Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, Esq.

Principal

Hamilton Law and Mediation-Hamilton ADR NC

Debra Hamilton is the principal at Hamilton Law and Mediation, PLLC, (HLM). 

HLM uses understanding-based alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methodologies to transform disagreements over animals in divorce and beyond. Debra facilitates discussions among the parties, allowing them to actively listen and choose a more peaceful way to communicate, thus avoiding litigation when deciding issues involving a pet.

Debra holds Board and Advisory Board positions on the American Veterinary Medical Law Association (president 2018-2019; 2023-24), Not One More Vet, NYSBA Women in the Law Section (Chair Equity in the Profession), Society of Veterinary Ethics, NYSave, Irish Setter Club of America (2010-present), and Center for Understanding (2018-2023).

Debra is an international speaker and best-selling author of “Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation to Resolve Conflicts over Animals.” She co-authored “Onward and Upward: A Guide For Getting Through New York Divorce & Family Law Issues.” She has an internationally received podcast, “Why Do Pets Matter” and holds an international pet planning community call, The MAAP Plan, on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 PM US-ET. The MAAP Plan helps community members navigate their pet's journey when they can’t care for it.

She is the go-to person for information regarding the use of mediation in disagreements involving animal mediation and MAAPing pet care plans for the NY Times, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Huffington Post, and US News and World Report.  

She breeds, owns, and shows Irish Setters. Long-haired standard Dachshunds and English Cocker Spaniels under the prefix, Rumraisin.