Resolving Divorce and Custody Out of Court
Even an "amicable" divorce can quickly get messy, but it doesn't need to be that way.
To spare the acrimony — even if you believe your case would be headed for trial —we invite you to explore collaborative divorce. This alternative approach enables our clients to avoid the expense and emotional toll of litigation without sacrificing their own rights or risking the best interests of their children to the whims of a judge.
Stephen E. Robertson has helped hundreds of clients in Greensboro, North Carolina and the greater Triad area resolve disputes over children and property. A veteran of district court battles, he firmly believes that collaborative divorce is a preferable forum for all aspects of family law:
- Dissolution of marriage
- Equitable distribution of marital assets
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and spousal support (alimony)
What Is Collaborative Divorce?
In a nutshell, collaborative law is an agreement not to litigate, creating a cooperative atmosphere conducive to peaceful settlements. Each spouse retains his or her own attorney trained in the collaborative process and focused on resolution. (If negotiations truly reach an impasse, the collaborative lawyers are ethically prevented from representing their clients at trial — you would have to hire other counsel to go to court.)
While traditional divorce bargaining is position-based, with each side playing a cat-and-mouse game to gain the upper hand, collaborative divorce is interest-based. The focus is on what works best for both parties, enabling Mr. Robertson to negotiate creative arrangements for division of property, parenting time, and child-related expenses.
Advantages of Collaboration
- Your legal interests are still protected by an experienced attorney
- The process is usually much faster
- Disputes are resolved without antagonism and dirty tactics
- Attorney's fees are usually substantially less than litigation
- Collaborative divorce settlements are less likely to lead to future modifications or litigation
While litigation often drags out for well over a year, collaborative divorce usually takes just a few months. The whole case is resolved in three or four sessions for a typical couple with mid-level assets and children. The parties can and should involve child psychologists and/or financial professionals when necessary to ensure that the wishes and concerns of all parties are effectively addressed.
Experienced Representation for Any Family Law Matter
In addition to divorce, Robertson, Medlin & Blocker, PLLC handles all issues of North Carolina family law, in the same spirit of workable, out-of-court agreements whenever feasible:
- Paternity (representing mothers or fathers)
- Adoptions and name changes
- Modifications of custody, visitation, or support
- Child support enforcement
For more information about collaborative divorce and whether it's right for your situation, contact Stephen Robertson at 336.378.9881. He is a member of the Triad Collaborative Family Law Practice Group, and serves on the North Carolina Bar Association's Collaborative Law Steering Committee. He has practiced in North Carolina since 2001.
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