New Collaborative Divorce Study Shows High Success Rate

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A newly published study about Statistics on Collaborative Divorce in Florida sheds light on why more families are turning to this private, respectful alternative to traditional courtroom divorce—because it works.

The article, co-authored by Family Diplomacy’s managing attorney Adam B. Cordover and Dr. Randy Heller, a professor at Nova Southeastern University and fellow leader in this field of alternative dispute resolution, was featured in the Florida Bar Family Law Section’s Commentator magazine,  Volume XLV, Issue 1, 2025. We are proud of Adam’s continued leadership in the Collaborative Divorce field, both here in Florida and internationally, and of the insights this study provides for lawmakers, judges, and professionals evaluating the efficacy of this process and families considering their options.

Key Statistics on Collaborative Divorce in Florida from the Study

The numbers, based on responses to a Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals research survey filled out by Collaborative Professionals from 2014 to 2024 at the end of their cases, tell a powerful story about the effectiveness of Collaborative Divorce in Florida:

  • 85% of cases ended in a full agreement. This mirrors a 2010 study by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, which found an 86% resolution rate. In other words, the vast majority of couples who begin the Collaborative Process reach a complete resolution without having to fight in court.

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FAQs – Collaborative Divorce in Florida: What You Need to Know

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When you or your spouse is a professional going through a divorce, your priorities are clear. You want to protect your family and privacy, avoid the public spectacle of a courtroom, and ensure that your complex financial life is handled with care. Collaborative Divorce offers an approach designed with those very concerns in mind. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Collaborative Divorce that you may be wondering about.

Why is there a Disqualification Clause, and How does it Help You?

One of the things that makes Collaborative Divorce unique is the disqualification clause. In essence, this means that if either spouse decides to go to court or end the process, both Collaborative Attorneys and other team members must withdraw. At first glance, you may wonder why this makes sense. In reality, it’s a protective measure. The clause creates a strong incentive for everyone involved to stay committed to reaching an agreement rather than end up where nobody wants to go: fighting in court. Instead of treating Collaboration as a stepping-stone to litigation, you and your spouse know that the only path forward with your lawyers is to resolve matters respectfully and privately by agreement.

In my experience, this clause is one of the strongest safeguards against escalation. It helps keep conversations solution-focused and mitigates against the likelihood that the case will spin out of control into the courtroom battles you hear about on the news.

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Family Diplomacy Hires Former Physician’s Executive Assistant and Medical Interpreter

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At Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, we understand that every client’s journey begins with the first call or message. That initial connection sets the tone for the entire process. This is why we are thrilled to introduce our new Welcome Services Liaison, Isamar Abudeye.

Isamar is often the first voice and smile that clients encounter, and she ensures that each person who reaches out to our firm is met with professionalism, warmth, and discretion.

A Professional Background of Excellence

Isamar brings a rare combination of organizational expertise and creative insight. With a career spanning executive assistance, recruitment, and marketing, she knows how to create seamless systems while never losing sight of the human element. She helps streamline communication, coordinates schedules, and guides clients through the onboarding process with care and clarity. Read more →

Family Diplomacy’s Adam B. Cordover Launches LawyerFI Podcast on Financial Independence

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At Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, we are proud to share exciting news about our managing attorney, Adam B. Cordover. In addition to being a leader in Collaborative Divorce in Florida and abroad, Adam has just launched a brand-new project: the LawyerFI Podcast.

This podcast is designed for lawyers and other high earners who want to rethink their relationship with work, money, and freedom. The first official episode, released this week, dives into one of the most practical and transformative concepts in personal finance: the 4% Rule.

The podcast can be found on the LawyerFI website, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, and most podcast platforms.

Why This Podcast Matters

Our team has seen firsthand how Adam has dedicated his career to helping families find healthier ways to resolve disputes without the stress of court. With this podcast, he’s taking that same problem-solving mindset to the financial side of life, giving professionals the tools to create more stability, choice, and peace of mind.

