I am an ardent proponent of the Collaborative Divorce Process because I have found that it leads to more sustainable settlements, allows clients to craft solutions that work for their unique situations, and supports families that are undergoing transition. It is also less financially and emotionally costly than the litigation process.
Prior to opening Gondring Law, I was a partner at a well-respected firm in Winston-Salem. While there I litigated complex family law matters and saw first-hand how litigation increased spouses’ animosity towards each other, which poured down onto their children and emptied their bank accounts.
Convinced that there had to be less destructive way to help families transition from one roof to two, I started looking for other divorce options. I remember learning that there was a less destructive option and thought perhaps it was too good to be true. Perhaps you are thinking that, too.
But after years of practicing Collaborative Divorce, I have found that it is possible for separating spouses – including those with significant disagreement – to wind down their marriages and find solutions that work for their unique family situation. If you are reading this, you may be agonizing about what an initial conversation with an attorney looks like. When I meet new potential clients, we have a conversation about their family’s needs and interests. We will discuss options moving forward and then we will navigate the case together. Throughout the Collaborative Process, my goal is to empower you to find solutions that will meet your needs and interests.
Sometimes it is nice to know a little bit about the person you’re thinking about entrusting with your separation. I grew up in a small town just west of Winston-Salem. My parents would say my brother and I fought a lot. My brother and I would say we were delightful angels. I graduated summa cum laude from N.C. State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minors in Business and Spanish. I earned my law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law, where I was a member of the North Carolina Law Review and co-President of Lambda Law.
I am a Certified Family Financial Mediator, a Parenting Coordinator, and Guardian ad litem. In 2019-2020, I served as the President of the Forsyth County Bar Association. I am currently a board member of Sawtooth School for Visual Arts, N.C. BarCares, N.C. Dispute Resolution Council, and the Legal Aid Local Advisory Council.
My husband, Jason, was also my high school prom date. We have two elementary school-aged daughters whose infectious laughter bring me profound joy. I love my friends, early-morning spirited bike rides, and adventurous traveling. The most stimulating place I’ve been is Varanasi, India; the most beautiful, Patagonia, Chile. I very much look forward to the resumption of hosting fancy dinner parties for friends both new and old.