How can the collaborative law process help me resolve my divorce?

Many Fort Lauderdale spouses delay in filing for divorce because they're concerned about their ability to remain civil during discussions about contentious topics such as child custody and splitting up property. The divorce process doesn't have to be so combative or stressful though thanks to the introduction of Florida's Collaborative Divorce Law. This piece of legislation went into effect in the state on July 1, 2017.

The collaborative law process is one that largely does away with the idea that divorces have to be highly contested. It eschews the belief that battles have to be fought in the confines of a courtroom as well.

Couples who elect to resolve their divorces through the collaborative process agree to voluntarily engage in alternative dispute resolution negotiations as opposed to attempting to resolve their differences in their courtroom. Family lawyers who practice in the area of collaborative law are required to abide by any unique set of Florida Bar Rules and a unique set of professional responsibility guidelines specific to the collaborative law process.

Proponents of the Collaborative Law Process Act argue that this alternative dispute resolution process may aid divorcing couples in more amicably resolving their divorces. They note that up until this law was passed, many families were destroyed, had their privacy invaded or lost their sense of dignity as part of the divorce process.

Divorcing couples that choose to pursue the collaborative process often do so because it allows them to keep their proceedings private. Most proceedings that happen in open court become part of the public record.

Spouses also pursue a collaborative divorce because it allows them to remain more in control of the outcome in their case since both parties work together to come up with a solution that works for them. This often results in couples sticking to resolutions that are made.

There are many positives associated with pursuing this type of alternative dispute resolution. A collaborative law attorney can advise you whether it's an ideal solution for helping you and your ex resolve your outstanding concerns.