Court backlogs make collaborative divorce options more attractive

Recently passed legislation awaiting the governor’s signature or veto has the Florida court systems backing up with divorce cases. One way to avoid the backlog is to pursue a collaborative divorce.

What is collaborative divorce and how can it help you avoid court?

Reason for the backlog

The Florida legislature passed a bill that will change how the courts handle alimony cases if it goes into law. The bill, which would eliminate permanent alimony, is currently waiting for the governor to either sign it into law or veto it.

Cases are beginning to pile up as divorcing spouses wait to find out whether the bill will become law. If the bill does become law, because it is retroactive, the backlog may only get worse.

How a collaborative divorce avoids court

Collaborative law allows divorcing spouses to skip the courtroom by using mediation and negotiations to settle their divorce instead of litigation. In addition to allowing you to avoid the courtroom, collaborative divorce has several other benefits:

• Less expensive
• Allows for an honest and open exchange of information
• Gives you the ability to negotiate the outcome you want
• Takes less time
• Empowers you to decide how to handle disputes

Collaborative divorce puts you and your spouse in control of the entire process. You can still utilize the services of an attorney to help you throughout the process and if it does not work out, you still have the option of a traditional divorce.

Collaborative divorce does not work for everyone. However, if you and your spouse would like to avoid the stress of the courtroom and resolve your disputes yourselves, it may be a good option for you.