Services
Conflicts, between people over animals, will always be with us. How we respond and resolve those conflicts is changing. At Hamilton Law and Mediation our focus is on the needs of our clients involved in a conflict about an animal BEFORE they resort to litigation.
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Hamilton Law and Mediation is a premier New York law firm focused on the resolution of conflicts over animals using Mediation and Collaborative Process.
We work with pet owners who want to solve a conflict over a pet in a way that serves them and their pet. We work with pet service providers who need a skill set to manage their expectations and their clients’ expectations in a way that addresses conflict early or if missed empowers them to solve conflicts for the benefit of all.
We explain the benefits of employing mediation and collaborative process to conflicts in:
- Pre-Emptive Planning
- Conflict Resolution
- Legal Consultation
- Pet Custody Mediation
- Family Pet Conflicts
- Breeder/Owner/Handler Animal Conflicts
- Housing Animal Conflicts
- Pet Service Providers
Pre-Emptive Planning
Prevention is often the best approach to conflict. I assist with:
- Pet-nuptial agreements
- Co-ownership contracts
- Care arrangements for pets in estate planning
- Written agreements between service providers and clients
- Clear protocols for shared animal responsibilities
These preventative measures establish clear expectations and provide frameworks for resolving potential future conflicts.
Conflict Resolution
My conflict resolution practice addresses the full spectrum of animal-related disputes:
- Facilitated conversations between conflicting parties
- Structured negotiation processes
- Neutral evaluation of complex situations
- Development of mutually acceptable resolutions
- Coaching for productive communication in high-conflict scenarios
I specialize in de-escalating emotionally charged situations and finding practical solutions that address core concerns.
Legal Consultation
As an attorney with expertise in animal law, I offer:
- Legal guidance on pet-related matters
- Review of contracts and agreements involving animals
- Advice on navigating regulatory issues
- Counsel on liability matters related to animals
- Guidance on animal welfare laws and compliance
My legal consultation focuses on preventative approaches that help clients understand their rights and responsibilities while avoiding costly litigation.
Pet Custody Mediation
I provide specialized mediation services for resolving pet custody and care disputes in various contexts:
- Relationship dissolution (divorce, separation, roommate situations)
- Family disagreements over pet ownership or care
- Co-ownership conflicts
- Disputes regarding shared animals
- Inheritance and estate matters involving pets
My mediation approach emphasizes practical, sustainable arrangements that consider the animal’s welfare while addressing the legitimate concerns of all involved parties.
Family Pet Conflicts Including:
- Divorce
- Civil partnership resolutions
- Estate matters involving surviving pets
Breeder/Owner/Handler Animal Conflicts:
- Breeder / Owner Contracts
- Handler/ Owner contracts
- All Breed Club and Breed Club Relationships with members
Housing Animal Conflicts In:
- Coop / Condo
- Neighbor
- Landlord /Tenant
- Owner / Veterinarian; Groomer; Trainer; Dog Walker (and vice versa)

Woman running with dog to workout during morning walk
Pet Service Providers In Conflicts Involving Animals:
- Owner / Veterinarian; Groomer; Trainer; Dog Walker (and vice versa)
Our clients love animals and want to do what is best for them. Our valued clients know the need for authentic solution-oriented discussions and that is what we help them have and receive.
Our clients understand the benefit of employing our alternative dispute resolution method at the outset of their conflict because they alone have the knowledge about what’s best for them and their pet. We simply give them the chance to discuss that information in an environment where they can peacefully and respectfully pursue a mutual solution.
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Because many people don’t have a clear understanding of the different methods of resolution available to them, they resort to litigation. We educate our clients while saving them time, money and emotional heartache. They can always choose to litigate. We empower them to make the most educated choice.
HLM’s approach to resolving animal conflicts enables our clients to retain a relationship with their adversary after the conflict is resolved – a win-win solution to the conflict and the future relationship.
How To Work Privately With Debra
Private Consulting
1. 30 Minute Quick Consult and Evaluation of a Conflict Situation
2. 90 Minute Deep Dive Conflict Consultation
3. Customized Products, Services, and Corporate Retainers
Please contact Debra directly to discuss which of these options
is best suited for your situation prior to purchase.