Protect Your Privacy With A Collaborative Divorce In Fort Lauderdale
One of the most difficult aspects of going through a divorce is having to share sensitive information about yourself, your spouse, and your family in legal proceedings. Information shared becomes a part of the public record. Fortunately, there is a way around this. A collaborative divorce offers an alternative and allows you to keep personal information private. Our Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney explains more about the process.
What Is A Collaborative Divorce?
In any divorce case, there are important issues pertaining to money, property, and children that must be resolved before a final divorce order can be issued. Even if both parties agree to a divorce (which is not always the case), disputes over these matters can result in drawn-out legal proceedings, with numerous appearances in court.
Under the Florida Statutes, a collaborative divorce is when a couple agrees to resolve all divorce-related issues without going to court. Instead, and with the help of their divorce attorneys, they will attempt to negotiate a marital settlement agreement in place. Issues that must be addressed as part of this agreement include:
- Division of marital property and assets, which is done on an equitable, not even, basis and also involves dividing all marital debts;
- Determinations regarding spousal support, which one party may be entitled to if they make considerably less than the other;
- Child time-sharing, which involves creating detailed parenting plans;
- Child support payments, based on both parent’s income and the needs of the child.
While it is not always easy to reach mutual agreements with a soon-to-be-ex on the above matters, it is worth the effort. Unlike in a typical divorce, where evidence is presented in court and the case becomes part of the public record, which anyone can access or see, a collaborative divorce allows you to keep the details surrounding your marriage and divorce private.
Is Collaborative Divorce An Option In Your Case?
A collaborative divorce is a good option in cases involving high-asset couples, business owners, celebrities, government officials, or anyone in the public eye. It is also worth looking into if there is any kind of sensitive information or details you prefer not to be disclosed in Broward County Family Court proceedings.
However, while a collaborative divorce may sound like a good idea, it is not necessarily a good fit in every situation. In order to be successful, you and your spouse must agree on the following:
- That your marriage is over and a divorce is the best option;
- That you prefer a collaborative divorce, rather than taking your case to court;
- That you will disclose all relevant information privately to your attorney;
- That you are willing to negotiate and reach mutual agreements on important matters, such as property division and parenting plans.
Request A Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Divorce Attorney
To find out more about collaborative divorce and whether it is an option in your case, reach out to Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Vanessa L. Prieto. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation today.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.57.html#:~:text=(1)%20The%20collaborative%20law%20process,process%20over%20that%20party’s%20objection.
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
