How is collaborative divorce different from litigation in Florida?

Collaborative divorce is very different than litigation in Florida. In collaborative divorce, parties agree up front that they are going to attempt and use their best efforts to settle their divorce issues through negotiations, as opposed to fighting in litigation. They both hire attorneys that know how the collaborative process works, and there is special training for it. They both understand that if they cannot settle their issues that both attorneys will have to withdraw before a contested litigation follows. They both agree in writing that they’ll make a full disclosure of their assets, their earnings, and all other finances and other important information. They then proceed to hire neutral experts to help guide them through the process, such as mental health providers, or accountants, or investment professionals. And through that process, the end result that’s hoped for is a negotiated settlement agreed to by the parties, not imposed upon the parties.