
David vivas
Welcome to Penn Mediation. I’m so glad you’re here
When you are facing family or divorce transitions, it can feel like your entire world is in upheaval. In these moments, you don’t just need a legal process; you need someone who understands the human element of conflict. I know exactly how that feels—because I have been in your shoes.
My Approach: 30+ Years of People-First Resolution
For over 30 years, my career has been defined by a community-focused, people-oriented approach to conflict resolution. I am a trained mediator who believes that the best solutions aren't handed down by a judge—they are built together through communication, empathy, and respect.
My commitment to mediation comes from a deeply personal place. Years ago, during my own divorce from the mother of my three children, we found ourselves being urged by the traditional system to take our dispute to court. It quickly became an expensive, cold, and emotionally draining process that wasn't serving us or, most importantly, our children.
Recognizing the damage it was causing, we chose to step back from the courtroom and turn to mediation. That single decision changed everything. It allowed us to find a resolution that empowered us to successfully co-parent and maintain a healthy, supportive relationship all the way through our children’s lives. Today, those children are grown adults building beautiful families of their own. I know firsthand that mediation works, because it saved my own family’s future.
A Diverse Range of Expertise
Conflict doesn't happen in a vacuum, and neither does resolution. Over the past three decades, I have worked hand-in-hand with a vast network of professionals to navigate complex, high-stakes situations. My experience includes collaborating closely with:
Legal Professionals: Divorce and criminal defense attorneys.
Public Safety: Law enforcement officials.
Support & Recovery: Drug and alcohol rehabilitation professionals.
Financial Experts: Accountants and financial advisors.
Community Leaders: And just about everyone in between.
Insight Into Unique Family Dynamics
Family structures are beautifully diverse, and standard cookie-cutter mediation rarely works for unique life experiences. Beyond my professional training, my personal journey has given me deep insights into specialized areas of family conflict:
The LGBTQ+ Community: As a gay man, I am actively involved with the LGBTQ+ community. I have a profound understanding of the unique social, emotional, and legal challenges that couples and families within our community face during transitions.
Multinational & Cross-Cultural Relationships: Having lived and worked outside of the United States, been married to and divorced from a spouse from another country, and speaking conversational Spanish, I understand the complex layers of multinational relationships, cultural nuances, and international family dynamics.
Why Choose Penn Mediation?
I started Penn Mediation to provide a safe, neutral, and deeply empathetic space where families of all backgrounds can restructure their lives with dignity. Whether you are navigating a divorce, figuring out co-parenting boundaries, or resolving a complex cross-cultural dispute, I am here to facilitate the conversation so you can protect what matters most: your peace of mind and your family's future.
Let’s find a way forward, together.