Statistics On The Benefits Of Florida Collaborative Divorce

Despite what you might think about divorce, , the truth is that more couples are able to resolve their issues through compromise as compared to litigation. Even when some disputes remain, the parties often turn to collaborative divorce as a structured approach to resolving them. As described by the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), the process kicks off by the parties retaining their own collaboratively trained attorneys and including a joint neutral accountant and a neutral mental health professional. The parties, their lawyers and the other professionals  executes an agreement that outlines their intentions. Over a series of meetings, the parties handle all divorce-related issues out-of-court.

From this basic description of collaborative divorce, you can probably identify one key benefit: Not having to take disputes over property division, alimony, and child custody and support to court. However, there are many additional advantages that may surprise you. An important first step is retaining a Dade City collaborative divorce attorney, but some statistics on success with the process are encouraging.

Collaborative Divorce Benefits: IACP conducted a survey of parties who went through the collaborative divorce process, and the responses are telling on the advantages: In 94 percent of these cases, the parties settled all divorce issues by agreement and did not have to go to court. Even more shocking, another 2 percent of couples reconcile their marriage.

In addition:

• Of collaborative divorces that did not resolve all issues, the parties did reach a partial agreement in 14 percent of the cases.
• As these matters are dealt with out of court, there is privacy.
• A divorce case can proceeds as quickly or as slowly as the parties would like. They are not held back by attempting to obtain court dates.
• A collaborative divorce allows the parties to address all the intricacies of their own family – and thus far more flexible than a judgment ordered by a Judge.
• Though the IACP survey mainly focused on divorce, other family law issues resolved through collaborative process included paternity, prenuptial agreements, and same-sex divorce.
• Almost one-quarter of all divorces that went through the collaborative process concluded in 6 months or less; another 40 percent settled in less than a year.
• In terms of the financial outcomes of divorce, specifically property division and alimony, 66 percent of respondents indicated that they were satisfied.
• More than three-quarters of respondents stated that they were satisfied with the outcomes for child custody, visitation, and support in collaborative divorce. 

Benefits Beyond the Statistics 

This data provides insight on the experience of other parties, but it is also helpful to consider how the advantages of collaborative divorce pertain to your situation. With the spirit of compromise at the core of the process, the parties are less likely to need court intervention to enforce the settlement agreement. High satisfaction levels on issues related to children means the lines of communication stay open between parents. Their rights and responsibilities may extend long after the divorce concludes, so a mutually cooperative relationship between parents means an easier road – and less trips to the courthouse to enforce or modify custody, visitation, and support. 

Discuss the Collaborative Process with a Florida Divorce Lawyer 

These statistics are reassuring in the sense that you can see alternatives to traditional in-court divorce, but the collaborative process is not for everyone. For more information on the benefits, please contact The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane to set up a consultation with a member of our team. Individuals in Pasco County can call 352-567-0055 or reach out via our website.

Resource:

collaborativepractice.com/sites/default/files/IACP-2015_DivorceExperienceStudy.pdf