Divorce Through Collaboration
While working together is impossible for some divorcing couples, others recognize that their lives will be intertwined for years to come because they share children and make the decision to try a collaborative divorce as the first step in cooperative negotiations that will characterize their lives going forward. Others may be divorcing with the intention of maintaining a cordial relationship in its own right, and believe a collaborative divorce could help achieve their goals. Is it the right choice for you?
What is a Collaborative Divorce?
If you imagine divorce to be a highly divisive, fractious endeavor, you know that many divorces are exactly that. Collaborative divorce, however, takes a different approach. Rather than trying to position yourself in order to gain leverage, you look toward win/win solutions to every issue involved in your divorce. Instead of leaving the big decisions to a judge who has to weigh the scenario based on each party’s presentation, you and your soon-to-be ex sit down together, aided by your attorneys and neutral professionals, to iron out the best outcomes for each of you, considering the financial, emotional, and personal needs of each at all times throughout the discussion.
Can it be Done?
Some may wonder if collaborative divorce really works. The fact of the matter is that, yes, in many situations it achieves the goals of each party quite effectively. While each party’s respective attorney is present at all times to look out for their interests, the neutral professionals on your collaborative team are there to ensure the accuracy of the financial analysis and the smooth processing of parenting, support, and visitation issues.
One More Benefit: Privacy
Another thing many people appreciate about the collaborative process is that it is entirely outside of the public view. The settlement process is outside of the court system, making it outside of the public record. The team is trained to help couples look at multiple options through interactive discussions that are ultimately controlled by the parties involved. It is a cooperative, rather than a combative process, that ultimately serves to facilitate a good working relationship between the divorcing individuals, reducing the stress that so many divorcing couples suffer. And when it’s all over with, the knowledge of what occurred throughout the process is kept with those in the room.
Specific Times Collaboration is Useful
Florida law enables individuals to use the collaborative process to address any number of legal issues, including:
- Property distribution;
- Child custody and visitation;
- Developing a parenting plan;
- Alimony/child support;
- Relocation of one parent;
- Paternity issues;
- Pre- and post-marital agreements.
Moving Forward
As you consider the best approach to divorce, whether the traditional or collaborative strategy appeals to you, the dedicated Boca Raton collaborative divorce attorneys at WiseLieberman are here to help. Schedule a confidential consultation in our office today.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=collaborative+divorce&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.56.html
