Broward County Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Broward County Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences of a person’s life, but it doesn’t always have to be contentious. Uncontested divorces, or divorces in which couples agree on most issues, are an example. If you are divorcing your spouse and desire a more amicable option, you should contact a Broward County collaborative divorce lawyer.

At Benzion Law, we have experience representing clients who want a divorce built on compromise rather than quarrel. We help our clients resolve issues surrounding child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Florida has one of the highest divorce rates in the country, with 3.1 of every 1,000 marriages ending in divorce. With this considerable rate, it is important that couples have the legal counsel required to make informed decisions.

What Is Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative divorce is a type of uncontested divorce that involves couples working together to solve their issues outside of the courtroom. Since divorce can be emotionally charged, collaborative divorces invoke a team of financial and mental health professionals to help couples resolve their issues in a productive way.

Benefits of Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce comes with several benefits that may outweigh those of contested divorces, or divorces where couples disagree on most issues.

Specifically, some of the benefits of collaborative divorce are:

• Efficiency – With collaborative divorces, couples meet individually with their lawyers to discuss their goals before meeting together to finalize the divorce. Since both parties come to the meeting prepared with their terms and goals, this streamlines the process, making it more efficient.
• Stress-free – Open communication is the foundation of collaborative divorces. Since the partners are not solely interested in winning or defeating each other, it can make for a calmer and stress-free process.
• Less costly – Avoiding court fees associated with legal proceedings makes the process less costly.
• Encourages successful co-parenting – When couples collaborate, openly communicate, and respect each other while finalizing their divorce, it encourages a successful co-parenting relationship.

Drawbacks of Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorce may not be for every couple. Since these divorces are centered around transparency with finances and other pertinent information, they emphasize good faith and a willingness to compromise if necessary. If one couple conceals information or is unwilling to compromise, either of their lawyers may demand traditional litigation. Moreover, collaborative divorces may be impossible for couples involved in relationships with domestic violence.

Steps in the Collaborative Divorce Process

The first step in the divorce process is to file a petition. If you are in Broward County, you should file your petition at the Broward County Clerk of Courts West Building, which handles family law. Their address is 201 SE 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

Once you file your petition, you should hire a lawyer to help you collaborate with your ex-spouse. You will first meet individually with your lawyer to discuss your goals and objectives before meeting with your ex-spouse and their lawyer to negotiate a final agreement. While many people wonder how long does a divorce takes, the timeline can vary depending on how quickly both parties reach a resolution. In some cases, individuals may also explore whether they can get an annulment instead of proceeding with a traditional divorce. Throughout this process, a team of financial professionals, child specialists, and mental health professionals can provide guidance surrounding critical issues.

How a Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Can Help

In a mediated divorce, an impartial professional settles disputes between the couple to come to a workable agreement. However, in collaborative divorces, each party must have their own lawyer to represent them, provide guidance, and ensure the process is legally sound. Therefore, you will almost always need a lawyer if you are pursuing a collaborative divorce.

A skilled and experienced divorce lawyer can help you negotiate your terms, file paperwork, and ensure all pertinent details are addressed. Your lawyer will also help keep your interactions productive and stress-free. Additionally, if you decide the collaborative divorce process is unworkable for a variety of reasons, your lawyer can inform you of additional options.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Collaborative Divorce Cost in Florida?

A: It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cost of a collaborative divorce in Florida. However, there are several factors that may determine how much you are expected to pay. One factor is the complexity of your case. If there are children involved or if one party is required to pay spousal support, it may be more expensive. Other factors that may be involved are your lawyer’s skill and the location of your firm.

Q: What Is the Downside of Collaborative Divorce?

A: The downside of collaborative divorce is that it tends to only work for couples who agree on most issues, who are willing to cooperate with each other, and who are transparent about finances and other important information. If one party withholds information or attempts to bulldoze the other, the process could be stalled or prove unworkable. Additionally, collaborative divorce may not be for couples in relationships with domestic violence.

Q: How Much Does Collaborative Divorce Cost vs Mediation?

A: The cost of collaborative divorce versus mediation varies, with mediation typically being the less expensive option. Since you have to hire a lawyer for a collaborative divorce, this is considered an additional fee. Other costs include filing fees, court costs, and fees to hire any professionals who will help with the proceedings. Mediation, on the other hand, may only involve hiring one mediator, who may or may not be a lawyer, in addition to the other fees.

Q: What Are Some Issues That May Be Discussed in a Collaborative Divorce?

A: Like all divorces, collaborative divorces are based on these key issues: property and asset division, child support and custody, and alimony. You should come prepared with your goals and objectives concerning these issues before discussing them with your ex-spouse and their attorney. You should also be honest about the financial aspects of these issues for the optimal chance of success.

Experienced Divorce Lawyers at Your Service

At Benzion Law, we have extensive experience handling collaborative divorces. We are adept at working with a team of professionals to ensure all details are covered in the most productive and effective way. We are here to listen to your concerns, inform you of your rights, and protect your interests. Contact us today for a consultation.