09/02/2026
✨CDCC Member Spotlight✨
Rhonda Sullivan Cleaves of Cleaves Family Law
With more than three decades of legal experience and 20 years dedicated to Collaborative Divorce, Rhonda Cleaves has built her practice around helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult transitions with dignity, respect, and compassion. As a Collaborative attorney, she believes divorce doesn’t have to become a battle—it can be a thoughtful, team-based process that empowers families to make informed decisions while staying out of court. For couples with children, this means protecting children from difficult and unnecessary legal battles.
For Rhonda, the Collaborative process gives clients something traditional litigation often cannot: control. Rather than leaving life-changing decisions to a judge or feeling pressured into quick settlements, couples are given the time, guidance, and professional support needed to reach solutions that work for their unique family. She believes this approach not only leads to better outcomes, but also helps preserve important family relationships, especially for children.
💬 “Divorce doesn’t have to mean war. Collaborative Divorce keeps families out of court and allows couples to make good decisions with the help of experienced professionals.”
One of Rhonda’s favorite parts of Collaborative practice is the civility it fosters. She has seen firsthand how couples can move through divorce with kindness and mutual respect while protecting what matters most—the well-being of their children and family relationships. She also hopes more people understand that divorce isn’t just a legal process; it’s also an emotional and financial journey, and Collaborative Divorce is uniquely designed to address all three.
Outside the office, Rhonda enjoys spending time with her family—whether that’s cooking together 🍳, playing games 🎲, or traveling ✈️. She also loves staying active through fitness and working out, helping her recharge so she can continue supporting clients through challenging times.
After many years as a litigator, Rhonda now exclusively represents clients in the Collaborative process because she believes families deserve a respectful path forward. At Cleaves Family Law, she is committed to helping clients make thoughtful decisions, protect their children, and begin the next chapter of their lives with confidence and hope. ✨✨