Lawyers in particular are trained to chase billable hours, not to build wealth. Financial literacy was never part of law school, and yet financial pressure weighs heavily on many professionals. Through the LawyerFI Podcast, Adam brings education and inspiration to help lawyers and other high earners design lives with more freedom—both inside and outside of their careers.  Adam is not a financial planner, accountant, or tax attorney, and the podcast is not financial, tax, or legal advice.  Adam is not selling financial products or services, he is just using his deep knowledge on complex financial topics, which has helped his divorce clients throughout the years, to educate other professionals.

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Best Collaborative Divorce Lawyer in Florida – How to Choose

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When you are facing divorce, the lawyer and process you choose can make all the difference. If privacy, respect, and control over the process are important to you, then Collaborative Divorce may be the right path. But not every attorney who calls themselves “collaborative” has the same training or experience. So how do you know you are choosing the best Collaborative Divorce lawyer in Florida?

Below are the key questions you should ask any attorney you are considering.

Has the Lawyer taken the 14-Hour Introductory Collaborative Divorce Training?

The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (“IACP”) has set Minimum Standards for Collaborative Practitioners which include a requirement to take a 14-hour introductory training.  The IACP has further created standards for what must be included in the training.This 14-hour training ensures the lawyer understands not only the legal aspects of divorce, but also how to work effectively with mental health professionals and financial professionals on your team.

Ask your potential lawyer: Did you take the 14-hour Introductory training? Who were your trainers? Have you gone beyond the basics with advanced training?

For example, Adam B. Cordover, Managing Attorney of Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, completed his Introductory Training in 2011 with the Lone Star Trainers, one of the most respected groups in the field. Since 2014, he has himself been teaching the 14-hour course as well as multi-day advanced trainings throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, and France.  Further, Adam has served as a Board Member of the International Academy of Collaborative professionals and as chair of the IACP Ethics & Standards Committee.

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How to Prevent Your Florida Divorce from Spinning Out of Control

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The greatest fear in divorce isn’t just the end of the marriage—it’s losing control. Control of your future. Control of your finances. Control of your privacy. For many professionals, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals, the last thing you want is your divorce turning into a courtroom battle where a judge makes the decisions for you.

There is a way to mitigate against that outcome. It’s called Collaborative Divorce.

Why Collaborative Divorce Keeps Lawyers Calm

In traditional divorce, lawyers often fuel conflict. The more the fight drags on, the more hours billed and the more likely your case ends up in front of a judge.

Collaborative Divorce works differently. By law, Collaborative lawyers are prohibited from representing you in court. Their role is limited to helping you resolve matters by agreement rather than by making arguments in front of a judge. If your case goes to litigation, both Collaborative lawyers must withdraw. That means your lawyer’s incentives are aligned with yours: everyone is motivated to keep the process calm and focused on reaching an agreement.  If the spouses start fighting, and they end up in court, then the Collaborative Lawyers get fired.

This safeguard gives you the confidence that your divorce will not be spun out of control by lawyers eager for a fight.  Further, Collaborative Divorce has a proven track record.  Studies by the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals and International Academy of Collaborative Professionals show that 85% and 86% of Collaborative Matters, respectively, end by reaching a full agreement.

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Intellectual Property in Florida Divorce

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If you’re a professional in Florida facing divorce, you might be wondering about the status of your intellectual property—things like patents, copyrights, or trademarks—when it comes to dividing assets. You’ve worked hard to build these creations, and it’s natural to want to protect them.

Understanding Marital vs. Non-Marital Assets

In Florida, assets and debts are generally divided into two categories: marital and non-marital. Marital assets are typically those acquired during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the title. In essence, non-marital assets are those you owned before the marriage or received individually as a gift or inheritance.

So where does intellectual property fit in? If you created the intellectual property during your marriage, it’s likely to be considered a marital asset. If it was something you created beforehand, it might remain non-marital. But as with most things in family law, it can get more complicated.

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Does Your Divorce Law Firm Have a Client Care Specialist?

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A Client Care Specialist can make or break your divorce experience—especially if you value communication, discretion, and peace of mind. One of the biggest complaints about divorce lawyers in Florida is poor communication. In fact, the Florida Bar has identified lack of communication as the number one reason clients file grievances against their attorneys (See a Florida Bar News article here). That’s not just frustrating—it’s avoidable.

