Divorce Doesn’t Have to Be a Battle with Debra Whitson

A conversation about mediation, collaborative divorce, and healthier paths forward. On this episode of Dishing on Divorce, we’re joined by Debra Whitson, founder of Whitson Law and a vetted Vesta professional in New York. With more than 25 years of experience in divorce and family law, Debra has seen firsthand how litigation can deeply impact families—especially children. That experience led her to shift her work toward healthier, more intentional divorce pathways, including mediation and collaborative divorce.

Debra shares insight from her powerful resource, From the Kitchen Table to the Courthouse, and explains how the way a divorce begins can shape its emotional, financial, and relational outcomes long after it’s over.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why starting a divorce with blame often makes everything harder

• The difference between kitchen-table divorce, mediation, collaboration, and litigation

• When mediation is not appropriate—especially in cases involving power imbalances or safety concerns

• Common myths about “telling your story” in court

• The emotional and financial cost of prolonged conflict

• How divorce impacts children and what parents can do to reduce harm

This episode provides practical guidance and a thoughtful perspective for anyone seeking a more informed, humane approach to divorce.

Resources mentioned:

• From the Kitchen Table to the Courthouse – https://bit.ly/DebraWhitsonPDF

• Divorce Like a Pro: A Better Way to Break Up –  https://whitsonlawfirm.com/divorce-like-a-pro/

Connect with Debra: https://whitsonlawfirm.com/

If you are experiencing domestic violence, coercive control, or feel unsafe, please reach out to local emergency services or a trusted support organization immediately.