Collaborative Divorce: Who is Right for It & What Is It?
When people think of divorce, they often picture contentious court battles, high stress, and significant financial strain. But what if there was a better way? Adam B. Cordover, a leader in private dispute resolution, believes there is—and it’s called Collaborative Divorce.
What Is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is an alternative dispute resolution process designed to help separating couples reach an agreement without a public and contentious court battle. As Cordover explains, “Each spouse has their own separate attorneys, and the attorneys are there solely for the purpose of reaching an out-of-court agreement.” This means that no energy, time, or money is spent fighting in court. Instead, the focus is on cooperation and crafting a resolution that meets the needs of both spouses.
A key element of the process is the involvement of neutral professionals. According to Cordover, “Oftentimes, we have a neutral facilitator, someone licensed as a mental health professional, but they’re not doing therapy. They help people focus on the future rather than the fights of the past.” Additionally, a financial neutral is usually brought in to educate both spouses, help with financial transparency, and get them through a major hurdle in most divorce negotiations: the fear of being expected to make a decision when they don’t understand the family finances.
Who Is Collaborative Divorce Best For?
While Collaborative Divorce can benefit many people, Cordover highlights certain groups for whom this process is especially ideal:
- Professionals & Business Owners – Those who value privacy and want to minimize public exposure.
- Executives & Doctors – Busy individuals who need an efficient and structured resolution process.
- LGBTQ+ Families – Those who want to ensure a personalized, confidential, respectful approach to their unique family dynamics.
- Professional Athletes & High-Profile Individuals – People who prioritize discretion and maintaining control over the outcome.
If these qualities resonate with you, Collaborative Divorce may be the right option.
Why Choose Collaborative Divorce Over Traditional Litigation?
Cordover makes a compelling case for why Collaborative Divorce is often a superior choice:
- Privacy – “This is a process that enhances privacy,” he emphasizes, as discussions and negotiations happen in a confidential setting rather than in open court.
- Control – Unlike litigation, where a judge makes the final decisions, Collaborative Divorce allows couples to retain control over their agreements.
- Efficacy & Efficiency – “In my experience, 90+% of all Collaborative Divorces I’ve been involved in have reached a full resolution,” Cordover states. The process is also designed to be quicker and less adversarial than court battles.
- Expert Guidance – With neutral professionals assisting in the process, both spouses gain a clearer understanding of their financial and emotional concerns, leading to more informed and fair resolutions.
The Future of Family Law
As Cordover notes, many people turn to Collaborative Divorce after witnessing the destruction that traditional divorce can cause. “Most people don’t know how they want to go through divorce. They just have seen how other people go through divorce and realize, ‘I don’t want that.’”
With a strong track record of success, Collaborative Divorce is transforming how families navigate divorce. If you are considering divorce and want to prioritize cooperation, privacy, and a future-focused resolution, this approach may be the right fit for you.
Adam B. Cordover is a co-author of an American Bar Association book on Collaborative Practice. He is a former chair of the Research Committee and Ethics & Standards Committee of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Adam and Family Diplomacy represents clients throughout the State of Florida through a virtual practice, and the firm has offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.
