Collaborative Law

Collaborative divorce in Florida for couples who want privacy and control

Collaborative divorce is a process available to Florida couples who want to resolve their divorce without going to court, working instead through a series of structured meetings with attorneys and other professionals committed to reaching an agreement.

At the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A., we guide couples throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties through the collaborative process, particularly those who value privacy, efficiency, and a more constructive path through divorce.

How Collaborative Divorce Differs From Litigation

In litigation, a judge ultimately decides the issues a couple cannot resolve on their own. In collaborative divorce, both spouses and their attorneys sign an agreement committing to negotiate a resolution outside of court, without the threat of litigation hanging over the discussions. The process tends to move at a pace the couple controls, and the details of the negotiation stay out of the public court record.

Who Collaborative Divorce Works Best For

Collaborative divorce tends to work well for couples who can communicate civilly, even if the marriage itself is ending, and who want to preserve a working relationship afterward, particularly when children are involved. It is also frequently used by high-net-worth couples and business owners who place a premium on privacy and want to avoid airing financial details in public court filings. Our post on collaborative divorce for high-net-worth couples looks at this in more depth.

The Collaborative Team

A collaborative divorce typically involves more than just the two spouses and their attorneys. Depending on the needs of the case, the team can include a neutral financial professional to help sort out assets and income, and a mental health professional to help manage communication and, where children are involved, keep the focus on their wellbeing.

If the Collaborative Process Does Not Succeed

Not every collaborative case reaches a full agreement. If the process breaks down, both spouses generally need to hire new litigation counsel, since the collaborative attorneys are disqualified from continuing into court. We discuss this possibility honestly with clients from the start, so there are no surprises about how the process works if it does not resolve everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is collaborative divorce faster than litigation?

It often is, since the process is not tied to a court’s schedule, but the actual timeline depends on how complex the issues are and how quickly both spouses can reach an agreement on each one.

Is collaborative divorce less expensive than going to court?

It can be, particularly when it avoids a lengthy court battle, though the cost depends on how many professionals are involved and how complex the case is. We discuss projected costs during a consultation.

Do we still need our own attorneys?

Yes. Each spouse has their own collaboratively trained attorney throughout the process, even though the goal is a negotiated agreement rather than a court decision.

What if my spouse and I disagree on a major issue?

The collaborative process is built around resolving disagreements through structured negotiation, often with the help of the financial or mental health professionals on the team. If an agreement genuinely cannot be reached, the case would move to litigation with new counsel.

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique, and the application of the law depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter. If you need legal advice regarding your situation, contact the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A. to discuss your case and receive personalized legal guidance.