If given the opportunity, it's far preferable to work things
through amicably. Why go through the bitter fight of a lawsuit, where you
will both end up bitter and disappointed, if you just agree on how things
will be split?
Do you want someone who doesn't know or understand you or your situation to decide what's best for you? Do you really want to leave all of this up to you a judge? You're better off deciding for yourself what's best for you, and don't leave your fate to some stranger in a black robe.
It's not just a financial consideration. By choosing to embark upon a collaborative divorce, you will have a support team of counsellors, mediators and other professionals who are trained in this specific area. They have as their goal a fair and civil dissolution. This will make it easier for the children as they grow up, graduate, get married.