Can We Still Benefit from Collaborative Divorce Even if Our Finances are Relatively Simple?
Collaborative law is a specialized process in Florida that allows divorcing couples to resolve their issues and settle their divorce in a confidential, low-conflict manner (Collaborative Law Process Act). Collaborative divorce can be especially helpful for people with complex finances. With that being said, you can still benefit from the collaborative law process in Florida even if your financial issues are relatively straight forward. Here, our Clearwater collaborative divorce attorney explains why collaborative law can still be effective in these types of cases.
Understanding Collaborative Divorce in Florida
As a starting point, it is important to understand what the collaborative divorce process is in Florida. Collaborative divorce is a legal process where both spouses work together, outside of court, to resolve all aspects of their separation with the help of trained professionals. Each party is represented by their own attorney—but that lawyer must withdraw if the couple exits the collaborative divorce process without a settlement. Collaborative divorce negotiations are strictly confidential. What is said within the process cannot be used in future litigation if that were to occur.
Three Reasons You Can Still Benefit from Collaborative Divorce With Simple Finances
- Parents Can Use Collaborative Divorce for Custody and Visitation
For parents, collaborative divorce can be very useful for issues related to custody and visitation. Rather than leaving decisions to a judge, you and your co-parent can work with professionals to create a parenting plan that reflects your children’s specific needs and schedules. The collaborative law process is designed to help parents work together to encourage healthy, amicable co-parenting that sets up the best environment for their children and families going forward. Further, if you need professional help with a custody matter, you and your spouse can share the cost of a neutral expert in the collaborative law process. You do not need to retain your own independent experts.
- Seemingly Simple Finances are Not Always Simple to Resolve in a Divorce
Your finances may appear to be relatively straightforward—but that does not mean that they will be simple to handle in a divorce. How hard is it for a divorcing couple to divide money in a bank account? It could be easy for some—liquid cash can simply be split down the middle. However, if the divorcing couple cannot work together, that seemingly straightforward asset can be very hard to divide. Disagreements may arise over how to divide joint accounts, how to handle shared debts, how to determine who keeps certain household items, and a wide range of other matters.
- Collaborative Divorce Encourages a More Peaceful and Respectful Process
Even if you do not have complex financial assets, divorce can still be emotionally difficult. Indeed, collaborative divorce focuses on cooperation instead of conflict. The process encourages both spouses to work together respectfully to reach mutually acceptable solutions. Collaborative law can help reduce stress, protect your mental health, and preserve relationships. For couples without complicated or contentious financial issues, the cooperative environment still offers benefits.
Call Our Clearwater, FL Collaborative Divorce Lawyer Today
At the Law Office of Gale H. Moore P.A., our Clearwater collaborative divorce lawyer has the experience you can count on. If you have any questions about getting divorce with relatively straightforward finances, we can help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. With an office in Largo, we provide divorce representation in Clearwater and throughout Pinellas County.
