Why Collaborative Divorce Can Be So Effective for Florida Parents Looking for an Amicable Child Custody Arrangement
Are you a parent of young kids or teenagers who is preparing for a divorce in Pinellas County? If so, you likely want to reach an amicable, effective custody arrangement with your spouse. Florida’s collaborative law process (Florida Statutes § 61.57) is a useful tool. In this article, our Clearwater collaborative divorce attorney explains why the process can be so effective for parents who are looking to reach an amicable child custody arrangement.
What is Collaborative Divorce in Florida?
Collaborative divorce in Florida is a process that allows couples to amicably end their marriage with the help of trained professionals. It is a specialized method that focuses on open communication and low-conflict negotiation. The goal is to allow the spouses to work together to reach a mutually acceptable settlement without going to court. During the process, each spouse is represented by their own attorney who is committed to a constructive negotiation environment.
Why Collaborative Divorce Can Be a Useful Option for Parents
Parents who are going through a divorce do not want a difficult fight. An amicable resolution is the ideal outcome—it can make co-parenting much less challenging. Here are some specific reasons why Florida’s collaborative law process can be so effective for divorcing parents:
- Promotes Cooperation Over Conflict: First and foremost, collaborative divorce fosters a cooperative environment rather than a combative one. Within Florida’s collaborative divorce process, parents must agree to and are encouraged to work together to find solutions that best meet the needs of their children.
- A Flexible Process (Parental Control): Collaborative divorce allows parents to creatively tailor custody agreements to fit their unique family dynamics and schedules, unlike the more rigid outcomes that can result from court rulings. You and your spouse will have a lot of control over the process—so that you can reach the right custody solution for your needs.
- Full Confidentiality: Collaborative divorce is a private process that keeps sensitive family matters and disputes out of the public court records. It is an aspect of the process that is particularly beneficial for parents who value privacy.
- Provides Support from (Shared) Experts: Notably, in the collaborative law process, experts are shared. The collaborative process often includes child specialists, psychologists, and other advisors who can provide guidance on the best practices for co-parenting. The costs are often shared and the expert is neutral.
Contact Our Clearwater, FL Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., our Florida collaborative divorce attorney is a skilled and experienced advocate for parents. If you have any questions about the collaborative divorce process, please do not hesitate to contact us today. With an office in Largo, we handle collaborative divorce proceedings in Clearwater and throughout Pinellas County.
