traditional families. I have extensive experience in real estate and trusts and estate law. I received my undergraduate degree cum laude from Boston University and my law degree from Pace University School of Law. More information about my work can be found on my website at http://www.deborahwaynelaw.com.