Collaborative Law is a voluntary dispute resolution process in which separating couples reach an agreement without resorting to court involvement through litigation. Due to its intrinsic benefits to family law parties, the North Carolina legislature created a statute that governs how Collaborative Law matters are conducted. This multi-disciplinary approach can involve child therapists, individual therapists, financial advisors, vocational experts, divorce coaches, and the like to help assist the parties in resolving their family law matter in an informed and amicable fashion.

At the beginning of participation in the Collaborative Law process, the parties sign a participation agreement which states each party’s intent to deal with each other in a fair and equal manner to obtain the best possible outcome for the entire family. Each party retains their own Collaborative Law Attorney to assist in the information and document production, the negotiations, and the amicable resolution. Due to its several benefits over traditional litigation, Collaborative Law is a modern approach to resolving family law matters.

One major benefit is the financial burden that litigation can impose on a family. On average, a litigation case, costs $30,000.00 per person - some more and some less. Collaborative cases are generally a more cost-effective way to resolve your dispute. Parties also gain the benefit of having a “team” of professionals weigh in on the process and the resolution of their case. This can help on varying levels including mentally and emotionally. Additionally, parties who are able to reach an agreement outside of Court are more likely to be able to satisfied with the results and abide by the agreement.

Collaborative Law allows clients to have the freedom to be in control of their case and navigate divorce with a team approach that avoids the animosity, deadlines and stress of Court.