Guiding Couples Through Divorce with Expertise, Compassion, and Financial Clarity
As a divorced mother of three, Deborah Beylus, who runs South Florida Mediation Services in Boca Raton, understands the dynamics of going from a two-parent home to a single-parent home.
Beylus provides divorce mediation and financial support to couples with and without attorneys. She is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™. Her 30 years of financial industry experience prepared her to provide specialized financial information to her divorcing clients.
I’m an active participant in the mediation process,” says Beylus. “I help my clients reach settlements that make financial sense. I’m hands-on and take an active role in the process. I’m truthful, neutral, and valuable. And, when my clients finish the mediation process, they’re more knowledgeable about their finances, which is important as they start the next phase of their lives.”
Born and raised in New York, Beylus has lived in South Florida for over 30 years. Her company was named a “Florida Trend” Top Mediation Firm in Florida for three years in a row. Beylus is a frequent speaker on mediation and finances.
Beylus became a mediator after experiencing divorce herself. “I saw a huge void in the legal process and saw that many financial aspects in my divorce were overlooked or left unaddressed,” says Beylus. “I noticed a gap in the available services and decided I’d fill it.” She completed four extensive training programs. “In addition to the financial components of divorce, I understand the dynamics and underlying issues that divorcing couples face. Today, I know that divorce shouldn’t be a negative experience.”
Her personality is ideal for the role. “I’m not shy. I have patience and perseverance to work through and get the results that the parties need.” She’s passionate about her career. “Divorce is like a puzzle,” Beylus says. “Every issue in divorce is directly or indirectly related. Once we understand all aspects of the divorce, we can assemble the pieces of the divorce and put the pieces of the puzzle back together.”
Financial Expertise Meets Mediation Excellence
With over thirty years in the financial industry, Deborah brings a depth of knowledge that sets her apart from traditional mediators. She doesn’t just facilitate conversations—she provides the financial analysis and strategic insight that empowers couples to make informed decisions about their futures.
Deborah’s work is driven by a singular commitment: helping couples avoid the long-term regret that comes from uninformed financial decisions made during the emotional turmoil of divorce.
Deborah doesn’t just practice mediation—she shapes the future of the profession. Her leadership roles demonstrate her dedication to excellence and her standing among peers:
Current Leadership Positions:
Florida Supreme Court Dispute Resolution Center Mediation Qualifications, Discipline, and Review Board (2021–present)
Florida Supreme Court Dispute Resolution Center Qualification Inquiry Committee (2022–2023)
Past President, Florida Academy of Professional Mediators, Inc. (2019–2024), organizational growth and financial stability achieved during tenure
Training the Next Generation: Deborah is a frequent speaker at the Florida Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) Annual Conferences, known for her expertise as a Certified Family Law Mediator specializing in financial aspects of divorce and navigating financial settlements to help parties avoid long-term regret, often drawing from her extensive financial industry background.
Some of her presentations include:
Mediating Pro Se Family Law Matters," exploring the specifics of working with unrepresented couples
Settlement Options for Dividing Emotional Assets in Divorce Mediation," which covered understanding non-monetary ties to assets, real estate, pets, artwork, and other household belongings.
Valuation Techniques in Divorce Mediation Negotiations
Academic Foundation
Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Barnard College, Columbia University (1990)
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Program, Level II
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)
Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator and Mediator Trainer
Florida Supreme Court Certified Civil Circuit and County Mediator and Mediator Trainer
Florida Supreme Court Certified Dependency Mediator
Mediation Certifications
Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator
Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator
Florida Supreme Court Certified Dependency Mediator
Florida Supreme Court Certified County Mediator
Former Statewide Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediator
Financial Certifications
Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™ (CDFA®) — Specialized training in the financial aspects of divorce
FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) Arbitrator
Florida Court Appointed Arbitrator
Former Securities Licenses: Series 7 (Registered Representative), Series 63 (Blue Sky), Series 16 (Supervisory Analyst)
Community Service
Guardian ad Litem Program, 17th Judicial Circuit
Contract Mediator for County Court Mediation Program
Former Contract Mediator for Miami-Dade County Court Mediation Program
Additional Experience
Former Statewide Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediator
Former FINRA Arbitrator
Florida Court-Appointed Arbitrator
Guardian ad Litem for divorce and paternity matters
Contract Mediator for Broward County Court Mediation Program and former Contract Mediator for Miami-Dade County
“Resolution is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of creative alternatives that respond to conflict.”
This principle guides everything Deborah does. She recognizes that neutrality isn’t passive—it’s the crucial foundation for asking the right questions, helping parties see beyond their positions, and discovering solutions that work for everyone involved.
