Tampa Collaborative Divorce Lawyer
Getting divorced is a tough process. There are so many elements involved that it can be complex to sort out. Mediation may not be effective enough for a couple but they may want to avoid litigation. There is an option in between and it’s called collaborative divorce. Collaborative divorce uses various tools and methods so that the parties can arrive at agreements in a cordial manner (without yelling, badmouthing, or other combative tactics). It’s a good way to divorce when you want to do it peacefully and children are involved. Collaborative divorce may be a good option for some couples. Contact the Tampa collaborative divorce lawyer at Faulkner Law Group, PLLC to learn more about the process.
Collaborative Divorce Process
Collaborative divorce does use mediation, but it’s more involved than that. Here’s a look at the process:
- Each party hires their own collaborative divorce attorney to represent them. Because the goal of a collaborative divorce lawyer is to get the most favorable outcome for their client, an divorce attorney can only represent one person.
- Both parties and their attorneys sign a participation agreement stating they will use cooperative dispute resolution techniques to negotiate the various issues of the divorce. They will not use combative tactics.
- A series of meetings take place involving the spouses, their attorneys, and any outside professionals as needed. These may include financial professionals, mental health professionals, child specialists, and mediators.
- The goal will be to reach agreement on all the relevant divorce issues. If this does not happen, the attorneys will be disqualified from representing their clients.
- The spouses will continue on in the process but they will need to start over with different attorneys.
What Are the Benefits?
The main drawback of collaborative divorce is that if the process is not fruitful, then the parties have to start all over again. They cannot proceed to court and move on to litigation. However, there are some benefits, such as the following:
- It’s cheaper. Going to court can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If you can work things out in a collaborative divorce, it’s much cheaper because you avoid court costs and additional legal fees.
- It’s quicker. A divorce that goes to court can take years to resolve. With collaborative divorce, you can get done in half the time. It may take just a few months.
- It’s less stressful. Litigation can be stressful. Collaborative divorce is a more peaceful approach, as you and your spouse are working together to come to an agreement.
Contact Us Today
The collaborative divorce process can be a good way to divorce if you want to avoid litigation but you and your spouse are not in agreement on doing mediation. Count on The Faulkner Law Group, PLLC to help you with the collaborative divorce process so that you can focus on the best interests of the children. Schedule a consultation with our Tampa collaborative divorce lawyer today. Call (813) 544-3919 or fill out the online form.
