Family Law

The traditional divorce model pits husband versus wife, mother versus father. Collaborative Law is a refreshing team-oriented alternative. Each client retains a separate attorney whose job is to counsel the client and help resolve disputes. The attorneys work together to help both clients meet their needs. Open communication is advanced by a trained facilitator, while support and property options are developed by a neutral financial professional. The clients, attorneys, and other team members agree beforehand that the matter will not be brought into the court system until a full agreement is reached.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO FAMILY MATTERS

The Collaborative Process allows for flexible, creative solutions to a family law matter. The team explores options that look beyond a legal framework by incorporating the skills and expertise of the facilitator and financial professional. Clients are encouraged to focus on the best interests of their family, rather than rigid negotiation positions, to reach their goals. In the unlikely event that a settlement is not reached, the Collaborative attorneys withdraw and litigation lawyers may be retained. The knowledge that the Collaborative attorneys cannot bring the case in front of a judge further permits the parties to speak openly about potential settlement options (and frees attorneys from conducting exhaustive, costly opposition research).

How Our Refundable Evergreen Retainer Works: No Surprises, No Commitments

How a Refundable Evergreen Retainer Works at Our Law Firm

At Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm, we recently transitioned from using a non-refundable initial fee to a refundable evergreen retainer. This change creates far more flexibility for our clients and reflects the way we practice law.

Many—if not most—family law firms in Tampa Bay still use a non-refundable initial fee structure for their retainers. That means once you place a deposit with them, you don’t get it back, even if circumstances change (these fees must be reasonable, and the Florida Bar would likely still require a refund, for example, if you changed your mind immediately after retaining the firm). For years, we followed that same model. But because we work exclusively in out-of-court dispute resolution—specializing in Collaborative Divorce—we heard concerns from potential clients.

People would ask, “What happens to my non-refundable initial fee if my spouse decides they only want to fight in court?” While this is exceedingly rare (hardly anyone truly wants to battle it out in a courtroom), we understand why it gave pause. With our refundable evergreen retainer, you now have peace of mind: if you ever decide to go in a different direction, you’ll receive a refund of all unearned funds.

This client-centered approach ensures you stay in control throughout your case. Let’s break down what it means and how it works.


What Is an Evergreen Retainer?

An evergreen retainer is a predictable way for you and the firm to make sure there are always funds available to cover the work we’re doing on your case. When you hire us, you’ll place an initial refundable deposit into a special trust account. This isn’t a flat fee—it’s your money, and we only withdraw from it as we earn fees for the actual time we spend helping you or to cover certain costs, such as a filing fee with the clerk of the court.

As your case progresses, we’ll send you invoices showing how much time was spent and for what tasks. If the balance in your account drops below the agreed amount, we’ll replenish it by charging the credit or debit card you’ve placed on file. This ensures we can continue working without interruptions. And here’s the key part: when your matter is complete, any unused funds in your trust balance are refunded back to you.

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Final TBCT Virtual Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Family Law Training (August-September 2025)

Step into a Better Way to Help Families: Final Virtual Introductory Collaborative Divorce Training This Year

Are you a mental health professional, attorney, or financial expert searching for a way to help families resolve conflict without court battles, without trauma, and with dignity? Do you want to be part of a team that helps clients navigate divorce with compassion and clarity—while staying true to your own professional values?

This is your opportunity.

The Tampa Bay Collaborative Trainers—an internationally recognized interdisciplinary team—will be offering our final virtual introductory Collaborative Divorce training later this year (we will still be available for practice groups to bring us to their locale for in-person trainings). This immersive course is specifically focused on the Neutral Facilitator / One Coach / Neutral Mental Health Professional model of Collaborative Practice, and it’s designed for professionals who are ready to make a difference.

Whether you’re brand new to Collaborative Divorce or you’re looking to refresh your skills and reconnect with the heart of this work, we invite you to join us for this powerful experience.

Where

This is a virtual training that will take place 100% on Zoom.

When

August 13, 2025 1:30 – 5:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
August 20, 2025 1:30 – 5:30 PM ET
August 27, 2025 1:30 – 5:30 PM ET
September 3, 2025 1:30 – 5:30 PM ET

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St. Petersburg Divorce Lawyer Review: “[Sped] Up The Process…Eased the tension”

I recently received a review from a divorce client on our St. Petersburg Google Page.  Please note that every case and circumstance is different, and I can’t promise the same or similar results in your matter.

It was a blessing to partner with Adam and Jennifer to help navigate me through the divorce process. They both were responsive, thorough and professional throughout the highs and lows of the process.

I found Adam’s advice to be logical, [rational] and while he certainly represented and protected my interests, he was also considerate and mindful to my ex-wife which was important to me. I believe this certainly [sped] up the process and eased the tension/relationship with her throughout the proceedings. He also took also took an intense interest in the protection and wellbeing of my son.

I will always be grateful to Adam and his team.

Five Stars.

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Sarasota Family Law Review: “Very Well Managed From Intake Through Resolution”

We are so appreciative of our clients, and we feel fortunate when they let others know about their experience with us.  Recently, a client left a review on Google for our Sarasota office.  Please note that every situation is different, and we cannot guarantee the same or similar results in your case.  Here is the review:

“Clear and consistent pricing, very well managed from intake through resolution, proactive clear communication; excellent overall.”

Five Stars

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Cordover Appears on Great Practice Great Life Podcast

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of being featured on Episode 114 of the podcast Great Practice, Great Life, where I shared insights into my journey as an international thought leader in Collaborative Divorce and my efforts to revolutionize out-of-court dispute resolution through my law firm, where we virtually represent clients throughout the State of Florida and also have offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. This conversation gave me the chance to reflect on some of the key moments and principles that have shaped both my professional and personal life.

