About

“Your pet is an important part of your family and should not be treated like a piece of property.”

Shaya Lewis-Dermody

24 years in family law

I’ve been a Family Attorney for 24 years. I founded a boutique Family Law firm and spent two decades as a Court appointed child representative, speaking up for the best interests of children who couldn’t speak for themselves.

Pet custody mediation felt like a natural extension of my work. Having spent much of my career advocating for the best interests of children, I now bring a similar focus to helping separating couples consider the needs and welfare of their dogs.

I’ve seen thousands of separations, and I know how often the family pet gets left until last. Or used as a bargaining chip. Or causes more heartache than anything else.

Meet Shaya

I’m a dog lover. I recently was required to fly from Australia to the UK to the as part of an international move. I took my two pugs on a 35 hour in cabin flight with 25 other dogs (and 25 other humans!). Then we waited almost 2 months in an Airbnb (knowing no one) before we could finally fly on to our final destination the UAE.

I’m also a regular volunteer at an animal welfare centre. It brings me joy and I’m sure it is more rewarding for me than for the dogs.

So when I say I understand how much your pet means to you, I mean it.

Shaya Lewis-Dermody, online pet custody mediator for separating couples worldwide, with a rescue dog at the animal welfare centre where she volunteers

Shaya Lewis-Dermody, dog custody mediator and certified Divorce Coach offering online pet custody mediation via Zoom in the USA, UK, Australia and worldwide, with a pug

Specialist training

I’ve completed specialist international Pet Custody Mediation training. The focus is the ‘voice of the dog’. Every animal is an individual, and any arrangement needs to reflect their needs, their personality and their routine. Every dog has different needs. A pug is different to a border collie. An older greyhound who lives in a townhouse will likely have a different routine to a young german shepherd. French Bulldogs are known for their charming (and dramatic) personalities!

I’m also a certified DCA® Divorce Coach and the author of two Amazon #1 bestselling books: Separate Ways: Surviving Post Separation Grief, and Secrets of a Divorce Lawyer. So I understand the human side of this too. Sometimes the hardest goodbye in a separation is your dog. The loss is a grief event.

I work with clients all over the world via Zoom. I’m not here to decide who ‘wins’ the dog. I’m here to help you both reach an agreement you can live with, and your pet can too.

“They are not just a dog. It’s your job as a pet owner to make a decision that works best for them. It’s my job to help you get there.”

Shaya Lewis-Dermody

Awards & Recognition

I heard it through the Grapevine …

"I would like to thank you very much for our time this morning. It was very informative and valuable. I can even say it was the best legal consultation I have had in my life!"

— Mrs K

"Utterly priceless. Wonderfully skilled. many thanks for an understanding and informative meeting"

— Paul

"Shaya is honest, responsible, professional, responsive and proactive. As a single mum of two children, Shaya understood the importance of not wasting my time or money"

— Sarah

"Thank you so much for all of the hard work you have done for me. Words cannot express how much I admire your dedication on my behalf"

— Sue

"I cannot speak highly enough and will always be grateful for the compassion, sensitivity and support shown by you"

— Donna

"I want to express my sincere gratitude for the exceptional service provided by you. Your expertise, support and understanding made a significant difference. You approached my matter with such dedication, professionalism and care. I appreciate all that you do"

— Samantha