Tips For A Successful Collaborative Divorce

Divorce is never easy, but there are ways to make it easier on yourself. One way is to choose a collaborative divorce. During a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse will meet with your respective attorneys. The lawyers will negotiate a settlement that is fair to both parties.

If the collaboration process is not successful, you and your spouse will have to retain new legal counsel, as the same attorney cannot represent you during collaboration and litigation. To save yourself the headache of finding a new lawyer and going through litigation, below are some tips to ensure success during a collaborative divorce.

Rely on Your Team

Your lawyer is the most important person on your team during the collaboration process. You should trust that they have the necessary experience and skill to be successful during collaboration. However, there will be other members of your team you should trust, too. These may include therapists, child specialists, financial planners, accountants, and coaches. All of these individuals can provide advice that will be very valuable when negotiating and making decisions in your case.

Do What is Asked of You

Although negotiations will largely be driven by the attorneys, you do have a big part to play during the collaborative process. Your lawyer may ask you to complete certain tasks. They may ask you to collect financial information such as your W2 or your income tax returns. They may also ask you to prepare a list of your assets and liabilities. Any time your lawyer asks you for information or documents, prepare them and give them to your attorney as soon as possible. This will ensure the process proceeds as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Do Not Focus on Winning

Once you enter the collaborative process, you should think of it as a win for everyone. The collaborative process allows you and your spouse to avoid the lengthy and costly process of litigation. When you can enter collaboration with this mindset, you will likely focus less on winning or taking your spouse for everything they have. If you have this mindset, the collaborative process will not be successful. Focus on finding solutions to your disputes, not getting the largest settlement possible.

Consider Your Spouse’s Point of View

During any kind of divorce, it is easy to focus on your side of things and your own goals. A collaborative divorce though, requires you to listen to your partner and their concerns. When both of you can do this, it makes it much easier to come up with solutions that can benefit both sides.

Our Family Lawyer in Orlando Can Help During a Collaborative Divorce

A collaborative divorce can save you a great deal of time, stress, and money. Still, it is crucial that you work with an Orlando family lawyer who can negotiate on your behalf and help you obtain the fairest settlement possible. Call us today at 407-412-7041 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation and to learn more about how we can help.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/0061.html

flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2016/0967/BillText/er/PDF