About Debra Whitson
At the heart of WhitsonLaw, PLLC and Mediated Online Solutions is a simple belief:
Families deserve better than conflict. They deserve clarity, dignity, and a path forward.
That belief began forming in Debra Whitson long before she ever stepped foot in a courtroom.
A Calling Rooted in Justice
Debra’s journey began unexpectedly at age fourteen, when a tragic event shook her small community. As she watched a criminal case unfold — one where devastating evidence risked being excluded on a technicality — she witnessed firsthand how the legal system can fail the people who need it most.
At that young age, she made a promise to herself:
“I will fight for people who can’t fight for themselves.”
It was the beginning of a lifelong mission.
From Prosecutor to Advocate for Families
Debra spent more than a decade as a criminal prosecutor specializing in special victims cases. She worked with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, bringing compassion and clarity to some of the most difficult moments a person can endure.
Her work extended beyond the courtroom. She trained judges, law enforcement, and first responders on trauma-informed practices — championing systems that truly support survivors.
But after running for District Attorney and transitioning to a new chapter, Debra discovered a different kind of harm:
the traditional family law system was tearing families apart.
She saw parents turned into adversaries, children caught in the crossfire, and a legal process that often fueled conflict rather than relieved it.
And once again, she recognized something wasn’t working.
And she knew she could make it better.
Reimagining What Family Law Could Be
Debra founded WhitsonLaw, PLLC with a clear purpose:
To transform the divorce experience into one that protects families, minimizes conflict, and prioritizes emotional well-being.
She became trained in mediation, embraced collaborative divorce, and built a team committed to trauma-informed, child-centered practice. Every decision she made came from one guiding belief:
Families deserve a better way.
That belief eventually grew into her second company, Mediated Online Solutions — a platform that brings peaceful, accessible virtual mediation to clients across New York and beyond.
The Power of Story
Before the tragedy that set her path, Debra wanted to be a storyteller.
Today, she still is — just in a different way.
She helps clients tell their stories to judges, mediators, and each other.
She helps people feel heard during the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
She uses narrative, compassion, and truth to guide families toward clarity and resolution.
“I’m a paid storyteller,” she often says.
“And my job is to tell your story with dignity.”
A Philosophy Built on Humanity — Not Conflict
Debra’s approach is shaped by her brand pillars:
- Trauma-Informed, Child-Centered Advocacy
Guiding families with care, compassion, and emotional safety.
- No-Drama, Conflict-Conscious Legal Solutions
No gasoline on the fire — ever.
- Story-Driven, Person-Centered Representation
Because your life is more than a case file.
- Holistic Support & Vetted Professional Network
You’re not alone. You’re supported from every angle.
- Efficient, Cost-Conscious Pathways to Resolution
Your time, money, and emotional energy matter.
- Virtual Mediation that Meets You Where You Are
Accessible, modern, secure solutions for today’s families.
Beyond the Office
Outside of her career, Debra is a wife, mother, stepmother, and grandmother. She is happiest gathered around a long dinner with her family, walking her dog in the Adirondacks, playing tennis, or laughing with the people she loves most.
She values depth over drama, connection over noise, and growth over competition — values that shape both her work and her life.
Why Clients Choose Debra
Because she sees the person behind the paperwork.
Because she listens carefully and advocates courageously.
Because she believes in better ways forward — and builds them.
Most of all:
Because she helps families move toward their next chapter with dignity, peace, and clarity.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Contact Our New York Family Law Firm Today
If you are navigating divorce, custody, separation, or simply exploring other family law options, Debra and her team are here to guide you.
Schedule your consultation.
Your new beginning starts here.
CALL US
(518) 412-4111