Collaborative Family Law, a dispute resolution approach, is a way to resolve family law disputes respectfully, privately and without going to court. In this process the parties and their attorneys pledge not to litigate and to openly and fully exchange information to reach the best possible agreement for the family. The parties and their attorneys are supported by a collaborative team including a neutral facilitator trained as a mental health professional and a neutral financial professional. Other financial professionals and child specialists may be included depending on the needs of the family. The collaborative process recognizes that even though a legal agreement to end a marriage is the goal, relationships and obligations may continue, especially if there are children. Litigation only widens the divide while choosing collaborative allows for better relationships going forward and more effective co-parenting.
The Collaborative approach is appropriate for:
- Separating married, unmarried and same sex couples
- Couples seeking pre-nuptial and post nuptial agreements
- Paternity disputes
- Post-judgment modifications
- Collaborative Mediation
To read more about collaborative divorce explore these websites:
- The South Palm Beach County Collaborative Law Group: www.choosecollaborative.com
- Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals: www.collaborativepracticeflorida.com
- The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals: www.collaborativepractice.com