WhitsonLaw adds divorce support consultant for family law clients

WhitsonLaw PLLC has appointed John J. Haverlick, LCSW-R, as Divorce Support Consultant, effective Aug. 12, 2026, to help New York family law clients manage the stress and decision-making that often come with divorce and custody cases. The firm says the new role is designed to complement legal representation with practical, non-clinical support.

Why it matters: - WhitsonLaw is adding a support layer for clients facing divorce, custody and other family law disputes. - The new role is designed to help clients stay organized and emotionally steady during high-stakes legal decisions. - The firm is aiming to improve how clients engage with mediation, court and settlement planning.

What happened: - WhitsonLaw PLLC announced that John J. Haverlick, LCSW-R, joined the firm as Divorce Support Consultant effective Aug. 12, 2026. - The family and matrimonial law firm serves clients across Upstate New York. - Debra Whitson, founder of WhitsonLaw, said the role is intended to help clients arrive at legal milestones better prepared to understand their options and participate in strategy.

The details: - Haverlick will work alongside a client’s WhitsonLaw attorney, not replace legal counsel. - Attorneys will remain responsible for legal advice, strategy and representation. - Haverlick’s support may include preparing clients for mediation sessions, depositions, custody evaluations and court appearances. - The role may also include helping clients manage strong emotions before those reactions affect legal decisions. - Haverlick can help clients improve communication with a co-parent. - The role includes helping clients organize concerns and priorities before major discussions or decisions. - The Divorce Support Consultant role is not therapy. - Haverlick will not diagnose or treat mental health conditions in this capacity. - The service is not a substitute for ongoing mental health care. - Clients whose needs go beyond the consultative scope may be referred to an independent licensed clinician. - Haverlick brings more than 50 years of experience helping children, families and couples during periods of stress and change. - He earned his degree from the Columbia University School of Social Work and completed postgraduate training at The Center for Family Learning. - Haverlick is a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work and a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker. - He has completed Interdisciplinary Collaborative Divorce Training and Mediation Training. - Haverlick is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. - WhitsonLaw has offices in Saratoga Springs, Albany and Plattsburgh, New York. - The firm handles divorce, child custody, support, mediation and related family law matters. - WhitsonLaw provides in-person and virtual services. - The firm emphasizes clear legal guidance, thoughtful strategy and coordinated client support. - More information is available on the company’s website.

Between the lines: - The appointment reflects a broader shift toward blending legal and practical client support in emotionally difficult family law cases. - WhitsonLaw is signaling that client readiness and communication can affect legal outcomes, not just the legal arguments themselves. - The model keeps legal and clinical roles separate, which may help avoid confusion about scope while still addressing stress-related barriers.

What's next: - Haverlick will begin supporting WhitsonLaw clients in the new consultant role. - The firm may refer some clients to outside clinicians when issues exceed the role’s non-clinical scope. - Clients in divorce and custody matters will continue working with WhitsonLaw attorneys for legal representation and strategy.