Don’t Litigate. Mediate.™
Divorce Mediationin Buffalo, NY
Stephen Felman has mediated divorces for Buffalo couples since 2014. Sessions are remote, for one flat fee that includes an attorney for the legal work and the court filing.
- on average
- 2–3 sessions
- attorney and filing included
- Flat fee
- divorces completed
- 1,000+
Everything is remote
From your own home, anywhere in New York. No driving, no waiting rooms, and the two of you do not have to be in the same place.
“Finest Choice” for separation and divorce
Art Voice, 2015
Exclusive mediation firm for SUNY
Preferred provider for all SUNY schools and their faculty
Seen on
Western New York Living and Money Talks
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
About your mediator
Stephen Felman founded Smart Divorce NY in 2014 to offer couples a better, more respectful way to resolve their divorce. He is a certified mediator and a graduate of Northeastern University.
Mediation is a different skill from litigation. It means staying neutral, managing conflict and helping two people reach an agreement that lasts, with the dignity and respect you deserve.
- Since 2014
- practicing divorce mediation
- 84 hours
- of formal training in dispute resolution, domestic violence, asset division and parenting plans
Six steps, from first conversation to filed
Most mediators stop at the agreement. We also handle the legal work and the court filing.
Step 1: Initial consultation
We talk through your circumstances and explain how mediation works.
Step 2: Identify the issues
Together we list what has to be resolved: parenting, support, property and finances.
Step 3: Exchange information
You each gather what is needed to make informed decisions.
Step 4: Negotiate
You discuss priorities and work through disagreements with the mediator’s help.
Step 5: Agreement
The terms you reach are written up and the divorce paperwork is prepared.
Step 6: Legal review and filing
An attorney is included in our process and our fee, and we file with the courts.
For Buffalo couples
Sessions are remote, from home or work, with a certified mediator. All you need is a computer or phone, and the two of you do not have to be in the same room. Two to three sessions is typical.
Erie County Supreme Court has an Expedited Matrimonial Part, set up to resolve divorce cases fairly, efficiently and at lower cost. The divorce is final when the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce and it is filed with the County Clerk.
Filing your divorce in Erie County
In New York, a divorce is decided by the State Supreme Court, usually in the county where one of you lives. For most Buffalo couples that is Erie County. Once you reach an agreement, we prepare the paperwork and file it with the court, and an attorney for the legal work is included in our flat fee.
- Court. Erie County Supreme Court, 25 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
- County Clerk. Erie County Clerk’s Office, Old County Hall, 92 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Sources: NY Courts: Erie County Supreme Court, NY Courts: Expedited Matrimonial Part, Erie County, Erie County Clerk: Contact Us
Mediation vs. Litigation
| Mediation | Litigation | |
|---|---|---|
| Who decides | You and your spouse | A judge may decide what you cannot |
| What it costs | One flat fee, agreed up front | Two attorneys billing by the hour, with no cap |
| How long | Two to three sessions, on average | Contested cases can take years |
| Who is in the room | One neutral mediator, working with both of you | An attorney for each side, arguing against the other |
| Who hears it | A private setting | A court proceeding |
Mediation is not right for every situation. Both spouses must be able to take part voluntarily and negotiate in good faith.
One flat fee
- Mediation sessionsIncluded
- An attorney for the legal workIncluded
- Divorce paperwork, preparedIncluded
- Filing with the courtsIncluded
Don’t be misled by a low quote. Many mediators stop at the agreement, and many online services stop at the forms, so you pay an attorney and filing costs on top. Our one flat fee covers the whole process, start to filed.
- Call for your flat fee
- (716) 400-7286
One mediator instead of two retainers, and you know the total before you start. In a litigated divorce, each of you pays your own attorney by the hour, for as long as it takes.
Everything a divorce has to settle
Each of these can be worked out in mediation.
Child support calculatorA one-minute New York estimateQuestions people ask first
Can we mediate if we do not agree on everything?
Yes. Disagreements are common and can be worked through in a structured discussion. Both of you need to be willing to take part voluntarily and negotiate in good faith. The mediator does not decide who is right or force either of you to accept an agreement.
Do we each need a divorce attorney?
The mediator does not represent either of you or give either of you individual legal advice. Each of you may consult your own attorney, and you should understand the legal and financial effect of the agreement before you sign. An attorney for the legal work is included in our flat fee.
How long does mediation take?
Two to three sessions, on average. Simple cases can be resolved in a few sessions. Children, a house, a business, retirement accounts or bigger disagreements can take longer, and sessions are scheduled around both of you.
Is mediation confidential?
Mediation is generally held in private, not in a public courtroom. The exact confidentiality protections depend on your situation and the law that applies to it.
Do we have to go to court?
Mediation helps you reach an agreement, but the divorce still has to go through New York’s legal process. Whether either of you has to appear depends on your case. We prepare the paperwork and file it with the courts.
Is mediation right for everyone?
No. It works best when both of you are willing to communicate openly, share the relevant facts and negotiate in good faith. It may not be right where there are safety concerns or coercion, where one of you is unwilling to negotiate, or where finances are being hidden.
Pull up a chair
Call with any questions. We will explain the process and set up a time to sit down with a mediator. We would be honored to help.
(716) 400-7286All sessions remote, with a certified mediator, anywhere in New York.