Marriage requires a lot of work to be successful, and even then, couples can grow apart. When one spouse decides divorce is their only way forward, convincing the other spouse to split amicably through a collaborative divorce may be a challenge.
The reality is, moving forward with a collaborative divorce requires both spouses to voluntarily agree to the process.
At The Law Firm for Family Law, our Clearwater, Florida collaborative divorce attorney suggests that couples entertain the benefits of a civil and respective approach to marriage dissolution, so both parties can effectively work towards a resolution together.
What Are the Benefits of Participating in a Collaborative Divorce in Clearwater?
Whether one person has announced that he or she wants a divorce, or if both spouses have decided it is time to move forward separately, knowing if collaborative divorce is right for you can be established by understanding the numerous benefits associated with this valuable divorce alternative.
The benefits of privately engaging in collaborative divorce in Pinellas County include:
- Negotiating equitable distribution of debts, assets, and shared property
- Allocating an alimony payment schedule and amount, when applicable
- Deciding on child custody and parenting plans, and child support payments that reflect those decisions, when applicable
- Saving time and money by avoiding the court system
- Discussing the details of your marriage and its dissolution in a private and informal setting to maximize results
- Exchanging information in an open and honest environment that allows for the free trade of ideas and solutions
- Handling post-settlement disputes preemptively to effective future planning
- Accessing professionals as neutral, unbiased experts to advise on matters related to the well-being of the children or complex finances
Collaborative divorce allows each spouse to successfully negotiate a result that works for their unique needs, without a judge’s interference. What’s more, the details of the divorce remain private, giving the couple the give of anonymity as they go their separate ways.
How Do We Get Started with the Collaborative Divorce Process in Florida?
The collaborative divorce process begins when each spouse retains a separate attorney to represent their individual needs during the negotiations.
Once the parties have assembled, they will each sign a Collaborative Divorce Agreement that states the couple will:
- Not litigate disputes in court
- Exchange honest, voluntary, time-efficient information with no formal discovery
- Work toward solutions that prioritize the shared children who are affected by the divorce
Each party will negotiate until they successfully settle their divorce. Once a complete settlement is reached, and the details have been signed by both parties, the matter will be filed with the Court for finalization.
What Happens if We Cannot Agree on the Terms of Our Divorce Privately?
Collaborative divorce attorneys are prohibited from representing their clients during a contested divorce, which means if either spouse chooses to leave the collaboration format, both parties must find new attorneys, which costs both time and money.
When spouses are incapable of negotiating a mutually acceptable settlement, their case must move forward inside a courtroom, which means the judge will decide on each facet of your divorce.
If you are considering a collaborative divorce and would like to learn more about the process, contact us. The Law firm for Family Law practices law as divorce attorneys, and family law attorneys in Clearwater, Largo and the surrounding area.
For more information, visit our website at https://thelawfirmforfamilylaw.com/
or call (727) 531-8737.