Deborah is particularly sensitive to the emotional constraints that divorcing couples endure and how conflict affects children. Her approach creates space for difficult conversations while maintaining focus on practical, forward-looking solutions. She taps into her own life experiences and the lessons learned from guiding hundreds of couples to help each client navigate their unique transition from current circumstances toward their ideal future.
As both a Certified Family Mediator and a professional trained in complex financial matters, Deborah offers insights that typical mediators simply cannot provide.
Deborah recognizes neutrality as the crucial requirement for successful mediation. She has the ability to identify appropriate questions that help both parties see their own issues and understand the other party's perspective.
Resolution isn't about winning or losing—it's about finding creative alternatives that respond to conflict in sustainable ways. Deborah helps couples discover solutions they never imagined possible.
Deborah is deeply sensitive to the emotions and constraints that divorcing couples endure, and how decisions affect children. She creates a safe space for honest dialogue while keeping conversations productive and focused.
Deborah offers flexible meeting options including her Boca Raton office, your attorney's office, neutral locations, or virtual mediations via enhanced video conferencing. There is never a charge for travel within South Florida.
Deborah is a frequent lecturer and published author in the areas of Florida Family Law Mediation and Family Economics. Her insights have helped shape best practices in divorce mediation across South Florida, and she continues to contribute to the broader conversation about more humane, effective approaches to family transitions.
Born and raised in New York, Deborah has called South Florida home for over 25 years. During this time, she has built deep connections within the legal and financial communities of Palm Beach, , and Miami-Dade Counties. This network, combined with her extensive experience, allows her to provide clients with comprehensive support and resources throughout the divorce process.
If you’re facing divorce and want a process that prioritizes dignity, financial clarity, and sustainable solutions, Deborah Beylus can help. Her combination of financial expertise, mediation skill, and genuine compassion creates the foundation for a better path forward.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Offices in Boca Raton and Plantation | Serving Palm Beach, , and Miami-Dade Counties | Virtual Mediations Available
Association of South Florida Mediators & Arbitrators (ASFMA)
We chose Deborah as our mediator because she took the time to speak with us during an initial consultation and made us feel heard right from the start. It was also a huge plus that her services included court filing, which made the process more streamlined and less stressful. Throughout our meetings, Deborah was generous with her time, patient, and thoughtful. She helped guide us through discussions that led to an outcome both of us felt good about. We’re grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a fair and compassionate mediator.
“My wife and I have had over 50 years experience working with children and families. We are keenly aware of when individuals do their jobs or when the rare circumstance occurs and people move their level of commitment to a higher level. You have humbled me as you have taken me under your wings and worked to ensure a better quality of life for me and my soon to be ex-wife. Your willingness to hold my hand and walk me through complex issues during an emotional time for us has been extraordinary. I have tears in my eyes as I sit here and thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done and helped me to accomplish.”
“I just wanted to thank you for the excellent work you did as it pertains to my divorce from my wife. Your attention to detail really made every aspect of our agreement so much easier to address. I appreciate your efforts to conduct a sound mediation session to assist me in resolving all of our issues so that we can both move on with our lives. My children are fortunate that we are able to work together to raise them without the constant fighting. You helped us iron out a clear schedule and division of responsibilities so we can co-parent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
We chose Deborah as our mediator because she took the time to speak with us during an initial consultation and made us feel heard right from the start. It was also a huge plus that her services included court filing, which made the process more streamlined and less stressful. Throughout our meetings, Deborah was generous with her time, patient, and thoughtful. She helped guide us through discussions that led to an outcome both of us felt good about. We’re grateful for her support and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a fair and compassionate mediator.
“My wife and I have had over 50 years experience working with children and families. We are keenly aware of when individuals do their jobs or when the rare circumstance occurs and people move their level of commitment to a higher level. You have humbled me as you have taken me under your wings and worked to ensure a better quality of life for me and my soon to be ex-wife. Your willingness to hold my hand and walk me through complex issues during an emotional time for us has been extraordinary. I have tears in my eyes as I sit here and thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done and helped me to accomplish.”
“I just wanted to thank you for the excellent work you did as it pertains to my divorce from my wife. Your attention to detail really made every aspect of our agreement so much easier to address. I appreciate your efforts to conduct a sound mediation session to assist me in resolving all of our issues so that we can both move on with our lives. My children are fortunate that we are able to work together to raise them without the constant fighting. You helped us iron out a clear schedule and division of responsibilities so we can co-parent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
