Delray Beach Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Delray Beach Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Most couples do not marry while intending to divorce later. A divorce may nevertheless be the most optimal decision for two people who can no longer continue in a marriage. Collaborative divorce is one of the options available for Florida couples wanting to achieve an amicable end to their union. When pursuing this option, the assistance of a trusted Delray Beach collaborative divorce lawyer is needed.

At Benzion Law, our attorney assist clients in the Palm Beach County community, including Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and the surrounding areas. As a firm focused on family law, we provide knowledgeable legal counsel in collaborative divorces and other family law matters.

Collaborative Divorce in Florida Explained

Florida courts give married individuals the option to resolve a divorce in the most cost-effective, cordial, and private way possible through a collaborative divorce.

Both parties can enter the collaborative divorce process before or after filing for divorce in a Palm Beach County court. As the name implies, a collaborative divorce allows spouses to end their marriage in a cooperative way.

The first step to initiating a collaborative divorce is to sign an agreement in which each party acknowledges they understand the process and agrees to enter into it in good faith.

The goal of this type of divorce is to come up with a written agreement containing detailed guidelines on, as applicable:

• A suitable parenting plan that prioritizes the interests of the children
• The division of marital assets and debts
• Future child and spousal support
• The party that is responsible for attorney’s fees and cost

Drafting a legally sound divorce agreement that complies with Florida law and affords each side, as well as their children, the most advantageous result possible requires the support of different professionals.

In a collaborative divorce, each party retains the counsel of an attorney trained in collaborative divorce. Spouses can also hire financial, mental health, and child professionals to provide guidance on the more complex aspects of the agreement.

Couples can set their own timelines for discussing and finalizing the agreement.

When Is a Collaborative Divorce the Ideal Option?

There are multiple options available for Florida couples looking to divorce. Deciding which is right for you depends on your familial and marital circumstances.

• Privacy: A collaborative divorce is an ideal option when the two parties need more privacy. Records of their divorce will not be made public through court proceedings.
• Save Time and Money: Collaborative divorces are more cost-effective, which allows both parties to save on attorney’s fees and court costs. It is time-effective, too, since the resolution is not contingent on a court schedule.
• Control: Going through a collaborative divorce leaves the decisions about your future to you, not a judge.

It is especially beneficial to participate in this type of dissolution process if children are involved. If the financial situation in the marriage is a bit complex, both parties can work to reach an agreement on how assets and debts may be divided.

Only the spouses in a marriage understand their family dynamic. If they are willing to try reaching an agreement, a collaborative divorce can enable a successful dissolution and transition.

A collaborative divorce may not be appropriate if there is a history of child abuse or domestic violence in the marriage. If either party is unwilling to enter the discussion in good faith, for example, by hiding assets from the other party, court litigation may be necessary

What Is the Role of a Collaborative Divorce Attorney?

Both spouses are required to obtain the counsel of a collaborative divorce attorney when entering this process. They must hire an attorney who is trained in Florida’s collaborative divorce process.

A collaborative divorce attorney uses their knowledge, skills, and training to guide their clients toward achieving a suitable agreement that is compliant with Florida law. Since collaborative divorce attorneys cannot represent a client in court if a divorce proceeds to trial, they work to attain a satisfactory resolution while protecting the interests of their client.

Beyond guidance, they help draft and review the final agreement and then file the paperwork in court.

A legal separation can seem like a simple procedure, but it represents the unraveling of a life built together. It is in the interest of all those involved that this dissolution is done peacefully and leaves both parties satisfied. Having a seasoned Delray Beach collaborative divorce lawyer by your side can ensure this happens.

FAQs

What Is Collaborative Law in Divorce?

Collaborative law in divorce provides an avenue wherein a married couple can collaborate on their divorce process, defining the terms of their divorce settlement in a way that suits both parties. To enter into an agreement, both parties hire a trained collaborative law attorney and sign a collaborative participation agreement.

How Much Does a Collaborative Divorce Cost in Florida?

How much a collaborative divorce will cost in Florida depends on the individual attorneys and the facts of the case. Some attorneys charge per hour, while others charge a fee. The fee or hourly cost of a qualified collaborative divorce attorney may be influenced by their years of practice, the complexity of the situation, and where they are located.

What Are the Advantages of Collaborative Divorce?

The advantages of a collaborative divorce are numerous. It allows both parties to come up with an agreement that suits both sides, preventing the decision from being made by a third party. It also permits couples to maintain privacy and may lead to lower court fees. Collaborative divorce can be a much quicker and less strenuous endeavor than going to court.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Florida?

How long it takes to get a divorce in Florida depends on the type of divorce both parties are pursuing. In a collaborative divorce, an agreement can often be reached in three to nine months. However, depending on the court schedule, it may take some time to be approved.

How long a collaborative divorce will be depends on the timetable that both spouses set for discussing the various aspects of the agreement.

Work With a Delray Beach Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

Though it might be tempting to do things on your own, it can be more beneficial overall to go through a collaborative divorce, especially if there are children involved. With a committed collaborative divorce lawyer by your side, it is possible to emerge from a divorce with a positive result.

With a commitment to transparency and client-focused representation, Our attorney at Benzion Law is equipped to support you through the collaborative divorce process. Request your consultation today to discuss your options.