What is Collaborative Divorce?

You may have heard the term “collaborative divorce,” but you may not know what it means.  Below is an explanation from The Collaborative Divorce Institute of Tampa Bay:

What is Collaborative Law?

Collaborative Law, or Collaborative Practice, is a new way for individuals to resolve disputes peacefully and respectfully. It is an approach to dispute resolution which does not include the traditional court system. Collaborative Divorce is a specific area of Collaborative Law which gives people facing divorce the opportunity to resolve their issues amicably and with dignity by offering the invaluable resources of attorneys, mediators, and child and life therapists all at one time and in one place. It is often called a “no-court divorce.” Collaborative Law is for people who wish to work cooperatively with their partner in resolving issues, while maintaining control of their situation and working creatively to find answers that will work in the best interest of all parties, instead of leaving it up to the courts.

If you decide Collaborative Law is the right approach for you to address your divorce or family law issue, please be aware that not every legal professional is certified to practice Collaborative Law. Currently, very few lawyers in the Tampa Bay area have received the necessary training and skills to manage collaborative law cases effectively. We are a group of trained therapists, mediators, and legal professionals who have received such training, and are certified and ready to help you begin the Collaborative Law process.

Collaborative Divorce

You may be concerned about filing for divorce because heard the horror stories about the battles that happen in the court room and even though you are ready to leave your marriage you are holding back from making a decision because you are not ready to engage in all out war.

Collaborative Divorce (also known as “divorce with dignity” or “peaceful divorce”) can provide a wonderful alternative to court-based litigation. Instead of battling in a court-room, Collaborative Divorce offers couples the support, protection, and guidance of not only your own lawyers but also numerous other professionals, including financial and child specialists. It is a new way to approach for you to resolve disputes respectfully and it can often cost less and reduce the stress on the divorcing couples and their families.

Although Collaborative Divorce may not be for everyone, it should be considered by all couples experiencing divorce. The core elements of Collaborative Divorce require:

•  Negotiation of a mutually acceptable settlement outside of a courtroom
• Maintain open lines for communication and information sharing
• Creation of shared solutions acknowledging the highest priorities of all

Attorney Adam B. Cordover has completed advanced training in interdisciplinary collaborative family law and is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Collaborative Divorce Institute of Tampa Bay.

If you wish to schedule a consultation with a collaborative lawyer, call The Law Firm of Adam B. Cordover, P.A., at 813-443-0615 or fill out our contact form.