Family Resources

How Does Collaborative Law Help Families?

Collaborative Law can help to improve, rather than harm, existing relationships; instead of making things worse, the attorneys work to minimize hostility and conflict while focusing on constructive, mutually satisfactory solutions that reflect the needs and interests of the whole family. This is in stark contrast to the situation of a courthouse divorce, in which parents are often pitted against one another when it comes to complicated issues such as custody or alimony.

“Thank you for all your help through this. It was a very smooth process and as it relates to the girls it has helped them transition to a new normal in a healthy and stable way.” Tim

Are You a Candidate for Collaborative?

We believe that most people, even when conflict is high or the hurt is deep, will benefit from the private, less antagonistic, quicker, and less costly collaborative law process for their divorce. The collaborative process can be adapted to the unique facts of each individual situation; for instance, the parties control the pace and timing of the process, and collaboratively trained financial, psychology and child experts are often associated to consult on complex issues that may arise during the process. For more information relating to your individual situation, please contact one of our member attorneys.

“I am a huge advocate of collaborative divorce . . . I am positive that it is why our life after divorce has gone so well. We are still a family. Our family just looks very different now. What you gave to us is priceless.” Audrey

Choosing the Right Attorney.

Many people confuse “collaborative divorce” with “amicable divorce." An amicable divorce is one in which the two spouses who are divorcing are friendly and trusting toward each other. A collaborative divorce is one in which the attorneys adopt a collaborative approach in resolving conflicts, instead of an adversarial approach. In a collaborative divorce, the parties in conflict don’t need to be amicable. But the attorneys need to be skilled at problem-solving negotiation, able to deal effectively and positively with the high emotional component of conflict, and willing to focus exclusively on a non-court settlement. Pick an attorney who, like the members of the North Carolina Collaborative Attorney Network, have experience and training specifically in collaborative divorce.

“This was one of the most difficult things I have ever gone through and I know it was extremely difficult for [my former wife] too. I am hoping going through the Collaborative process will give us a better chance at as good of a relationship as possible for the sake of the children.” Harris

Sponsor Member

Brainstorming Women - Divorce Financial Analysis + Coaching

When you’re dealing with the complexities of a divorce, you need financial expertise that’s both trustworthy and customized to your individual situation.

CDFA’s are financial professionals trained in the complexities of divorce finances who use education, training, and experience to help divorcing individuals split assets fairly and establish a financial plan for the future. Already trained as accountants, investment advisors, or financial advisors, CDFA’s receive specialized training to help divorce clients gather necessary financial information and develop financial projections based on different scenarios.

Jessica Garcia helps clients determine the short-term and long-term financial impact of any proposed divorce settlement. She can also provide valuable information on financial issues that are related to the divorce, such as tax implications, dividing of retirement plans, and more. Contact Jessica by visiting her website.

When you’re dealing with the complexities of a divorce, you need financial expertise that’s both trustworthy and customized to your individual situation.