Three years ago, Elizabeth “Liz” Pharo acquired the largest processor of uncontested divorces. After processing over 1 million divorces on the previous platform, the need for a hassle-free divorce alternative was essential thus, Divorce.com was launched.
“My purpose is really to pioneer modern divorce – getting rid of unnecessary trauma.”
42% of divorce costs between $20,000 and $40,000 with some even in the $100,000 range which can be detrimental to society. Even in a complicated situation that requires mediation, Divorce.com’s process is still a tenth of the cost.
“The traditional process of divorce essentially transfers all that wealth to the attorneys, without considering the emotional cost as well. There’s a generational impact.”
With her background in software as a programmer and developer, Pharo had the tools and relationships she needed to start Divorce.com before rapidly transforming it into a platform accessible nationwide, providing an option to all those who need it.
As the CEO and Chair of Divorce.com’s board, and past chair and advisor to numerous successful companies, Pharo is known for her talent in harmonizing business objectives with a company’s vision, mission, and aspirations for its customers and community.
Beyond her work helping Divorce.com reduce the time, cost, and trauma of the typical divorce process, she is dedicated to the growth and development of her own community, serving on the boards of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, Venture for America, and Blight-Free Birmingham.
“Divorce can be such a disruptive event in the life of a family. I am super passionate about easing that disruption.”
Launching from Birmingham, Alabama, Pharo talks about the community of business leaders and innovators who have supported her. Particularly her forum of eight peers within the Young President’s Organization, her late father, Hillary Head and mentor Jim Davis of Jemison Investments.
“Birmingham is very hungry to have more diversity on boards, in business, etc. The people have been very welcoming to me.”
As an established businesswoman, Pharo uses her platform to also pour into other male and female founders and CEOs, arguably, another way she is creating positive generational impact.
When asked about being a woman in business, Pharo remarked, “you don’t have to do it like a dude. You can have your femininity and still win in business.”
As for the future of her career and Divorce.com, Pharo is dedicated to seeing their big hairy audacious goal (BHAG) met. “That every divorcing couple in the U.S. and Canada starts with us.” Pharo notes that she desires their first question to always be, “Can I Divorce.com this?” On track to do 100,000 units by 2026, the momentum isn’t slowing down.
Pharo is making a big impact on society through transformative divorce, where the process isn’t more difficult than it already has to be. Her compassion and passion matched with her previous accolades, historic and current success make her a 2024 Woman of Impact.
