Matthews NC Collaborative Family Lawyer

A Smarter, Kinder Way to Divorce or Separate

Divorce or separation will always come with emotional weight—but it doesn’t have to come with a courtroom battle. Not every family law issue needs to be decided by a judge. In fact, many couples find a more peaceful, respectful path through a process called collaborative law.

At its core, collaborative law is about preserving dignity, protecting emotional well-being, and prioritizing what matters most—especially when children are involved. It takes the fight out of family law and replaces it with structure, stability, and a forward-focused plan.

This isn’t just a “softer” option—it’s a smarter one. Collaborative law allows families to maintain more control, reduce legal costs, and avoid the stress and uncertainty of public court hearings.

If you’re in Matthews, NC or the surrounding Mecklenburg and Union County areas, attorney Kara K. Goodman offers skilled, compassionate representation for families seeking collaborative solutions. Kara believes in resolving conflict with integrity and helping clients build agreements that are not only legally sound—but emotionally sustainable.

Whether you’re navigating divorce, custody, support, or co-parenting decisions, Kara brings the experience, training, and steady presence you need to move forward—without turning your family into a courtroom case.

What Is Collaborative Family Law?

Collaborative family law is a voluntary legal process designed to help families resolve disputes—such as divorce, custody, and property division—without going to court. Unlike litigation, where decisions are made by a judge, collaborative law empowers the people who know the family best—the parents or spouses—to work together and create solutions that truly fit their lives.

Each party is represented by their own collaboratively trained attorney, whose role is not to "win" a case, but to guide and protect their client’s interests throughout a process built on respect, transparency, and creative problem-solving.

At the start of the process, both parties sign a Participation Agreement, which confirms their commitment to resolving issues outside of court. This agreement promotes accountability and sets the tone for constructive, future-focused conversations—not conflict.

A Team-Based, Child-Centered Approach

One of the unique strengths of collaborative law is the ability to build a team of trusted professionals to support the process. Depending on your family’s needs, this may include:

  • Child specialists to advocate for the emotional needs of your children
  • Financial neutrals to help with budgeting, asset division, or business valuation
  • Mental health professionals or divorce coaches to manage communication and emotional strain

The Outcome: Durable, Customized Agreements

Because you and your spouse or co-parent design the terms of your agreement—rather than having them imposed by a court—the outcomes are typically:

  • More personalized to your unique family structure
  • More durable, because both parties had a say in shaping the plan
  • Less likely to be contested or revisited in the future

Collaborative Law vs. Mediation vs. Litigation

When facing a divorce or family law matter, choosing how you resolve it is just as important as the outcome itself. Not every path looks the same—and not every process offers the same level of privacy, control, or emotional safety.

Collaborative Law

  • Team-based: Each party is represented by their own collaboratively trained attorney. Additional professionals (like financial specialists or child experts) may join the process to support decision-making.
  • Structured and private: Meetings are held outside of court, in a confidential setting.
  • Future-focused: The goal is to reach agreements that promote long-term stability and healthy co-parenting relationships.
  • Court-free commitment: All parties agree not to go to court. If the process breaks down, the collaborative attorneys must withdraw, and new litigation counsel must be hired.

Best for: Families who want legal protection without litigation, and who are willing to work together respectfully.

Mediation

  • One neutral third party: A mediator facilitates discussion and helps the parties reach their own agreement—but cannot provide legal advice to either side.
  • Flexible: Parties can choose to mediate with or without attorneys present.
  • Litigation still possible: If no agreement is reached, the case may still go to court.
  • No binding outcome unless both parties agree.

Best for: Low-conflict couples who already agree on most terms, or want to try a neutral starting point.

Litigation

  • Court-based and adversarial: Each party presents their case to a judge, who makes the final decisions.
  • Public process: Documents, testimony, and hearings become part of the public record.
  • Less control: A judge—not you—decides on parenting schedules, finances, and more.
  • Higher conflict, longer timeline: Litigation can increase stress, time, and cost for everyone involved.

