In last week’s blog, we discussed the various benefits of divorce mediation, including how it serves as an alternative to divorce court. As assured, in today’s blog we will discuss the difference between divorce mediation and collaborative divorce. Many divorcing couples are confused about these two legal processes, so clarifying some pertinent facts about each divorce option is an important step to making the right choice for terminating your marriage.
Continue reading to learn the difference between mediation and collaborative divorce, including advice on how to choose which route is right for you.
Divorce Mediation
Mediation is a method used in the dissolution of marriage to negotiate all facets of legally terminating a marriage. Such facets might include money, assets, spousal support, property division, child support, child custody, and more. Normally, mediation involves a group effort that includes each spouse, both of their private divorce attorneys, and a mediator. A mediator is a neutral third party that is hired to discuss, negotiate, and resolve all matters related to a divorce. Your divorce attorney can refer a certified mediator, or you can hire one personally. To learn more about mediation and divorce, review our aforementioned blog, “The Benefits of Divorce Mediation.”
Collaborative Divorce
So how does mediation differ from collaborative divorce? Well, there are many aspects of collaborative law that separate its practices and methods from divorce mediation. Rather than hiring a mediator and two separate divorce lawyers, collaborative divorce is an approach in which divorcing couples hire a solitary collaborative divorce attorney who is specially-trained and experienced in collaborative practice.
Similar to a mediator, a collaborative divorce attorney will work with both couples simultaneously to resolve all aspects of a divorce and reach a settlement agreement. In contrast to a mediator, a collaborative divorce lawyer can also handle all legal processes of divorce as well, and set all agreements and settlements into motion. It is somewhat like hiring a divorce lawyer and mediator in one. Couples who are divorcing amicably or wish to divorce with full cooperation are well-suited for this option.
Where to Get Legal Advice for a Dissolution of Marriage in Florida
Contact Attorney Shane T. Herbert at 407-887-7058 to get trusted legal advice from a seasoned collaborative divorce lawyer in Orlando, Florida. You can choose to have your first appointment over the phone or even video conference, if needed. If you choose an in-office visit, our family law office is conveniently located in the Metro West area, within the Offices of Veranda Park, which offers free parking. We look forward to helping you resolve your family legal matters.