Every divorce has numbers, but every client has a story

Focusing on the Partnership through a Transition

While the end of a marriage is undoubtedly an emotionally challenging process, a healthy divorce provides a path forward that is defined by respect and cooperation, not conflict. This vital choice prioritizes the children, protecting their sense of stability by preserving a functional co-parenting relationship. By focusing on how to move forward constructively, partners can gently detach with mutual dignity. The journey involves open, honest communication about the practical matters, the wisdom to seek support, and the commitment to resolve logistics like finances and custody through non-adversarial steps such as mediation.

Cooperation Over Conflict

Divorce unleashes a flood of intense emotions: anger, grief, anxiety. This is normal; the intensity will fade. Meanwhile, be kind to yourself—self-compassion makes the daily struggle easier.

Don't treat the breakup as a battle. Mediation often trumps courtroom drama. Trying to solve issues alone is frustrating, as old problems resurface. Research proves mediation benefits emotional satisfaction, co-parenting, and children's needs.

Cooperation and communication are vital for a healthier divorce. Talking with a mental health provider can minimize conflict and coordinate decisions. When emotions spike, details suffer. Write down discussion points when you're calm. Use this "script" to guide face-to-face talks and remove some of the emotion. If in-person is too hard, use email.

Healthy Divorce Options Include:

Litigated divorce harms families by increasing conflict, causing prolonged financial and emotional distress, and negatively impacting children's well-being. The adversarial nature of litigation can lead to high-conflict situations where parents are pitted against each other, resulting in a sense of powerlessness for all involved. Children may feel caught in the middle, suffering from stress and emotional turmoil, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health.

If you and your spouse do not fully agree but want to avoid a contested trial, you can use one of these alternative methods:

Mediation: A neutral, trained mediator (who is not a judge or lawyer for either side) helps the couple negotiate and communicate to reach a mutually acceptable settlement. The mediator does not make decisions for you.
Collaborative Divorce: Each spouse hires an attorney specially trained in collaborative law. All parties sign an agreement to resolve the divorce without litigation. If the process breaks down and the case goes to court, both attorneys must withdraw, and the couple must hire new lawyers. This incentivizes resolution out of court.
Arbitration: The couple hires a private third party (the arbitrator) to act as a private judge. The arbitrator hears evidence and arguments from both sides and issues a binding decision, similar