Collaborative law is an approach to helping divorcing couples achieve settlement without going to court.  Our firm works in concert with a community of legal, financial and mental health professionals to create a client-centered process for resolving conflict.  The group works as a team to give clients the resources they need to understand the choices available to them formulate a constructive plan.  The couple and the collaborative professionals agree in advance that they will not go to court.  As an incentive, the parties must sign an agreement that if the case goes to litigation, the collaborative professionals will have to withdraw.  This requirement provides the parties with the incentive to fully embrace the collaborative process.  The process enables them to be completely forthcoming and creative in a safe environment.  The parties’ discussions and negotiations are  confidential. 

Collaborative professionals recognize that, while a marriage may be ending, the relationship and obligations continue.  The collaborative process replaces court drama with a system that takes control of the outcome away from a judge and puts it back into the hands of the parties.  Couples customize a settlement that best fits their goals and family circumstances.  The process is designed to balance the power between the divorcing spouses and protect the rights of each individual. 

For more information about the collaborative law process, please see The Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida website at www.cflcfl.com.