Settle Your Divorce Amicably While Saving Time & Money
Collaborative law is quicker, more cost-effective, and results in a completely personalized and unique agreement regarding all aspects of a divorce. Instead of looking at marriage dissolution as a way to “get back” at the spouse who inflicted harm or betrayal upon the other, this type of divorce poses an amicable, tailor-made solution that is beneficial for both parties.
There are many benefits to the collaborative option, such as:
- Confidentiality – Collaborative divorce takes place in a private setting, rather than in a courtroom, so you and your spouse can focus on arriving at a mutually beneficial settlement.
- Family Focused – Collaborative divorce is preferred by many parents because it allows them to decide sensitive issues like parenting time, rather than leaving this to the judge. Staying out of court also means the process can be less contentious, which can protect children emotionally.
- Tailored to You – Unlike the rigidity of traditional courtroom divorce, the collaborative option allows both parties to work together to find a solution that fits for the unique situation.
- Flexible Schedule – Collaborative divorce operates on your schedule, not the court’s.
- Cost-Effective – Avoiding litigation means avoiding litigation costs, making collaborative divorce a cost-conscious option.
Beginning the Collaborative Process
At the beginning of the entire collaborative divorce process, you and your spouse, along with your attorneys, will all agree to work together to reach an decision. In the event that no agreement is reached, both lawyers agree that they will withdraw from the case – it doesn’t benefit either lawyer if the case has to go to trial, and it is in everyone’s best interest to reach a resolution. Your attorney will advise you on the best course of action during the collaborative process.
Avoid Litigation
Choosing collaborative divorce means you are choosing to get divorced without litigation, meaning that you want to settle your issues outside of court. Choosing to avoid litigation means you have more control over the outcome of your case, since you and your spouse are working together to reach your divorce terms, rather than letting a judge decide. Avoiding divorce litigation means that:
- Your divorce will be achieved through a series of meetings/conferences between you and your spouse, along with each party’s attorney
- You and your spouse disclose information (the discovery stage) voluntarily and right at the outset
- A judge will not decide the outcome unless you and your spouse cannot come to terms and your case must go to court
Mediators, experts and other professionals who are sometimes utilized during divorces can also be brought into the collaborative process, depending on you and your spouse’s circumstances. Every issue and possible decision that needs to be made regarding child custody, alimony, child support, property division and all other divorce-related matters will be made with the help of your attorney and in cooperation with the other side.
This type of divorce will result in you and your spouse making the decisions about all of the above-mentioned subjects. No judge will determine something based off of insufficient information in a collaborative divorce. We can work with you and your spouse to determine the best possible course of action in your divorce. No one knows your marriage and circumstances better than you do. A collaborative divorce can be the most amicable solution for people who are looking to maintain control over their future and achieve a peaceful dissolution.
Contact a Tampa collaborative divorce lawyer at Robert Sparks Attorneys to get started.
