The Collaborative Law Process Act became effective in Florida on July 1, 2017, and is providing divorcing couples with a respectful alternative to litigation in court.
The Collaborative Process has become increasingly popular with couples of all economic backgrounds including those with significant assets.
How the process works
The Collaborative Process takes place outside of court. Each party has an attorney trained in this form of alternative dispute resolution, and through private meetings, they negotiate a divorce settlement that that is satisfactory to them both. The parties freely exchange information, all of which remains confidential as compared with litigation where all the information in a divorce becomes public record.
A look at benefits
In addition to privacy, many couples appreciate the team approach to their divorce. Outside professionals such as a neutral accountant and financial planner can come on board to assist the couple with their questions and to help resolve the sticking points that arise in negotiating their settlement. Collaborative divorce is less intense and more cost-effective than litigation and the parties control the pace and the outcome without having to comply with the decisions of a judge. Divorcing parents find that this kind of process protects the best interests of their children and is therefore much less stressful for them than a contentious court battle.
Foundation for the future
Collaborative divorce involves open communication between the parties, and this helps to form a foundation for continuing family relationships in the post-divorce era. The Collaborative Process helps the divorcing couple and their children learn how best to manage a new family structure in the next chapter of their lives.