Best for: Situations involving domestic violence, uncooperative parties, or urgent legal intervention.

Types of Cases Handled Collaboratively

Collaborative family law isn’t limited to just divorce—it’s a flexible, respectful process that can be used to resolve a variety of family law matters without the hostility and uncertainty of court. If you and the other party are willing to approach negotiations with honesty, transparency, and shared goals, collaborative law may be the ideal path forward.

Divorce and Separation

Collaborative divorce is one of the most effective alternatives to litigation for couples who want to dissolve their marriage peacefully. Instead of fighting over terms in court, you and your spouse will work with trained attorneys and—if needed—neutral professionals to:

  • Reach equitable agreements on division of property, finances, and support
  • Set expectations for future communication
  • Minimize emotional harm to children
  • Maintain privacy and avoid public court hearings

It’s a more human-centered, less destructive way to end a marriage—and begin a new chapter.

Child Custody and Parenting Plans

When children are involved, collaboration becomes even more important. In a collaborative custody process, parents can work together to create customized parenting plans that reflect their schedules, values, and their children’s best interests.

Agreements may include:

  • Week-to-week custody schedules
  • Holiday and vacation planning
  • Transportation and exchange logistics
  • Decision-making responsibilities (school, health, etc.)
  • Communication expectations between parents

This process encourages healthy co-parenting and creates long-term solutions that put the children first.

Property and Asset Division

For couples with shared homes, businesses, or complex financial portfolios, collaborative law allows for thorough, thoughtful, and private division of marital property. Instead of letting a judge divide your life on paper, you can create a customized plan that considers:

  • Real estate and mortgages
  • Retirement accounts and investments
  • Family-owned businesses
  • Debts and liabilities
  • Household items and personal property

Financial professionals can be brought in to ensure accurate valuations and to guide equitable solutions that make sense now—and in the future.

Spousal Support / Alimony

Spousal support, also known as alimony, can be one of the most sensitive and emotionally charged aspects of any divorce. Through the collaborative process, both parties can openly discuss:

  • Income and earning capacities
  • Length of the marriage
  • Standard of living during the marriage
  • Health, age, and financial needs

Instead of relying on a judge’s formula, collaborative law allows spouses to tailor alimony terms that feel fair and realistic—reducing conflict and building financial stability on both sides.

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements

Collaborative law isn’t just for couples who are parting ways—it’s also a powerful tool for couples preparing to begin or redefine their legal relationship.

Kara works with clients in Matthews and surrounding areas to negotiate clear, respectful prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Through collaboration, couples can set expectations around:

  • Property rights
  • Debt responsibility
  • Business ownership
  • Inheritance planning
  • Spousal support terms

Handled collaboratively, these agreements can strengthen the relationship, reduce future conflict, and provide peace of mind for both parties.

Post-Divorce Modifications (When Appropriate)

Life doesn’t stop changing after a divorce is finalized. Whether due to a new job, relocation, financial shift, or change in the children’s needs, post-divorce modifications may be necessary to adjust custody, support, or parenting plans.

When both parties are open to continued cooperation, collaborative law offers a respectful way to revisit those terms—without going back to court. This process is especially helpful for parents who want to continue co-parenting well, while making practical updates to existing agreements.

Choose Peace with Purpose

When it comes to family law, the process matters just as much as the outcome. Collaborative law is about dignity, clarity, and family-first solutions—not courtroom battles or drawn-out conflict. It’s about protecting your peace while building a path forward that honors your values, your children, and your future.

If you’re facing divorce, custody issues, or family-related transitions, don’t wait for things to escalate. The earlier you explore collaborative law, the more control you have over the outcome—and the less damage done along the way.

At The Goodman Law Firm, Kara K. Goodman offers Matthews families a better way to resolve even the most difficult issues. With deep legal knowledge and an unwavering calm, she’ll guide you through each step with compassion, strategy, and strength.

Contact The Goodman Law Firm Today

Choose a better way to move forward.
 Schedule your confidential consultation with Kara K. Goodman today.

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