Our Stories

Don Desroches

I have been divorced twice and one time through litigation and one time through mediation. It is with this experience that gives me the determination and passion to improve upon my mediation experience and to keep couples from going through an ugly litigation process. Litigation brings out the worst in people that easily carries over to the children. It can take years to recover and some people never recover either financially or emotionally.

Certified divorce mediator, Certified divorce financial analyst, Certified collaborative divorce professional, PMP

Don is a co-founder and mediator in Long Island Best Mediation. He has helped clients, even high conflict clients, come to resolutions to end the marriage in an amicable way.

He has worked with personal and professional finances, helping couples to navigate the minefields of divorce. Pulling together financials and helping them understand the future impact post-divorce.

Don has earned the highly regarded CERTIFIED DIVORCE FINANCIAL ANALYST or CDFA designation from the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, enabling him to thoroughly review the finances of divorce and provide the appropriate information to allow the couple to make the best decision they can. Without the right information and knowledge, the couple may be making decisions that can impact them negatively in the future after divorce. Additionally, he is registered with FINRA as an S99 designation for work in a financial services firm.

He has over 20 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, providing him the ability to understand the complexities of each individual’s finances during a divorce.

He has experience with divorce litigation, helping couples pull together finances, and understanding the financial impact on their future post-divorce. This includes creating household budgets, net worth statements, financial net worth projections, tax implications on transferred assets, etc.

Additionally, I am a member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation.

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our team of experts are here for you

Robyn Mann

Admitted to the Bar in New York, Connecticut and Colorado.  In her 28 years of experience, Robyn has served client needs in family disputes, sales of businesses and real estate matters. Thus, Robyn has the experience and expertise to provide accurate and useful advice on a wide array of legal, financial and practical issues involved in a separation, divorce or in settling an estate. Today, Robyn represents her clients in the Supreme Courts, Civil Courts, Family Courts and Surrogate Courts of New York, guiding them through complicated and difficult divorces, child custody disputes, child support enforcement matters, and elder law matters to successful conclusions.

Divorce lawyer and Certified divorce mediator

Robyn has also developed compassionate and insightful mediation skills with which she is able to help families create parenting plans, settlement agreements, or just address the myriad of small everyday issues of divorce or separation. An adept litigator, she regularly receives accolades from clients and judges for her legal acumen and professionalism. 

Robyn offers representation that focuses on the needs of her clients and their families. When those needs call for tough representation, she is an adept fighter for their rights. When those needs require clarity and openness to pursue a goal that is best for all, she has the superior communication and relational skills to meet them. 

Educated at Emory University and Cardozo School of Law, Robyn has received extensive specialized training in mediation and negotiation, from Conflict Management Consultants (Basic 40 hour mediation training), New York Peace Institute (Advanced Apprenticeship), New York Center for Interpersonal Development (Basic Divorce Mediation training and Advanced Practicuum in Mediation), and New York City Non-Violent Communication group (Compassionate Communication training).

Inga Michaelsen

I divorced in 2013 and it was a heartbreaking event. Working with a mediator and a good lawyer certainly helped the process and I am deeply grateful for the coaching I received during that time of transition. It helped me to find my strength in the process and kept me focused on what I wanted to create next.

Divorce and life coach

Now I am delighted to use my own divorce experience and coaching expertise to support my clients build a future that they are excited about.


Challenging times, such as going through a divorce, are great opportunities for change and growth. As a coach, I offer you emotional and practical support, which will enable you to move confidently and with an positive attitude into the next phase of your life.

I will help you get clear on what you want and need to move forward. Once you have that clarity, we will define an inspiring action plan. Motivated by your vision you will build momentum and soon will find yourself fully immersed in the new chapter of your life.

Laura Dupkin-Memisha

Laura is an Associate Broker and Manager at Realty Advisors and a certified Buyer Representative, as well as a Notary Public.

Residential and commercial real estate expert

Laura works as part of Long Island Best Mediation team to help value your home or commercial property during a separation or divorce, in addition to helping you get the best price possible, should you decide to sell.

She has an extensive history in the sales management field with experience working for P.C. Richard and Son for over 20 years. As a result of that experience, Laura has excelled and proven to be one of the top selling realtors. She has an abundance of energy and enthusiasm and nothing but 110% is good enough. She is a Full Time Broker Associate and loves to work personally with both buyers and sellers. She has extensive experience in dealing with sales of both residential and commercial properties.

Ilana Hever

Licensed marriage and family therapist

I use the “Brief Therapy” method so in a relatively short period of time you will develop your goals. Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy you will learn to prevent future problems, have skills for coping , and set personal and relationship goals.

My areas of specialty are: relationships, couples, career issues, depression, anxiety, self-esteem , premarital counseling, parenting, and extramarital affairs.

I hold degrees in Art, Philosophy, Education, and Counseling Psychology. Having 23 years of experience gives me insight into working with artists, executive directors, couples, and families.

I have been quoted in the following media posts: “Cosmopolitan”, “New York Post”, “Family Therapy”, “Big Apple Parent”.

As a Individual Marriage and Family therapist I am holding MFT license in the states of NY and VA.

How we can help

There is no “one size fits all” approach to divorce mediation, separation, or even reconciliation. Found out what service is right for you.

Should You Stay or Should You Go?

If you are having doubts about whether divorce is the right next step for you. Take our Questionnaire to help you determine the next steps.

Prepare For Lawyer

Are you confused and not sure what the next steps are in terms of your divorce? Our Team can help you focus your efforts and understand the different options available to you.

Divorce Mediation

Mediation services designed to help you get divorced in an amicable way with dignity, less stress and LESS MONEY.

Is it time to divorce?

Take our Maritial Assessment today to find out if divorce is right for you.

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