At Family Diplomacy, we’ve made it a priority to solve this problem by introducing a Client Care Specialist to support you throughout the Collaborative Divorce process. This role is especially valuable for high-net-worth individuals who want regular updates, quick responses, and someone who understands the gravity of every detail.

You Deserve More Than Just a Lawyer

As a physician, attorney, executive, business owner, or other professional, you expect clear communication and timely answers. You don’t have time to chase down your lawyer or wait days to hear back. A Client Care Specialist bridges that gap. This team member keeps the lines of communication open so that nothing slips through the cracks and your questions are answered—quickly and respectfully.

Whether you’re wondering about next steps, seeking clarity on documents, or simply need to feel heard, your Client Care Specialist is here for you.

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Cordover Launches LawyerFI Podcast – Equipping Lawyers and Other Professionals to Achieve Financial Independence

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Family Diplomacy Managing Attorney Adam B. Cordover, a Florida-based Collaborative Divorce lawyer and internationally recognized leader in out-of-court dispute resolution, has launched a brand-new podcast: LawyerFI – Financial Independence for Legal and Other Professionals.

If you’re a lawyer who wants to get off the cycle of burnout, billable hours, and financial confusion, this podcast was made for you.

The preview episode is now live. Watch and listen below or on the LawyerFI website:

Welcome to the LawyerFI Podcast – A New Path for Purpose-Driven Legal Professionals

You can also find it on the following platforms:

Equipping Lawyers and Other Professionals To Achieve Financial Independence

Cordover created LawyerFI after more than a decade working with high-achieving professionals—lawyers, doctors, business owners—who were doing well on the outside but quietly struggling with money, time, and fulfillment.

He understands the problem because he lived it. Even after earning a law degree from a private university, building a successful practice, and publishing a book with the American Bar Association, he found himself wondering why financial stability still felt out of reach.  As addressed in the preview episode, he then started taking affirmative steps towards financial independence.

LawyerFI shares Adam’s story and is a podcast designed to help you take control of your finances, reclaim your time, and start building a legal or other professional career that actually supports the life you want.

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Why Your 457 Plan Might Be a Contingent Asset in a Florida Divorce, and What that Means for You

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For physicians, executives, and professionals working in government or the non-profit sector, a 457 deferred compensation plan often plays a key role in long-term financial security. These plans carry unique protections—and can contain unique risks—that require special attention during divorce.

In Florida, a 457 plan is considered a marital asset to the extent contributions occurred during the marriage, plus or minus passive gains or losses. But not all 457 plans are created equal. Whether your plan is governmental or non-governmental, 457(b) or 457(f), affects how it’s classified for division and what options are available to you.

Doctors and Non-Profit Executives Should Known: What Makes a 457 Plan Different?

A 457 plan is a type of deferred compensation plan that allows you to save for retirement. Unlike a 401(k) or IRA, ownership of the funds works differently depending on the type of employer and plan:

  • Governmental 457(b) Plans: Offered by state and local governments, these plans are held in trust or custodial accounts for the exclusive benefit of employees. This means they are protected from the employer’s creditors and are generally considered vested assets for purposes of divorce.
  • Non-Governmental 457(b) Plans: Offered by large non-profits—such as hospital systems or private universities—these plans are not held in trust. Instead, the assets remain part of the employer’s general funds until distribution, making them vulnerable to the employer’s creditors. These are considered contingent assets because your right to receive the funds depends on the employer’s financial health.
  • 457(f) Plans: These are often offered to highly compensated executives as “top-hat” plans. Unlike 457(b) plans, employees must meet specific conditions (like staying with the employer for a certain period) for the money to vest and for the employee to become eligible to receive the funds. If you don’t satisfy those conditions, you forfeit the balance. This makes 457(f) plans even more contingent and subject to greater discounts in divorce valuation.

To understand the key differences between these plans outside of the divorce context, learn more about 457 plans from Dr. Jim Dahle at the White Coat Investor here.

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