Stephen Felman, certified divorce mediator
Founder of Smart Divorce NY, mediating divorces for New York couples since 2014. Every session is by video, and one flat fee covers the mediation, the attorney who prepares the papers, and the court filing.
About your mediator
Stephen Felman founded Smart Divorce NY in 2014 with a clear purpose: to help couples navigate divorce with less conflict, greater understanding, and mutual respect. Stephen is a certified mediator and a graduate of Northeastern University with a degree in Communications. He brings a calm, balanced approach to one of life’s most difficult transitions.
Effective mediation takes patience, neutrality, and the ability to help people work through disagreements. Stephen gives both spouses the opportunity to be heard, helps them identify common ground, and guides productive conversations toward practical, lasting agreements.
His goal is to help you make informed decisions, maintain control over your future, and move forward with dignity and confidence.
“Stephen believes that divorce is not the end, but a positive transition to a new beginning.”
- Since 2014
- practicing divorce mediation
- 84 hours
- of formal training in dispute resolution, domestic violence, asset division and parenting plans
What clients say
4.4 from 53 Google reviews★★★★★
This was one of the hardest and most stressful times in my life, and he made a genuinely difficult situation so much easier to get through than I ever thought possible. What stood out most was how kind and understanding he was the entire way through. He took the time to really listen, explained everything clearly, and helped us navigate a complicated and emotional situation with patience and care. He never rushed us and never made either of us feel judged, he just focused on getting us both to a fair outcome. Because of how professionally Stephen handled everything, my ex wife and I actually remained friends after it was all done.
Jay S. · 2026
★★★★★
Stephen is amazing and goes above and beyond to resolve things amicably. Would 100% recommend. Thank you for all of your help in making a difficult time less stressful.
Jamie K. · 2026
★★★★★
I was so worried and scared to get divorced. This company helped me through very hard times. They explained everything in full detail, made us feel comfortable, and made our difficult situation the best it could be. I highly recommend Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo.
Diane B. · 2026
★★★★★
The mediation services were quick and painless. Very professional and he made it easy for us to go through the process.
Mindy S. · 2026
★★★★★
Very professional and convenient service, made the process very easy and affordable.
Ryan M. · 2026
★★★★★
Divorce Mediation Services was an absolute blessing for me and my family. This mediator helped my family through one of the hardest struggles a family can face. They absolutely care and are well rounded. Would absolutely recommend to anyone in the area looking for an amazing mediator!
Aaron S. · 2022
★★★★★
Very relaxed experience. Made the mediation/divorce process easy and efficient. Was fair with both parties and made the process itself very smooth. For a situation that is never easy to deal with, the experience was one that I would recommend to others if needed.
Krystle P. · 2022
★★★★★
Steve was great to work with. He made every step of the way seamless. He answered all of my questions with confidence. Highly recommend him if you are looking for a quick divorce mediation.
Tamara M. · 2024
★★★★★
My experience with Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo was better than I anticipated. He helped me and my husband through complex issues while making us feel comfortable through the process. I would highly recommend them to anyone that is facing divorce.
Tracy S. · 2017
★★★★★
Stephen was very professional and accommodating. He listened to me and my spouse's conditions and when communicating with us he kept it as simple for me as he could. I highly recommend his services.
Jason S. · 2024
★★★★★
Divorce Mediation Services of Buffalo made what I thought was going to be a horrible experience very painless and easy. I would 100% recommend using Steve to handle this process!
J. B. · 2024
★★★★★
We dealt with Stephen Felman for our mediation and he was great. He made our process painless. And kept things friendly and light.
Sara P. · 2024
★★★★★
Process was simple, and Steve was very honest and straightforward. Highly recommend!
Alex W. · 2024
How Stephen works
Mediation is not arbitration and not therapy. Stephen does not decide anything for you; he runs the conversation so the two of you can, and keeps it on the questions a New York court will need answered.
- Both of you, together. Sessions are joint, by video, two to three of them for most couples. Each of you can join from wherever you are.
- The whole agreement. Parenting time and decisions, child support under the New York formula, spousal maintenance, and how property, debts, pensions and the house are divided.
- Written up and filed. An attorney drafts the separation agreement and files the uncontested divorce in your county. That attorney is part of the flat fee, not an extra.
- Anywhere in New York. Buffalo is home, and couples in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Watertown, Elmira, Jamestown, Plattsburgh, Binghamton, Utica, Ithaca and Glens Falls work with him the same way.
What Stephen has written
The New York divorce guides on this site are written under Stephen’s name, and every legal fact in them links to the statute or court page it comes from. They cover how a New York divorce works, money, property and support, children and parenting and choosing how to divorce.