Collaborative Divorce vs. Mediation: Which Is Best for You?~ 2 min read
Both Collaborative Divorce and Mediation help you avoid court, but they offer different types of support. Mediation may work well if you and your spouse can communicate and are informed. Collaborative Divorce provides more structure and team-based support, which is helpful for families with concerns that require extra guidance.
Collaborative Divorce and Mediation Help You Stay Out of Court
If you are looking for a more peaceful way to divorce, Mediation and Collaborative Divorce are two strong options. Both allow you to stay out of court and make your own decisions. The difference lies in the level of support and who is involved in the process.
In Mediation, you work with a neutral third party, meeting either alone or with your attorneys participating. This can be a good fit if you and your spouse are comfortable communicating with your spouse and are somewhat familiar with your financial situation.
Collaborative Divorce Offers More Team Support
Collaborative Divorce gives you more structure and guidance. You and your spouse each have your own attorney, and you work with a team that includes a mental health coach, and financial specialist, and may include a child specialist. This can be especially helpful if you or your spouse are less familiar with the finances, there are complicated financial issues, or if your family has special needs or emotional concerns that need attention.
For example, if your children are dealing with anxiety or other mental health challenges, having a coach or child specialist involved may help you both make better parenting decisions. If you are dividing a business, dealing with trusts, or complex tax issues, the financial expert can help explain everything in a way that both of you understand.
Choosing the Right Process for Your Situation
Some people are comfortable attending Mediation without an attorney, though it is still important to have legal advice during the Mediation process. Others prefer the extra support and structure of Collaborative Divorce, especially when emotions run high or there are many moving parts to work through.
Your comfort level, your goals, and the amount of help you want during the process will help determine which approach is better for you.
Contact Family Ally
At Family Ally, we help you understand the differences between Mediation and Collaborative Divorce so you can choose the process that fits your needs. If you are ready to move forward, Contact Jennifer Piper at 314-449-9800 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support you.
Family Ally is located at 130 S. Bemiston Ave., Suite 608, St. Louis, MO 63105.
Jennifer R. Piper is a family law attorney, mediator, and parenting coordinator with more than 20 years of experience serving families in the St. Louis area. She is certified as a Guardian ad Litem and frequently appointed by courts to represent children in high-conflict cases. Jennifer is a former Chair of the Family and Juvenile Law Section of the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis and an active leader in local and state bar organizations.
Her professional recognition includes being named to The Best Lawyers in America® (2017–2025), Missouri Super Lawyers (2021–2024), and receiving a Women’s Justice Award from Missouri Lawyers Weekly. Jennifer also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She regularly speaks on family law topics and has helped shape family court procedures through her service on multiple committees.
