Divorce with Dignity in Texas
Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining, but it doesn’t have to be a battlefield. Collaborative divorce offers a structured, private, and solution-oriented process for couples who want to part ways without unnecessary conflict. Unlike a traditional litigated divorce, collaborative divorce focuses on cooperation, preserving dignity, and keeping the control in the hands of the divorcing couple—not a judge.
At Varghese Summersett, we guide individuals through collaborative divorce with precision, skill, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Here are the top eight reasons for a collaborative divorce in Texas but first, here is a quick overview of collaborative law.

What is Collaborative Law in Texas?
Collaborative law in Texas is governed by Chapter 15 of the Texas Family Code, which establishes the legal framework for resolving family law disputes through a cooperative, non-adversarial process. This approach is designed to help divorcing couples reach a mutually beneficial settlement while avoiding the stress, expense, and uncertainty of litigation.
Under Texas law, collaborative divorce requires both spouses to commit to open communication, full financial disclosure, and problem-solving, rather than confrontation. Each party retains a collaboratively trained attorney, and the process may also involve neutral professionals, such as financial experts or mental health professionals, to assist with asset division, parenting plans, and emotional well-being.

One key feature of collaborative divorce is that all parties, including attorneys, sign an agreement stating that they will not pursue litigation. If the process fails, the attorneys must withdraw, and new legal representation must be obtained for litigation. This ensures that all parties remain committed to reaching an amicable resolution.
At Varghese Summersett, two of our Southlake divorce attorneys – Nicole Carroll and Brent McMullen – have extensive experience guiding clients through collaborative divorce with efficiency, discretion, and a focus on securing a fair and sustainable outcome. This method allows couples to maintain privacy, minimize conflict, and retain control over their future—without the unpredictability of a court ruling.
8 Reasons for a Collaborative Divorce in Texas

1. Private and Confidential
Unlike a traditional litigated divorce, which involves public court hearings and filings, a collaborative divorce prioritizes privacy. All negotiations take place behind closed doors, and personal matters—such as finances, child custody discussions, and marital disputes—are not made part of the public record.
Texas law requires that divorce proceedings be filed in court, but what is filed can be kept minimal. In a collaborative divorce, sensitive financial and personal details do not need to be disclosed in public hearings or multiple court filings. Instead, both spouses and their attorneys sign a confidentiality agreement, ensuring that discussions and negotiations remain private. For high-net-worth individuals or professionals with reputations to protect, this is a significant advantage and one of the key reasons for a collaborative divorce.

2. Greater Control Over the Outcome
In a contested divorce, a judge makes the final decision on asset division, child custody, and child support arrangements. These rulings may not align with either party’s preferences, and they often lead to frustration and ongoing legal battles.
One of the major reasons for a collaborative divorce is that it empowers both spouses to craft their own agreement. Instead of relying on the court’s discretion, you and your spouse work together—with the assistance of legal and financial professionals—to develop solutions that align with your specific needs. Whether it’s dividing property, structuring child support, or outlining a parenting plan, you have the power to create a tailored agreement rather than leaving life-altering decisions to the court.

3. Less Adversarial
Traditional divorce proceedings are often highly contentious, with each party attempting to gain an advantage over the other. Courtroom battles can fuel resentment, increase stress, and prolong the emotional turmoil of an already difficult situation.
One of the key reasons for a collaborative divorce is that it is designed to reduce conflict and promote cooperation. Instead of adopting a “win-lose” mentality, both parties agree to work toward a mutually beneficial resolution. This approach encourages respectful communication and minimizes hostility—especially important when children are involved.

4. Protects Children from Conflict
Divorce is especially hard on children, particularly when they witness their parents engaging in heated disputes. A litigated divorce, with its public courtroom fights and adversarial tactics, can have a lasting emotional impact on kids.
Collaborative divorce prioritizes the well-being of children. Parents work together to create a parenting plan that serves their children’s best interests while avoiding unnecessary conflict. Many collaborative divorce cases involve child specialists who help parents understand how to minimize the negative effects of divorce on their children. By keeping disputes civil and private, children are shielded from the stress and trauma of an acrimonious divorce. This is one of the top reasons for a collaborative divorce.

5. Faster Resolution
Texas courts are backlogged with divorce cases, meaning a litigated divorce can drag on for months—or even years. The more contentious the case, the longer it takes to resolve.
A collaborative divorce, on the other hand, follows a structured timeline and avoids unnecessary delays. Instead of waiting for court dates and mandatory hearings, both parties work together to finalize their divorce efficiently. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who want to move forward with their lives as soon as possible.

6. Professional Support
One of the biggest reasons for a collaborative divorce is the ability to bring in a team of professionals to help guide the process. This can include:
- Financial experts to assist with asset division and tax implications.
- Child specialists to ensure the best outcome for children.
- Mental health professionals to facilitate communication and manage emotions.
With a team of professionals involved, both spouses can make informed decisions based on expert guidance rather than emotional reactions.

7. Customized Solutions
Texas family law follows a set of default rules when it comes to divorce, property division, and child custody. However, every family’s situation is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works.
In a collaborative divorce, couples aren’t bound by rigid legal formulas. Instead, they have the flexibility to create agreements that work specifically for them. Whether it’s structuring a creative co-parenting plan, dividing assets in a non-traditional way, or making special financial arrangements, the collaborative process allows for customized solutions that a judge might not consider in a courtroom setting.

8. Avoids Unexpected Court Rulings
When you take your divorce to court, you are at the mercy of a judge’s ruling. Judges apply Texas law as they see fit, but their decisions may not reflect the unique circumstances of your marriage, children, or financial situation.
One of the most important reasons for a collaborative divorce is that it eliminates the uncertainty of litigation. You and your spouse retain control over the final agreement, ensuring that decisions are made with your specific needs in mind. This reduces the risk of being blindsided by an unfavorable ruling and promotes long-term satisfaction with the outcome.

Why Choose Us for Your Collaborative Divorce?
At Varghese Summersett, we understand that divorce is a major life transition, and we are committed to making the process as smooth, private, and efficient as possible. Our experienced North Texas family law attorneys are highly skilled in collaborative divorce, and we work closely with financial experts, child specialists, and mental health professionals to achieve the best possible resolution for our clients.
If you are considering a collaborative divorce in North Texas, our team can guide you through the process with compassion, strategy, and expertise. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you move forward with the next chapter of your life. We handle divorce cases in Fort Worth, Dallas, Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, Denton, and the surrounding areas. Call 817-203-2220 to schedule a consultation.
