Infographic depicting the four-step divorce mediation process—initial consultation, agreement drafting, negotiation sessions, and final settlement—each represented by simple icons in a timeline. Want a guided, peaceful path through your divorce? Call Equitable Mediation at (877) 732-6682 to begin today.

Trusted Divorce Mediators Continue to Lead the Way in Amicable, Confidential Divorce Solutions

[Carlsbad, CA – Sept 24, 2025] – In an era when divorce often evokes conflict, courtroom battles, and escalating costs, Equitable Mediation Services is a powerful alternative. Celebrating 17 years of trusted service, this nationally recognized divorce mediation firm, led by husband-and-wife team Joe Dillon, MBA, and Cheryl Dillon, CPC, is quietly revolutionizing the separation process for couples, offering compassion, clarity, and control.

Since 2008, Equitable Mediation Services has provided more than 1,000 couples with a calm, structured, and results-driven mediation process. Specializing in amicable divorce solutions, the firm assists clients in resolving critical issues, including child custody, spousal support, property division, and co-parenting plans. All without the need to enter a courtroom.

“We created Equitable Mediation to be a safe, respectful space for couples who want to avoid litigation’s emotional and financial damage,” said Joe Dillon, Co-Founder and Divorce Mediator. “Seventeen years later, we’re proud to say we’ve stayed true to that vision, helping couples separate with dignity while saving them time, money, and stress.”

Operating exclusively via Zoom across California, New Jersey, Washington, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, Equitable Mediation has remained ahead of the curve by offering flat-fee divorce mediation services tailored to modern, high-functioning families, many of whom seek confidential, virtual support without sacrificing professionalism or depth.

“Divorce is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be destructive,” added Cheryl Dillon, Certified Divorce Coach and Co-Founder. “Our process is designed to honor each person’s experience while keeping the focus on the future. Whether you’re navigating co-parenting or untangling decades of finances, we guide our clients through every step—together.”

A Proven Divorce Mediation Model for Complex and Compassionate Cases

Unlike do-it-yourself platforms or costly litigation models, Equitable Mediation offers a comprehensive, client-centered experience that includes:

  • Unlimited sessions for one, customized flat fee
  • Personalized financial and negotiation expertise
  • Coaching and emotional support
  • State-specific guidance for each of the six states in which they practice

From high-net-worth divorces and business owner disputes to long-term marriages and co-parenting arrangements, Equitable Mediation excels in complex cases where traditional divorce attorneys may exacerbate tension rather than resolve it.

Their 98% case resolution rate is a testament to the effectiveness of their structured, step-by-step process, which incorporates divorce financial planning, emotional coaching, and detailed, fair, and equitable written agreements.

Looking Ahead – Expanding Impact and Education

Looking to the future, Joe and Cheryl are investing in digital education, exploring YouTube, Instagram, and podcast channels to demystify the divorce process for more families. They also plan to expand the visibility of their underutilized online courses, which may soon become lead magnets or educational support tools for clients in eligible states.

“We’re committed to making divorce mediation accessible and less intimidating,” said Cheryl. “As we grow, so does our impact—and we’re just getting started.”

About Equitable Mediation Services

Equitable Mediation Services is a premier divorce mediation firm offering virtual, flat-fee divorce mediation and coaching to couples in California, New Jersey, Washington, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Founded in 2008 by Joe Dillon, MBA, and Cheryl Dillon, CPC, the firm has helped over 1,000 couples avoid litigation and create lasting, peaceful agreements. Specialties include child custody mediation, spousal support negotiations, asset division, and co-parenting plans. Services are delivered exclusively via Zoom for the sake of privacy, efficiency, and convenience.

Learn more or book a free Discovery Call: https://www.equitablemediation.com/get-started

Frequently Asked Questions

Equitable Mediation Services is a specialized firm offering online divorce mediation and divorce coaching to couples seeking an amicable, confidential alternative to litigation. Led by Joe Dillon, MBA, and Cheryl Dillon, CPC, the firm provides step-by-step guidance to resolve issues like child custody, alimony, and property division—entirely over Zoom.

Equitable Mediation Services operates in six U.S. states: California, New Jersey, Washington, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The practice is virtual and available exclusively to couples residing in these states.

Not necessarily. While the service is best suited for couples committed to an amicable divorce, even those with moderate tension can benefit from structured mediation sessions and coaching support to stay focused on resolution—not conflict.

Their unique approach combines:

  • Divorce mediation with real financial expertise
  • Divorce coaching to provide support for the emotional challenges of divorce
  • A proven process to keep negotiations on track
  • A thorough agreement to ensure all issues are thoroughly documented
  • No limit to the number of mediation sessions, for one customized flat fee
  • A 98% case resolution rate

This holistic model stands apart from traditional lawyer-driven divorce or barebones DIY platforms.

