New Collaborative Divorce Study Shows High Success Rate
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.
- 60% of cases were completed within six months or less. This shows that Collaborative Divorce can provide a faster, more efficient path to closure compared to traditional litigation, which can often drag on for years.
- 92% of cases involved a Neutral Financial Professional. Especially in high-asset divorces, a neutral financial helps ensure that all assets are identified, valued, and divided fairly, while giving both spouses clarity and confidence.
- 84% of cases used a Neutral Facilitator. Divorce involves difficult conversations. The facilitator, a licensed mental health professional, helps manage emotions and keep discussions focused on solutions rather than conflict.
- 63% of cases had an all-in cost of between $20,000–$75,000. This figure includes the entire Collaborative team—two attorneys, one Neutral Financial Professional, and one Neutral Facilitator. While still a meaningful investment, the privacy and confidentiality, non-adversarial nature of discussions, client control of outcome, and family- and child-focused ethos of “do no harm” can be invaluable.
Why This Matters
For professionals, executives, and families with significant assets, Collaborative Divorce offers a proven path that safeguards privacy and promotes resolution. The data shows that when you choose Collaborative Divorce, you are highly likely to reach an agreement, resolve your case more quickly, and do so in a way that minimizes conflict.
At Family Diplomacy, we have long believed in the power of Collaborative Divorce. Though we cannot provide any type of guarantee, and there are times when a matter terminates without an agreement (which disqualifies the professionals), these findings confirm what our clients already know: the vast majority of the time, this process works.
Learn More
You can read the Statistics on Collaborative Divorce in Florida article and the full issue of the Family Law Section Commentator magazine here. And if you are considering divorce, we encourage you to explore the Collaborative Process as a private, efficient, and respectful option for your family.
Schedule a private, virtual planning meeting with us to learn about your options through our online calendar by clicking the button below.
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Adam B. Cordover is a leader in the field of Collaborative Divorce. He is a former chair of the Research as well as Ethics & Standards Committees of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and a former co-chair of the Research Committee of the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals. He is co-author and co-editor of an American Bar Association book on Collaborative Practice. Adam is also a trainer, having taught judges, lawyers, and other professionals around the world, including traveling to train throughout the U.S., Canada, Israel, and France.
Adam is also host of the LawyerFI Podcast, equipping lawyers and other professionals with the tools to reach Financial Independence.
We accept clients in every county in Florida. We also have offices (by appointment only) in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.
