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Is a Collaborative Divorce Right for You?

There was an article in the Florida Bar News/February 2021-11 by Gary Blankenship Senior Editor titled “Collaborative law movement is gaining popularity.” In the article, Blankenship explains that collaborative attorneys take special courses to be trained and qualified in collaborative law. Collaborative law is now in the law. Also, there are now procedural and bar rules regarding the use of collaborative law. 

Benefits of Collaborative Cases

The article examines the benefits of the collaborative process. Mental health and financial experts are involved in the collaborative process. They form a collaborative team along with you and your spouse’s attorney. This allows the collaborative process to be a more relaxed option. It is a friendlier and gentler alternative to stressful litigation. 

The author states that collaborative law has evolved. Mental health experts, financial experts, and attorneys tout its success. In the article, Blankenship states that, as the legal system becomes more difficult to navigate and more expensive, people will look for alternative ways to resolve their disputes. Collaborative law is one way to do that. 

More Successful Outcomes

The opinions and expertise of Attorney Robert Merlin and Attorney Bette Quait are expressed as discussed in the article. It states that 90 percent of collaborative cases end successfully. It also states that the collaborative process is less demanding. There is reduced stress due to the absence of the nasty, bitter fighting that exists in litigation. There is less drama and acrimony in a collaborative case. 

Instead of ratcheting up tensions, as often happens in litigation, the collaborative process is meant to reduce friction and produce a mellow, cordial, friendly atmosphere. With the collaborative process, there is a better chance of a less bitter outcome for the spouses because the collaborative team works hard to reduce the spouses’ anxiety. 

Collaborative Cases are More Efficient

In the collaborative process, spouses agree on what discovery will be provided in their case. They also agree on the manner in which issues will be resolved. Each spouse in the collaborative process wants a successful outcome. Using this process, issues are usually resolved more quickly. This is because the spouses do not have to wait weeks or months for a hearing date where the hearing may be continued if it is not finished in the time the spouses had before the court. 

Collaborative law works in a more positive manner than more traditional methods. It is an alternative to litigation and mediation. Will its popularity continue to grow? We will have to wait and see just how fast it takes off and whether or not it becomes a sensation. 

If you have more questions regarding a Marital and Family Law matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.