In this episode of The Attorney Post, Debra Whitson, a dedicated family law attorney, offers a deep dive into her personal and professional life, highlighting key aspects of her career and insights on family law. Her story is one of transformation—beginning her career in prosecution before transitioning to family law due to her dissatisfaction with the adversarial nature of litigation.
Debra shares personal details about her life, including her 34-year marriage, living in the scenic Adirondack Park, and her love for outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. She is particularly passionate about issues impacting women and children, which has driven much of her legal career. Debra also touches on her love for tennis and her concerns about the increasing popularity of pickleball, noting how it often takes over public tennis courts. For her, tennis offers a physicality and mental challenge that she values, and she expresses the importance of maintaining space for it amidst the growing trend of pickleball.
A pivotal moment in Debra's career occurred when she decided to shift from prosecution to family law. She grew increasingly disillusioned with the adversarial and often combative nature of litigation. This transition was fueled by a personal experience that ignited her passion for helping families, especially during some of their most challenging times. Debra explains that family law allowed her to focus on finding solutions rather than intensifying conflicts, particularly when children’s well-being was at stake.
Debra speaks about the challenges her firm faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly the disorientation caused by court delays and the confusion surrounding public safety guidelines. The pandemic saw a surge in inquiries from separated parents struggling to co-parent amid unprecedented circumstances. With courts offering little guidance, many parents found themselves in disagreements over safety protocols, adding tension to already strained relationships. Debra discusses how the pandemic not only affected families but also led to a spike in divorce cases due to the added stress.
In response to these challenges, Debra adapted her practice by creating Mediated Online Solutions, a service offering virtual mediation to help families resolve disputes without in-person court appearances. This service became especially valuable during the pandemic, when in-person meetings were not feasible. The firm’s flexibility and innovative approach helped many families navigate the legal complexities brought on by COVID-19.
One of the more striking points in the discussion is the pandemic’s impact on child development. Debra highlights a study that found a 15-point drop in intelligence scores among infants born during the pandemic. The study attributes this decline to a lack of visual stimuli, as babies were deprived of typical social interactions and learning opportunities. This conversation underscores the broader impact of the pandemic on families, beyond just the legal realm, as children have faced unique developmental challenges due to the isolation and limitations imposed by COVID-19.
Debra also shares some of the more unusual cases she has encountered during her time as a family law attorney. These stories, while often absurd, reveal the irrational behaviors that can arise during emotionally charged legal battles. For example, she recalls a playground dispute that escalated into a physical altercation between parents, where snow removal tools were used as weapons. She also mentions a prolonged divorce settlement involving a porcelain elephant, which delayed the case for months. These examples serve to highlight the unpredictability and emotional strain of family law cases.
Debra reflects on her attempt to run for district attorney, an experience she describes as a “spectacular failure.” However, she views the experience as a blessing, realizing that her true passion lies in serving clients, not in politics. This realization reaffirmed her commitment to family law, where she finds fulfillment in helping families find solutions and move forward with their lives. Debra emphasizes the importance of hearing her clients' stories and providing emotional support, even though the work can often be emotionally draining.
Debra offers insight into the significant changes in New York's divorce laws over the years. She explains the shift from fault-based divorce to a system focused on irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. This change has made the divorce process more straightforward and less contentious, leading to greater job satisfaction for legal professionals like herself. Debra also discusses recent legal developments, including a bill that seeks to decriminalize adultery, a move she believes reflects modern societal norms.
Another noteworthy change in family law is the treatment of pets in divorce proceedings. Pets are no longer considered mere property but are now seen as family members with their best interests being taken into account during custody decisions. Debra sees this as a positive and humane step forward in how the legal system handles divorce cases involving pets.
Debra wraps up the conversation by discussing her personal regrets, including not taking opportunities to travel or study abroad in her youth. She now channels that adventurous spirit into her love for travel and plans to start a side business teaching classes on cruise ships. She is even considering hosting a “smart divorce boot camp” aboard a cruise ship, blending her legal expertise with her love for travel.
In the end, Debra Whitson’s journey is one of resilience, adaptation, and a deep commitment to helping families through difficult times. Whether through her innovative virtual mediation services or her thoughtful approach to family law, Debra remains focused on providing solutions and support to those in need.
WhitsonLaw PLLC
8279 River St, Elizabethtown,
NY 12932, United States
63 Putnam St Suite 202, Saratoga Springs,
NY 12866, United States
(518) 719-9576
Online at: WhitsonLaw PLLC