The firm offers a custom flat-fee model with no limit on the number of sessions and full support until an agreement is reached. There is no hourly billing. The cost depends on each couple’s unique case complexity, not time.

Yes. Equitable Mediation helps couples create customized, practical parenting plans that prioritize children’s needs while addressing co-parenting logistics and legal custody arrangements.

Ideal clients include:

  • Couples married 15–30 years
  • Business owners
  • High-net-worth individuals
  • Employees or owners of tech or start-up firms
  • Dual-income professional parents seeking out-of-the-box co-parenting solutions

And any clients needing help with the financial aspects of divorce, such as child support, alimony, and property division of assets, including retirement accounts, stock options, or investment portfolios.

No. Clients are welcome to obtain a lawyer’s perspective on a particular issue or retain one if they so choose. However, they are not required at any point in their divorce to work with or speak to an attorney. The decision is entirely up to them.

Joe Dillon, MBA, a seasoned divorce mediator with deep financial experience, leads all divorce mediation negotiation sessions with both spouses present. Cheryl Dillon, CPC, a Certified Divorce Coach, provides emotional and strategic support through one-on-one coaching sessions.

Prospective clients can begin by scheduling a Free Discovery Call with Cheryl or a Paid Initial Meeting with Joe, available via the Get Started page.

Why Trust Equitable Mediation

Equitable Mediation Services is a trusted and nationally recognized provider of divorce mediation, serving couples exclusively in California, New Jersey, Washington, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Founded in 2008, this husband-and-wife team has successfully guided over 1,000 couples through the complex divorce process, helping them reach amicable, fair, and thorough agreements that balance each party’s interests and prioritize their children’s well-being. All without involving attorneys if they so choose.

At the heart of Equitable Mediation are Joe Dillon, MBA, and Cheryl Dillon, CPC—two compassionate, experienced professionals committed to helping couples resolve the financial, emotional, and practical issues of divorce peacefully and with dignity.

Joe Dillon, MBA – Divorce Mediator & Financial Expert

As a seasoned Divorce Mediator with an MBA in Finance, Joe Dillon specializes in helping clients navigate complex parental and financial issues, including:

  • Physical and legal custody
  • Spousal support (alimony) and child support
  • Equitable distribution and community property division
  • Business ownership
  • Retirement accounts, stock options, and RSUs

Joe’s unique blend of financial acumen, mediation expertise, and personal insight enables him to skillfully guide couples through complex divorce negotiations, reaching fair agreements that safeguard the family’s emotional and financial well-being.

He brings clarity and structure to even the most challenging negotiations, ensuring both parties feel heard, supported, and in control of their outcome. This approach has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted names in alternative dispute resolution.

Cheryl Dillon, CPC – Certified Divorce Coach & Client Advocate

Cheryl Dillon is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and the Divorce Coach at Equitable Mediation. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and completed formal training at The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) – an internationally recognized leader in the field of coaching education.

Her unique blend of emotional intelligence, coaching expertise, and personal insight enables her to guide individuals through the emotional complexities of divorce compassionately.

Cheryl’s approach fosters improved communication, reduced conflict, and better decision-making, equipping clients to manage the challenges of divorce effectively. Emotions have a profound impact on shaping the divorce process, its outcomes, and the future well-being of all involved.

What We Offer: Flat-Fee, Full-Service Divorce Mediation

Equitable Mediation provides:

  • Full-service divorce mediation with real financial expertise
  • Convenient, online sessions via Zoom
  • Unlimited sessions for one customized flat fee (no hourly billing surprises)
  • Child custody and parenting plan negotiation
  • Spousal support and asset division mediation
  • Divorce coaching and emotional support
  • Free and paid educational courses on the divorce process

Whether clients are facing financial complexities, looking to safeguard their children’s futures, or trying to protect everything they’ve worked hard to build, Equitable Mediation has the expertise to guide them towards the outcomes that matter most to them and their families.

Why Couples Choose Equitable Mediation

  • 98% case resolution rate
  • Trusted by over 1,000 families since 2008
  • Subject-matter experts in the states in which they practice
  • Known for confidential, respectful, and cost-effective processes
  • Recommendations by therapists, financial planners, and former clients

Equitable Mediation Services operates in:

  • California: San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles
  • New Jersey: Bridgewater, Morristown, Short Hills
  • Washington: Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland
  • New York: NYC, Long Island
  • Illinois: Chicago, North Shore
  • Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County

Schedule a Free Discovery Call to learn if you’re a good candidate for divorce mediation with Joe and Cheryl.

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