Solagree - An Alternative to Litigation with Amanda Mason

Andrew Hatherley |

In this episode, Andrew welcomes Amanda Mason, a family law attorney and former litigator who developed The Solagree process after years of witnessing the emotional and financial damage caused by traditional court-based divorce.

Amanda explains how her own experience in the courtroom—and even as a parent in a custody case—led her to create a system designed to reduce stress, save money, and promote dignity for both parties.

From Litigation to Liberation

Amanda spent years in the traditional family court system, where she saw couples drained by conflict, cost, and chaos. 
Her breaking point came after representing—and later personally experiencing—the trauma of family court.

“Even as an attorney who knew the law and the courtroom, I still felt fear and anxiety on the stand,” she recalls.

Determined to find a better way, she spent six years developing the Solagree model, now used across the U.S. as a structured, predictable, and efficient alternative to litigation.

The Solgree Process: Three Simple Steps

1. Intake Phase 

Couples begin by working with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)— professionals like Andrew—to gather financial information and clarify marital assets. 

Those with children also work with custody intake specialists to design parenting plans. 

This phase emphasizes transparency, education, and trust-building.

2. Mediation Phase 

A neutral attorney-mediator helps the couple reach agreement in as many areas as possible. 

These structured discussions allow both parties to shape their own outcomes while avoiding adversarial tactics.

3. Arbitration Phase 

If any issues remain unresolved, a neutral arbitrator (also a family law attorney) steps in to make final, binding decisions. 

This ensures closure—without ever going to court.

Virtual, Predictable, and Affordable

One of Solagree’s greatest strengths is its virtual structure, allowing couples to complete the process from the comfort and safety of their homes. 
This reduces stress and removes the intimidation of courtrooms or law offices.

The program also uses a flat-fee payment system, divided into three stages, providing predictability and peace of mind – a stark contrast to the open-ended billing of traditional divorce attorneys.

“We want people to know exactly what they’re paying for upfront,” Amanda says.

The Role of Attorneys and Professionals

Solagree encourages collaboration between attorneys, financial experts, and mediators:

  • Advising Attorneys provide behind-the-scenes guidance for clients, ensuring they understand legal nuances without escalating conflict.
  • Appearing Attorneys represent clients in complex cases, such as those involving business valuations or high-net-worth estates.
  • Specialists like CDFAs, appraisers, and custody experts provide support where needed—all within Solagree’s transparent framework.

Every professional involved is vetted for experience, ethics, and respect, ensuring couples receive expert guidance in a compassionate environment.

Ending the Divorce Industrial Complex

Amanda and Andrew discuss what he calls the “Divorce Industrial Complex”—a system where adversarial attorneys, overloaded courts, and emotional manipulation fuel unnecessary conflict.

Solagree offers an off-ramp from that system. By combining structure with empathy, couples retain control, speed, and emotional balance.

“When people know they’ll have a binding outcome through arbitration, they start making rational decisions instead of fear-based ones,” Amanda explains.

Who Is Solagree For?

While ideal for amicable couples, the Solagree model also works for those in moderate conflict who still want to save time, money, and emotional energy.

It’s especially well-suited for:

  • Gray divorces (divorces later in life)
  • Entrepreneurial couples with business assets
  • Parents who want to avoid exposing children to courtroom drama

Even couples already in litigation can switch to Solagree before trial—often finding relief from escalating costs and conflict.

Key Takeaways

  • Traditional litigation often turns “good people into their worst selves.”
  • Solagree replaces conflict with collaboration—without sacrificing structure or fairness.
  • Flat fees bring financial clarity to an often unpredictable process.
  • Arbitration ensures closure and finality without court involvement.
  • Technology allows for efficient, virtual divorce—saving couples both time and emotional turmoil.

Resources

  • Amanda Mason: www.solagree.com
  • Email: amanda@solagree.com
  • Previous Episodes:
    • Episode 5 & 58: Understanding Mediation
    • Episode 20: Amicable Divorce Explained