Divorce is an emotional and overwhelming process. Some couples find the idea of drawing out the process and airing their private business in public through litigation to be a necessary evil. However, there are other options available that can help couples resolve their differences and move forward with their lives without having to undergo a trial in the Florida court system.
A collaborative divorce is an option that allows Florida couples to work together to find legal solutions to their issues without significant court involvement.
What Is a Collaborative Divorce?
A collaborative divorce is a form of alternative dispute resolution that allows divorcing partners to negotiate the terms of their divorce while potentially avoiding litigation. The process seeks to give both partners more control, allowing them to communicate and reach an amicable or mutually acceptable agreement that dissolves their marriage and allows them to begin rebuilding their separative lives.
In Florida, you can select the best process for you and your situation. During a collaborative divorce, each spouse retains an attorney or legal team that helps them work through the collaboration, understand their legal rights, and advocate for them. Other individuals who may be involved in the collaborative divorce process include neutral financial professionals and mental health professionals who can work with each spouse, offering professional guidance and moral support. These professionals may also offer effective communication and negotiation tactics to help the couple work through their differences and find common ground.
If the couple agrees on the resolution of all the issues required to end their marriage, the lawyers involved file all necessary paperwork. Next, the court reviews the divorce terms, approves them, signs off on the decree, and finalizes the divorce.
Are There Benefits to Choosing a Florida Collaborative Divorce?
Depending on your situation, exploring a collaborative divorce to dissolve your marriage may have several benefits. First, a collaborative divorce allows you and your partner to maintain control over the divorce process. Working with your legal team, you can find solutions that address your needs and concerns about property division, spousal support, and child custody issues. The outcome of the divorce is up to you and your partner, not a judge.
Another benefit of a collaborative divorce is the privacy it offers. While all court cases are documented in public records, when you work out the terms of your divorce through the collaborative divorce process, your conversations and the details of your finances and private life stay private. Keeping the nuances of your separation private can benefit families’ emotional health and stability.
Collaborative divorce in Florida is also a faster and more cost-effective way to end a marriage. Parties can sometimes reach collaborative divorce agreements in as little as three to nine months, much faster than traditional litigation. Additionally, paying for an attorney to help you through the collaborative divorce process is much less expensive and involved compared to needing an attorney to prepare and take your case to court. Divorce litigation can be complicated and drawn out, depending on the case’s specifics.
Finally, consider your mental health and the mental health of your family. Collaborative divorce tends to be less stressful and overwhelming than going to court to resolve your dispute. It helps you work through your differences and find manageable and reasonable solutions for you and your former spouse. The agreement is tailored to your and your family’s needs, and many people find that their divorce can be settled with less animosity and resentment through collaboration. A collaborative divorce can provide each party with the tools they need to communicate, work together to solve problems, and co-parent effectively, which can help prevent issues and reduce the likelihood of future litigation.
A Divorce Attorney from Central Justice Can Help
Divorce may feel frightening and stressful, but with the right legal advice, support, and guidance, you can emerge from the situation ready to move forward with your life in a positive direction. If you are interested in exploring alternative dispute resolution options like collaborative divorce, the legal team at Central Justice can help.
Contact our office today to set up a legal consultation.
