Collaborative Divorce Defined
Preparing for the divorce process can feel like an overwhelming task. There are a lot of things to consider before you turn the page on one chapter in your life to start the next. Commonly people come to us asking “what does collaborative divorce mean?” and “what does it mean in the state of Florida?” We’ve outlined a few common things to consider around this topic as you’re preparing for this process and seeking out a divorce attorney.
Collaborative divorce, also known as collaborative law, is a legal process in which couples who plan to get a divorce can work together with their lawyers and additional professionals to come to a mutually beneficial agreement, rather than heading directly to court. While a petition for dissolution of marriage is still filed with the court, the court action is essentially put on hold so that the collaborative process can take place. The collaborative process involves several meetings between the parties and all professionals involved, which can either be one-on-one meetings, or full team meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to establish the goals of the parties, gather information, and develop a settlement agreement.
The collaborative process provides everyone involved the opportunity for a better chance at getting a settlement that the parties can both live with, rather than having everything decided for them by a judge. In addition, the collaborative divorce process brings together multiple professional experts, banding together accountants, mental health professionals, custody evaluators and more to partner alongside attorneys and the couple involved as they work out their divorce.
These are very broad brushstrokes on explaining collaborative divorce in Florida. At Greene & Greene, it is our mission to provide superior legal representation, service and value to our clients. Our attorneys are all experienced litigators who handle your case personally. If you are interested in engaging our firm, consultations are scheduled as needed and we are happy to accommodate your business and personal calendars.
