Certified Collaborative Divorce Attorney

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

Simply put, a collaborative divorce is a cooperative team effort where both parties professionally negotiate the terms of the divorce together rather than enter into costly litigation or an emotional courtroom battle.

Collaborative law was established by The Uniform Collaborative Law Act (UCLA) in 2010 as a way to ease the divorce process for parties who can effectively work together to make a final decision.

When it comes to family law matters such as divorce, UCLA requires each party to work with an attorney certified in collaborative law to assist in legally-binding negotiations. This ensures the final arrangements will be enforced, including confidential negotiations.

A collaborative divorce also allows the help of other outside divorce specialists, such as a child specialist or family relations specialist, to offer professional advice in regards to complex problems such as childcare needs. This gives both parties the opportunity to reach an optimal decision for family law matters in their final agreement.

The Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce

A collaborative divorce offers many benefits for both parties involved.

Easy, Amiable Conflict Resolution
For starters, the overall process has less resistance, hostility, and conflict than a contested divorce. Through the help of a certified collaborative law attorney like Attorney Tamara Grossman at Grossman Family Law Firm LLC, each party will overcome challenges, discuss uncertainties, and proactively negotiate family law matters together.

Proactive Negotiation & Settlement
Next, collaborative divorces usually lead to faster agreements. Since both parties are committed to a cooperative approach, the attorneys are able to help them navigate difficult questions in a much more peaceful and calm environment. This accelerates the negotiation process and keeps the marriage dissolution process on track.

Cost-Effective Process
Furthermore, the costs associated with the divorce are usually significantly less than traditional divorce. For example, rather than forcing each party to be forthcoming with relevant information through expensive depositions, collaborative law requires each side to disclose important details in an honest and straightforward manner. This saves time and money for the family involved in the case.

Safe & Effective Legal Structure
Finally, collaborative divorce obligates attorneys to screen for domestic violence. Lawyers are only approved to use the collaborative law process if both participants are deemed safe in the matter.

At the end of the day, collaborative divorce offers a balanced legal structure for successful conflict resolution.

How Does a Collaborative Divorce Work in Florida?

First, each side must enter into a Collaborative Agreement, a legally binding contract that requires both participants to actively engage in the marriage dissolution process.

Next, each party needs their own certified collaborative law attorney to oversee the divorce. The parties and their attorneys will agree to hold meetings to discuss complex family law matters. These discussions may include child custody arrangements, child support, spousal support, and the split of assets.

During negotiations, the parties are obligated to disclose important and relevant information so well-informed negotiations can take place. At this time, outside experts, such as a child specialist, may guide conversations as seen fit. Collaborative meetings will continue to take place until a settlement agreement is reached.