Last week, Robin M. Mermans and fellow Collaborative Divorce attorney Ashley-Nicole Russell sat down with The Respectful Divorce Podcast to talk about Collaborative Divorce, the pros of Collaborative Divorce, and why traditional divorce litigation pits couples against each other.
In North Carolina, Collaborative Divorce is an alternative to traditional divorce proceedings, emphasizing resolution outside of court through a participation agreement signed by both parties and their attorneys. This approach prioritizes problem-solving and respect, focusing on untangling financial, emotional, and parental aspects of marriage. North Carolina has pioneered Collaborative Divorce as a statutory practice, with organizations like NCCAN supporting its adoption for decades.
Neutrals play a crucial role in the collaborative process, providing insights to attorneys to maintain amicable discussions. They include child specialists and financial neutrals, who help craft enduring agreements without advocating for either party. Collaborative attorneys, trained and committed to this approach, prioritize collaborative cases over litigation, aiming for holistic solutions rather than winners and losers.
Individual experiences often lead professionals to embrace Collaborative Divorces, such as Ashley's witnessing her parents' difficult divorce and Robin's own negative experience with her first husband. They believe the legal system's adversarial nature is unsuitable for families, particularly when children are involved.
You can listen to the entire podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or on Soundcloud.
