TAKE CONTROL, MAKE DECISIONS.
DIVORCE WITHOUT COURT
WHY COLLABORATIVE?
Creating a long-lasting plan for your family is imperative to a successful life both emotionally and financially after divorce. The Collaborative Law Process provides an opportunity to take control, make decisions, consider financial options, and create a durable plan that will secure the future of your family.
WHAT IS COLLABORATIVE?
The Collaborative Law Process is a clearly-defined team approach that takes place in a confidential and private environment. The team consists of you and your spouse, each of your attorneys, a mental health neutral, and a financial neutral. The goals and interests of the individuals are explored and the couple decides what their family needs - not a judge.
HOW TO BEGIN COLLABORATIVE?
You and your spouse make a commitment to each other and your family TODAY that you will approach divorce in a positive and respectful manner which will minimize the negative impact on you and your children. Contact a trained Collaborative Law Professional in our directory and take the first step toward making the best decision for your family’s future today.
Is Collaborative Divorce for Me?
In deciding whether the Collaborative Law Process is right for you, consider whether the following is important for you and your family:
-
I want to maximize the future success of my family after divorce.
-
I want to focus on doing what’s best for our children.
-
I want to keep our personal and financial information private and confidential.
-
I want to approach the divorce with thoroughness, efficiency, and economy.
-
I want us to decide our future life and not a judge.
If these considerations are important to you, call a trained Collaborative Professional TODAY!
What is the difference between the Collaborative Law Process and the traditional litigation model?
In the traditional litigation model, the couple relies on the court system and the judge or judges to resolve their family disputes. Unfortunately, in this traditional litigation model, you often come to view each other as adversaries and the courthouse as the battle ground. Under this scenario, the conflict takes an immense toll on emotions, finances and the well-being of your family. The Collaborative Law Process is a non-adversarial approach. The focus is not on who is to blame, but on how to solve your family’s issues. You and your spouse work together with your respective lawyers and the professional team to achieve a mutual settlement outside the courthouse. The Collaborative Law Process eases the emotional and financial strains of the family.
How does the Collaborative Law Process work?
Once you make a decision to use the Collaborative Law Process, make an appointment with a trained collaborative lawyer. Talk with your spouse about the process and direct them to the Brevard Collaborative Association website at www.brevardcollaborative.com. Encourage them to call any of the professionals listed for more information on the Collaborative Law Process.
Once you and your spouse are both committed to using the Collaborative Law Process, and the attorneys have been engaged, the attorneys will select the Mental Health Neutral and the Financial Neutral based on their knowledge of each of their clients and the issues to be considered. Thereafter, your team will have a series of meetings, will exchange information, and will develop a clear understanding of your goals and expectations. Mutual problem-solving and option development will lead to a comprehensive written agreement.
What is a Collaborative Team?
The “Collaborative Team” includes each client, their trained Collaborative lawyers, a neutral mental health professional, and a neutral financial professional. Your “Collaborative Team” will guide and support you as problem-solvers, not as adversaries.
What is the difference between the Collaborative Law Process and Mediation?
Mediation is an alternative dispute resource often used within the litigation framework. While mediation can be very effective, it still employs the adversarial process and does not have the transparency of the collaborative process, nor does it use the team approach.
How does the Collaborative Law Process benefit my future?
The Collaborative Law Process anticipates future needs, whereas traditional litigation often leaves families financially damaged, with unresolved conflict, and short-lived agreements. The Collaborative Law Process anticipates future needs and goals while tailoring long-term solutions with the help of a professional team.
How Do I start?
GET STARTED.
Trained Collaborative Law Professionals located here in Central Florida, are dedicated to helping families transition through divorce in a protected, family-focused manner. Browse through the directory of Collaborative Professionals and call one today to get more information.
Collaborative Practitioner (Lawyer)
The Collaborative lawyers listed in the Directory, have been specially trained in the Collaborative Law Process, and have often completed hundreds of hours of advanced training as well. A Collaborative Practitioner is a family law lawyer trained in problem-solving, conflict resolution, negotiation and advocacy. The Collaborative Practitioner will be your advocate and will meet with you to guide you throughout the process, educate you regarding the law, and prepare all the necessary documents to complete your divorce.
Mental Health Neutral (Facilitator)
The Mental Health professionals listed in the Directory are licensed Mental Health Professionals that have been specially trained in the Collaborative Law Process and have often completed many hours of advanced collaborative training. A Mental Health Neutral facilitates each meeting, manages the emotions in the room, keeps the meetings on-schedule and productive, and meets with the couple outside the team meetings, if necessary, to assist with specific issues including Parenting Plans.
Financial Neutral
The Financial Neutral professionals listed in the Directory are individually licensed financial professionals that have received special training in the Collaborative Law Process and have often completed many hours of advanced collaborative training as well. The Financial Neutral attends the team meetings, assists in gathering and organizing the financial information, creates workbooks containing spreadsheets and analyses, educates the couple about their finances, and assists in developing options, prompting discussions and negotiations.