The Process
First Coast Collaborative Family Law, Inc.
Providing a cooperative divorce process for Northeast Florida
The Collaborative Law Process
Never before has a process been offered for divorcing couples that removes the adversarial element inherent in many divorce proceedings, and replaces it with an approach that consists of mutual respect and team problem solving.
We have all heard the devastating stories of couples who have taken their divorce to court. Many of us have witnessed first hand the negative consequences of husbands and wives going to war - over the children - over child support and alimony - over division of assets.
In the collaborative process, the separating couple and their lawyers sign a written agreement to work together at resolving the issues without court involvement. Each couple works with their individual lawyers and a team may be formed as required of a mediator, financial advisor, and mental health professional.
The mediator, financial advisor, or mental health professional work together with the couple and their lawyers. Mental health professionals provide emotional support, teach communication skills, and help ensure that needs, concerns and feelings are understood and contained.
The collaborative approach creates an atmosphere of open communication and cooperation that assists the couple in shaping an agreement that best meets their needs and the needs of the children during the separation process and in the future.
Where Does the Process Start?
It is possible to start the collaborative divorce process wherever the divorcing individuals are most comfortable.
For example, if the husband and wife feel their most pressing questions pertain to legal matters,either party may begin with consulting one of the group's attorneys. If instead questions pertain more to financial matters, husband and wife may meet with the divorce financial analyst for assistance.
Perhaps husband and wife hope to place primary focus on how to best handle children and family emotional issues during divorce. In that case, the parties may start with the divorce counselor for assistance.
Should husband and wife desire to meet together with a neutral professional to discuss the generalities of their situation, they may meet with the group's mediator to begin the process.
A common question many individuals considering collaborative divorce ask is whether the entire team must be utilized in every case. The answer is no - only the professionals needed in the divorcing couple's situation are utilized. In fact, it is possible, if the husband and wife desire, to utilize a mediator to resolve their case instead of attorneys.
Contact a First Coast Collaborative Law Team Member
Because our professionals are independent practitioners, please contact the professional who you feel may best answer your present questions. Should you choose to utilize the group's services, the member you contact will coordinate services of the other professional(s) with you, depending on your needs.