A Different Way To Handle Divorce and Child Custody
Rather than go through the time, expense and stress often associated with a trial, many people choose collaborative law to solve their differences. Collaborative law lets people negotiate an agreement with the help of a collaborative law attorney. It can be a good process for couples who are divorcing, especially if they have children.
As a family law attorney and Florida Supreme Court certified family law mediator, I also command considerable experience with collaborative law. I'm Robert Segal, and I serve people in the Melbourne, Florida, area. Contact my office to schedule an appointment.
Why Is Collaborative Law Different?
Divorce and child custody can engender strong feelings and, often, disagreements. Unlike a trial, collaborative law gets both sides to work together to find a solution that is good for them. Each party still hires a lawyer, but the approach is not adversarial. Everyone meets in a more informal setting to discuss options and promote mutual agreement.
Other professionals are also usually involved in collaborative law, such as a conversation or divorce coach (a party that is helpful for sparking insights and guiding conversation in constructive ways that enable the participants to make sound decisions grounded on material facts rather than emotions), a financial adviser and child custody specialist. These are all neutral parties who are there to help the participants reach an agreement. I have worked with many of these professionals during my career.
You're in Charge
In a trial, the court — meaning, essentially, a judicial stranger disinterested in the parties' needs and motivations — controls the divorce or custody proceedings. However, with collaborative law, power is vested in the clients, who control the process. This often allows for more flexibility and creativity in problem solving. And that can result in a process that doesn't take as long and that costs less money.
If you reach an agreement, you can file your divorce uncontested, with the legal processes that finalize it being relatively simple.
Find Out if Collaborative Law Is Right for You
I can help you decide if you want to proceed with collaborative law. Please call 321-757-6906 or contact me via e-mail to schedule an appointment.
