What Makes a Collaborative Divorce Process Unique?

When a couple decides a marriage is no longer working, they have various options when it comes to ending the union. One approach is a collaborative divorce process, which has gained popularity as it focuses on mutual respect, open communication, and cooperation.

Talk to an Orlando family lawyer about where you are today and where you want to be in the future in order to strategize a path forward. In Florida, couples can pursue divorce through a few different methods, including litigation, mediation, and collaboration.

A collaborative process is when both spouses and their attorneys commit to resolving disputes outside of court, working together with expert support, to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. With traditional litigation, each spouse hires an attorney and disputes are resolved in court, an approach that is often adversarial and stressful. Should spouses want a neutral third party to help them reach an agreement, mediation could be a good match.

Indicators That the Collaborative Process Might Be Right for You

If you are curious about the possibility of using a collaborative process as you move to separate and divorce, it is important to recognize the indicators of a possible successful collaboration and understand the benefits and challenges of the process.

For example, collaboration works well when both parties want to work together to find solutions. Sometimes this is possible because of a shared goal, such as prioritizing the well-being of children if the couple are parents. Or when there is a desire for privacy. In other situations, it is simply mutual respect and a shared commitment to reaching a fair and equitable settlement.

Advantages of a collaborative process:

• Stress reduction. The process is less adversarial, reducing emotional stress.
• Child-friendly. It focuses on minimizing the impact on children and fostering cooperative co-parenting.
• Personal matters are kept private, unlike court proceedings.
• Couples have more control over the outcome rather than leaving decisions to a judge.
• Potentially faster. With cooperation, the process can be quicker than litigation.

Of course, there are disadvantages that have to be weighed, too:

• Requires cooperation. If one party is uncooperative, the process can break down.
• Not suitable for everyone. Situations involving domestic violence or significant power imbalances may not be appropriate for a collaborative approach.
• Risk of additional expenses. If the process fails and moves to litigation, the overall costs can increase.

An experienced Orlando family lawyer can be a vital asset as you choose what to do next, helping you understand your rights and obligations. Throughout the process your attorney will advocate for your interests, all while keeping the process on track and ensuring discussions are productive.

Connect with a Lawyer to Learn About a Team Approach

Could open communication be a possibility for you and your spouse? Working with knowledgeable legal professionals means you can aim for a resolution that respects both parties. Have a conversation with the family law attorneys at Donna Hung Law Group to determine if a collaborative process would be advantageous for you. Call 407-999-0099 or contact the office online.