I enjoy how collaborative practice changes the model of divorce. It makes it healthier for families. Litigation’s intellectually challenging, but it doesn’t address the emotional needs of the clients – it isn’t healthy for them. That’s why the more I learned about collaborative divorce, the more I realized it’s the most complete way to get families through this tough time as whole as possible. Even in court, I use a collaborative mindset where possible. Typically, attorneys waste tens of thousands of dollars arguing he versus she. No one wins from that type of fighting. Instead, in my lititgated cases I work with opposing counsel to structure a settlement that works best for everyone. By doing this, everyone walks away satisfied.

I believe collaboration is the best approach for most situations. Collaborative divorce keeps everyone respectful of each other and makes the parties equal partners with their attorneys in creating a solution. Often, it inspires attorneys and clients to reach for their better selves.

Because I work in the litigation and collaborative models, I maintain objectivity. This objectivity helps clients figure out what it takes to get the best results in a way that’s ethical, intelligent and keeps their family intact. With new clients, I often start by dispelling common myths. Most women come into the process with ideas that can hurt them. Ideas like thinking they’re not entitled to much or they have few legal rights.

I explain your rights in a simple, straight-forward way. To me, it’s important you make informed decisions. You have the right to understand what’s going on instead of just being told “sign here.” This knowledge keeps you realistic. It lets you understand what the system can do for you. It also helps you move through this difficult, emotional time so you springboard from a painful situation to a more empowered state.

What you should know about Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth couldn’t wait to graduate from law school so she could advocate for people. Even during law school, she worked with two commissioners at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington DC doing public policy work.

After law school, Mary Elizabeth worked for eight years representing battered women and indigent people in rural Appalachia. She started child protection programs for abused children. She dedicated herself to fighting for people who were often forgotten.