Orlando Collaborative Divorce Lawyer

 Even when you and your spouse agree on most of the terms of your divorce, the process can feel incredibly stressful. At the O’Mara Law Group, you will find an Orlando collaborative divorce lawyer who can help you negotiate specific terms as you dissolve your marriage and settle questions on the division of property, child or spousal support, and more. 

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When you and your spouse are on the same page about negotiating and working together to dissolve your marriage as equitably as possible, you can enter into the collaborative divorce process. Collaborative divorce aims to take the conflict out of the divorce process by allowing you to work out the essential terms of your divorce without court involvement. You can negotiate an agreement rather than engage in a long, expensive court battle.

At the O’Mara Law Group, our attorneys can assist you with the negotiation process, from offering information about Florida’s laws regarding divorce and child support to providing key suggestions about how best to divide marital property or handle marital debt. If you need an Orlando collaborative divorce lawyer who can help good people through difficult situations, contact us to learn more. 

Experienced Orlando Collaborative Divorce Lawyers

At the O’Mara Law Group, you will find experienced attorneys who can help guide you through a collaborative divorce and provide insight into your rights and responsibilities. Each Orlando divorce lawyer on our team understands the frustration and stress that can go into the divorce process and offers comprehensive support to each client.

Mark O’Mara has been a voice for justice in the Central Florida legal community since 1982. He has extensive experience with family law issues, including presenting for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar and the Florida Family Law Practice for Paralegals Program. He is Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated. 

Mark Rabinowitz has been Board Certified in Marital and Family Law in Florida since 1999. He has served on the Marital and Family Law Certification Committee of The Florida Bar, and has served as a member of the Family Law Rules Committee.

When you connect with our team, you can feel confident that your divorce is in capable hands.

Legal Process for Collaborative Divorce in Florida

A collaborative divorce requires a participation agreement stating that both spouses intend to pursue the divorce through negotiation rather than a prolonged court battle. 

To begin, both sides must hire a collaborative divorce lawyer in Florida. An attorney will represent your best interests even if you and your spouse intend to work together for a fair divorce process. You’ll discuss what you want out of the divorce with your attorney, including how you want to handle any financial issues that may crop up or what type of child custody is best for your situation.

Below are the main steps for the collaborative divorce process after hiring a lawyer.

Meet Together

The legal process for collaborative divorce in Florida begins with an initial meeting between you, your spouse, and your lawyers. You’ll sign a participation agreement during the meeting stating you intend to embark on a collaborative divorce. It may lay out specific requirements, including the following:

  • The documents and evidence you must provide
  • Major decisions you need to make, including property distribution, child custody, or distribution of debt
  • Penalties for going through the court system to dissolve your marriage if the collaborative process fails—for example, you may each have to get a new attorney
  • Rules of conduct, including a commitment to treating each other civilly
Gather Information

You need to provide your attorney and your spouse with any information necessary for the divorce process, including about:

  • Tax returns
  • Financial assets
  • Debts
  • Employment
  • Salary records
  • Any children who are minors
Negotiations

The negotiation process allows you and your spouse, with the help of your lawyers, to determine how you want to divide your assets and handle any issues, including child support, child custody, and alimony. If you have children, you may work with a child specialist to better understand how to best support your child’s rights and interests during the divorce process.

Any time you and your spouse cannot come to an agreement on your own or with the help of your attorneys, you can try third-party mediation, in which a mediator comes in and helps you explore alternative solutions. 

Expert Advice

In addition to the spouses and their lawyers, certain experts may participate in the collaborative divorce process. Financial, mental health, and other professionals can be brought in to advise the parties and aid negotiations. 

For instance, vocational experts may provide insight into whether a spouse can easily reenter the workforce after a divorce. Or, a child development expert may advise on custody issues. While such experts are often consulted during litigation, they are more heavily relied on during a collaborative process.

Sign a Settlement

Once you have reached an agreement, you and your spouse will sign a divorce settlement laying out the terms you’ve agreed upon. Your divorce settlement is an enforceable contract governing the steps both parties must take, including separating assets or providing for the needs of minor children.  

Benefits of a Collaborative Divorce

Going through a collaborative divorce can offer multiple benefits to both parties.

Saving Time and Money

Going through the divorce process in court can be costly. Also, going to court can drag out the process much longer than necessary. A collaborative divorce is often much faster and less expensive, especially if you and your spouse come to an agreement relatively quickly. 

Privacy

A collaborative divorce and its terms can stay between you and your spouse. The terms remain private and confidential and do not become part of the public record. You do not have to worry about friends and relatives tracking every step in the divorce process. 

Peaceful Resolution

A collaborative divorce is often far less contentious than a divorce that has to go to court. Court proceedings can pit you and your former spouse against one another, making it feel like you must “win” instead of working toward a resolution that fits everyone’s needs. A collaborative divorce, on the other hand, puts you on the same side and can improve your ability to come to a fair resolution.

Less Stress for Children

Because it’s less contentious, collaborative divorce is often easier on your children. Additionally, when child specialists are involved, the interests of your children are taken into account. A child specialist may be able to help your child understand the divorce and give advice on how to create a healthy developmental plan for them moving forward.

Do I Need a Collaborative Divorce Attorney?

If you intend to move forward with a collaborative divorce, a collaborative divorce attorney can support you in several ways:

Rely on the O'Mara Law Group's Compassionate and Experienced Orlando Collaborative Divorce Lawyers

Having a collaborative divorce attorney on your side can help streamline the process, finalize any legal concerns, and ensure your rights are considered and protected. Schedule a consultation with the experienced collaborative divorce lawyers at the O’Mara Law Group today to discuss your next steps.

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