Is Collaborative Law Right for Your Divorce?

By Robin Perrigo-Mermans
ROAD to RESOLUTION: Divorce Mediation and Collaborative Family Law

One of my goals as a licensed divorce mediator and collaborative family law attorney is to increase awareness of alternative dispute resolutions and assist couples who want to divorce in a healthy manner. Here are six ways to tell if divorce through collaborative law is right for you and your spouse:

You both agree the marriage is over

Many spouses who consider divorce options know their marriage is coming to an end or has already ended. These spouses can agree that they’ll be better people if they move on with their lives and away from their marriage.

You can make sound decisions without a judge

Collaborative divorce is an alternative dispute resolution option that takes place out of court. This means that you and your spouse don’t have to step foot into a courtroom or face a judge to create a separation agreement, and/or shared parenting agreement.

You want to handle your divorce civilly

Choosing collaborative divorce means that you and your spouse both want to find a healthy and respectful way to end your marriage. Collaborative divorce spouses agree to a respectful divorce process that will produce a mutually beneficial outcome. 

You are committed to fairly dividing your assets

Those who choose collaborative divorce don’t want to fight over assets. Instead, they truly want a win-win outcome for both parties. In addition, spouses can utilize neutral experts, like financial planners or advisors to guide them in decision making. High net worth divorces, involving significant assets and income, can also be handled through collaborative law. 

You want to save time and money unnecessary emotional turmoil

Divorces that are done through litigation in a courtroom might take years to finalize. One of the goals of collaborative law is to not take any more time than what is needed, which can also save money. 

You want to avoid unnecessary emotional turmoil

As with any dispute, there will be difficult discussions and challenging conversations. Despite this, the collaborative divorce journey is one that utilizes respectful communication and understanding rather than combative tactics and contentious situations. Since both spouses agree to the non-adversarial process through a Participation Agreement, they commit to avoiding unnecessary conflict and emotional turmoil. 

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Robin Perrigo-Mermans is a collaborative attorney and certified mediator. She owns ROAD to RESOLUTION, a divorce mediation and collaborative family law firm, in Charlotte. Due to her unique perspective as an attorney, mother, and stepmother, she is an expert in shared parenting solutions and co-parenting guidance. She is committed to using her personal story and passion to help her clients save time and money, while avoiding unnecessary emotional turmoil during their divorce journey and on their road to resolution.