Boca Raton Collaborative Law Attorney
Unfortunately, not every marriage works out in the end. The American Psychological Association (APA) reports that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. Though it is the right choice for some Florida couples, getting divorced is never an easy thing to do. There are many complex emotional and logistical issues that must be resolved. The good news is that divorce does not have to be a fierce or nasty battle.
Many divorcing couples have common interests. In Florida, a legal procedure known as collaborative family law offers a non-adversarial process. At WiseLieberman, PLLC, our Boca Raton collaborative law attorneys have extensive experience handling the full range of family law cases. If you are getting divorced or you are involved in a child custody dispute, our legal team can help you find solutions through the collaborative law process.
The Collaborative Law Process Act: Explained
In July of 2017, the Collaborative Law Process Act (CLPA) went into effect in Florida. The purpose of this law is relatively straightforward: it is designed to encourage couples to work together to solve their family law issues in a relatively peaceful, large voluntary manner. Collaborative law has been strengthened, and it is not the appropriate starting point for many separating couples.
In the collaborative law process, the parties are placed in a non-adversarial setting. Instead of trying to ‘win’ on specific issues, they are tasked with finding solutions and problem-solving. One major benefit is that the process is confidential — generally what parties say within the collaborative hearing is protected. It cannot be used in future legal hearings.
While it is often associated with divorce, collaborative law can be used to resolve the full range of family law issues, including child custody, child visitation, alimony/spousal support, child support, and property/debt division.
Why You Need a Collaborative Law Attorney
Many divorcing couples can benefit from trying to resolve their case through the collaborative law process. If you are entering this process, you should hire a family law attorney who has been officially certified through collaborative law training. In this setting, lawyers have certain duties.
Under Florida’s family law rules, a collaborative lawyer is typically required to withdraw their representation once you leave the collaborative process. Your collaborative attorney is generally prohibited from representing you in any related litigation.
This type of process helps to ensure that your lawyer pursues a successful, mutually beneficial resolution that you are looking for. At the same time, a great collaborative lawyer will always make sure that your family law rights, parental rights, and financial interests are fully protected. Collaborative law is a tool. You can withdraw from the process at any time, and you are not required to resolve your case. If your former partner refuses to work collaboratively or will not treat you fairly, then your lawyer can withdraw you from the process, so that you can pursue your other family law options.
Contact Our Boca Raton, FL Collaborative Law Attorney Today
At WiseLieberman, PLLC, our compassionate Florida family law attorneys have extensive experience and are trained in collaborative law. We are prepared to represent you and help you find the best resolution for yourself and your family. For immediate assistance, please call us at 561-488-7788. With offices in Boca Raton and Plantation, we serve communities throughout Palm Beach County and Broward County.