Florida Collaborative Divorce Lawyer
Divorce is often not something we associate with collaboration. Yet many Florida marriages are brought to a peaceful and succession conclusion, without the need for contested litigation, through what is known as the collaborative divorce process. And while collaborative divorce involves a more structured process than direct negotiation between the parties, it has the potential to produce a more comprehensive divorce agreement that allows both parties to walk away satisfied.
If you think that collaborative divorce might be an option for helping you and your spouse resolve your outstanding issues, it is important to seek out representation from an attorney who specializes in this subject. Our Florida collaborative divorce lawyer can explain the process to you and help you decide if it is the right option for you and your family. The Law Office of Gale H. Moore, P.A., has represented many clients in successfully navigating collaborative divorce. Our attorney’s experience includes membership in several state and local professional collaborative divorce associations, so she knows what it takes to make the process work.
Collaborative Divorce Is About Teamwork
The central concept behind collaborative divorce in Florida is that all parties–including the spouses and their attorneys–are working together to create a mutual divorce settlement agreement. In effect, you are all acting as one team rather than combatants in litigation. To that end, there are some basic rules that need to be followed in a collaborative divorce:
- The spouses must sign a collaborative law participation agreement beforehand, which establishes the scope of the matters to be resolved. A court cannot order the parties to engage in the collaborative law process.
- While each spouse may retain their own collaborative law attorney to advise and assist them in the process, these attorneys must withdraw from the case if the collaborative process ends without an agreement (i.e., if one or both spouses opt for litigation instead.)
- Any financial or other professional experts necessary to help resolve the parties’ issues are jointly retained. As with the attorneys, these experts must withdraw if either party decides to litigate.
- Both sides must make full disclosure of any important information related to the divorce.
- Either party is free to withdraw from the collaborative process at any time. There is no legal requirement for the sides to reach an agreement.
Contact Our Florida Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Today
While collaborative divorce is not right for every situation, when it works it can provide enormous relief to the spouses and their families. Reaching a settlement agreement through the collaborative law process is almost always quicker–and less expensive–than litigation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation. And from a mental health perspective, a successful collaborative divorce can enable each party to walk away from the marriage feeling good about their future.
If you think that collaborative divorce might be a viable option for you, it is important that you speak with an attorney who is properly trained and qualified in this area of the law. To speak with an experienced Florida collaborative divorce lawyer, call the Law Office of Gale H. Moore, P.A., today at 727-584-2528 to schedule a consultation.
