Collaborative Divorce
The collaborative divorce process was founded in the early 1990's by Minnesota family law attorneys who were looking for a more civil, straightforward and fairer approach to divorce cases. Today, a large number of national, regional, and state collaborative law groups exist to assist spouses in reaching divorce settlements or agreements.
A Collaborative law divorce refers to the process of removing disputes from a "fight and win" setting in a courtroom into a "troubleshoot and problem solve" setting of negotiations. Some courts even make it mandatory that divorcing parties seek mediation or a collaborative divorce before litigating before a court. In order for a collaborative law divorce to work, both parties must be willing to use mediation and negotiations to settle the terms of their divorce.
Dedicated Divorce Lawyers in West Palm Beach
Important family law matters such as divorce and child custody can have long term effects for all involved. The experienced attorneys at Quality Family Law understand that dealing with a divorce can be a stressful and confusing ordeal.
Our attorneys take the time to explain various divorce options so that clients can decide what type of agreement will work best for them. Contact the divorce attorneys of Quality Family Law at (561) 693-3126 today.
What are the benefits of a collaborative divorce?
In addition to providing a cooperative approach to problem-solving, the collaborative law process offers a number of benefits to people involved in a family law dispute.
- Saves time and money
- Completed in an informal setting, rather than in a court
- The exchange of information is free, open, informal, and honest
- Parties are in charge of deciding how to handle post-settlement disputes
- Parties negotiate to reach a result that works for them
What is the process of a collaborative divorce?
In the first step of a collaborative divorce, each party hires their own attorneys. This is often the most important part of a divorce because the right attorney needs to be supportive of mediation and knowledgeable about the negotiation process.
Parties should make sure that their attorney knows their ultimate goal for a divorce settlement. Let your attorney know your limits and the least you are willing to accept. They must also be aware that there may come a time during this process where they will have to compromise on some things in order to reach an agreement. For example, in child support negotiations, you may be asking for $300 a week, which you think is fair and necessary. However, the other party may not be able to pay that amount due to other circumstances.
Next, both parties and their attorneys will need to meet up to discuss possible agreements. Collaborative divorces often include other professionals like child custody specialists and even accountants who might need to be present at these meetings as well.
When parties have difficulties reaching agreements, a licensed mediator is brought into the picture. Mediators are individuals who are knowledgeable of the law and procedures and are very strategic and skilled in guiding the parties to reach an agreement they are satisfied with.
Both parties and their attorneys must sign a "no court" agreement that directs both of the attorneys to withdraw from the case if the case needs to be settled in court.
The attorneys at Quality Family Law will help you file all necessary paperwork associated with this collaborative divorce agreement in a family law court. The filing process is usually a simple and uncontested procedure.
Find A Florida Collaborative Divorce Attorney
Collaborative divorce can save you time, money, and the stress of litigation. Most importantly, it allows the parties to work together to reach a solution that is best for everyone involved.
The attorneys of Quality Family Law exclusively practice family law matters in West Palm Beach, Florida and surrounding areas. We have helped many clients with collaborative divorce settlements, cohabitation agreements, premarital agreements, postnuptial agreements, guardianship, domestic violence, dissolution of marriage, and related family matters.
Contact Quality Family Law by calling (561) 557-8686 today to discuss your divorce.
This page was last updated February 16, 2017
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