Tampa Collaborative Divorce Attorney

If you are thinking about divorcing your spouse, you may be imagining a long and drawn out courtroom battle. Fortunately, it does not have to be this way. Collaborative divorce is a process that allows couples to negotiate a settlement outside of court. The collaborative law process, though, can be very complex and there are many rules that govern it. Below, our Tampa collaborative divorce attorney explains further.

How to Obtain a Collaborative Divorce

There are many parties involved in a collaborative divorce. The two divorcing individuals are both represented by attorneys who will negotiate a divorce settlement. Under Florida law, it is considered a conflict of interest for two people to use the same divorce lawyer. As such, each spouse should be represented by their own attorney.

The attorneys play a very important role in collaborative divorce. They do most of the negotiating with the other side and ensure each party’s rights are protected. The collaborative process is also very results-driven. As such, if an agreement is not reached, the attorneys involved cannot represent the same clients if the case goes to trial.

In addition to the two divorcing parties and their attorneys, the collaborative process also usually involves many different types of experts. For example, if the couple has children together, a childhood development expert may be called in to provide expert testimony. Forensic accountants are also often used to advise on property division matters.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

The collaborative process has many benefits over litigation. These include:

• Control: During collaborative divorce, the couple retains much more control over the process and the ultimate outcome. This is vastly different from going to court, where a judge will make all final decisions.
• Collaboration: As its name suggests, a collaborative divorce does not involve the same ‘win-lose’ mindset as litigation. Instead, the couple works together to resolve the different issues of divorce. This is particularly helpful for people who will have to co-parent post-divorce.
• Easier on children: When there are children involved in a divorce, the collaborative process can allow them to state their preferences regarding parenting plans. While this is sometimes possible during litigation, it is not ever guaranteed.
• Confidential: Anything that happens in court becomes public record, which means anyone can look up the proceedings. The collaborative process remains confidential, meaning that you can keep sensitive information from being made public. This is particularly useful for couples who have many assets or high net worths.
• More efficient: Collaborative divorce is less costly than a litigated divorce, and it is also less time-consuming.

Our Collaborative Divorce Attorney in Tampa Can Help You Through the Process

There are many different ways to get a divorce and each holds their own benefits. At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our Tampa collaborative divorce attorney can guide you through the process, negotiate on your behalf, and give you the best chance of a successful outcome. Call us now at 1 (800) 990-7763 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.