One of the topics we discussed was the profound impact of Hurricane Helene in 2024, when, like many others, I lost my home from the flood surge. In the aftermath of that challenging time, I found an opportunity to reassess my approach to work and life, leaning into gratitude. The hurricane, like so many challenges we face, served as a catalyst for growth and transformation. My story highlights how adversity can push us to innovate and strengthen our resolve.

 

We also dove into the unique world of Collaborative Divorce, an area of practice I’m deeply passionate about. This process brings together attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial experts to help families resolve disputes amicably, privately, and outside the courtroom. It’s a particularly valuable approach for professionals, doctors, executives, members of the LGBTQ+ community, business owners, politicians, celebrities, professional athletes, and others who place a premium on privacy and self-determination. In the podcast, I emphasized the importance of teamwork and how shifting from a competitive to a collaborative mindset can lead to more fulfilling and effective outcomes for everyone involved.

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Video: Cordover Keynotes Family Law Now Virtual Summit

Family Diplomacy managing attorney Adam B. Cordover recently gave the keynote address at the Third Annual Family Law Now Virtual Summit. The aim of the Summit is to provide legal professionals and those individuals facing separation, divorce, and other family law matters with vital information, strategies, and tools to support them as they navigate through the process.  The Summit was hosted by veteran Canadian lawyer Russell Alexander and benefitted The Denise House, which provides a safe shelter and supportive programs in Canada for women, with or without children, experiencing gender-based violence.

Examining Models of Collaborative Practice

The topic of the keynote address was “All the Ways to Collaborate: Examining Different Models of Collaborative Practice.”  In the keynote, Cordover urged lawyers to tailor the Collaborative Process to meet the needs of their family law clients.

You can view a video of the keynote, which is about 20 minutes long, below.

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Saint Petersburg Adult Adoption Lawyer Review: “Thorough, Professional, And A Pleasure to Work With!”

We care about our clients, and we find it especially heartwarming when a client takes the time to let others know about our services.

A recent adult adoption client left a review of our work on our St. Petersburg Family Law Firm Google Page.

St. Petersburg Adult Adoption Lawyer Review

Adam and Jennifer were fantastic. I adopted a longtime friend to be a part of my family and with their help the whole process was very simple. Adam and Jennifer took care of everything right up to and now after the Final Judgement hearing. I would highly recommend Family Diplomacy as they are very through, professional and a pleasure to work with!

Now, we cannot guarantee the same or similar results for you or your family as every case is different.  However, if you would like to learn more about adult adoption, stepparent adoption, grandparent adoption, close relative adoption, second parent adoption, and/or LGBTQ+ adoption, we welcome you to reach out to us and find out more.  We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, and we also have offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.

St. Petersburg Divorce Lawyer Review: “Absolutely Outstanding Service”

We are humbled every time a client takes the time out of their busy schedule to leave a review and let others know about their experience.  Below you will find a recent review left by a client on our St. Petersburg office Google Page:

Absolutely outstanding service from Adam and team at Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm! From the very beginning, they demonstrated immense professionalism and empathy. They guided me through the entire process, explaining everything clearly and ensuring I understood my options. Their expertise and strategic approach led to a favorable outcome, and I couldn’t be more grateful. I highly recommend their services to anyone going through a difficult time like divorce. Thank you for your exceptional support and dedication!

As I am required to state by the Florida Bar, each circumstance is different, and we cannot guarantee any particular result.  But we sure would like to try!

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Cordover Joins Sarasota Collaborative Family Law Professionals

Family Diplomacy managing attorney Adam B. Cordover has joined the Sarasota Collaborative Family Law Professionals (“SCFLP”) practice group.

About the Sarasota Collaborative Family Law Professionals

SCFLP is similar to a local bar association (it is not a law firm), and it is a membership-based organization made up of independent lawyers, psychologist, therapists, accountants, and financial planners who believe that there are better alternatives to court-based divorce.  Specifically, the group educates professionals and the public about Collaborative Divorce and Family Law, and its members help families through the Collaborative Process.

As stated in the Sarasota group’s brochure, “All members of SCFLP have extensive experience in the area of family law. They are committed to the collaborative process and work together to reach a settlement on fair and equitable terms without the financial and emotional cost that often accompanies litigation. All members of SCFLP have extensive experience in the area of family law, and are licensed by their respective designated professional organization. Each completes the training required by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP).”

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Cordover Presents on Collaborative Mediation for International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

On July 17, 2024 at 1:00 pm Eastern Time, Family Diplomacy managing attorney Adam B. Cordover will co-present a webinar on “Collaborative Mediation: Engaging Mediators in the Collaborative Process.”  The presentation is for the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and sponsored by OurFamilyWizard.

Adam’s co-presenters are Heather McArthur, co-founder and president of Collaborative Professionals of Central Florida and a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator, and Keith Grossman, a Florida Supreme Court Approved Primary Family Mediation Trainer and president of the Southwest Florida Collaborative Professionals Association.

Adam’s Philosophy on Collaborative Divorce

Adam’s philosophy is that almost anybody going through divorce can benefit from a Collaborative Divorce, but that we professionals need to have as many tools as possible to help as many families as possible.  Rather than try to force a family into a particular model of Collaborative Practice, we should shape a model to meet that family’s needs.  Many Collaborative Lawyers have heard of models such as One-Coach/Neutral Facilitator, Two Coach, or Lawyer-Only.  This presentation will discuss a different model: Collaborative Mediation.

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