How to Save Money During the Collaborative Divorce Process in Orlando Florida

/0 Comments/in , /by

Divorce and Family Law matters can be emotionally and financially draining. Especially considering that each case has varying timelines. In recent years, a new way to navigate these turbulent waters while saving money and preserving your relationships exists: Collaborative Law. At The Marks Law Firm, P.A., our experienced Family Law Attorneys in Orlando understand the importance of cost-effective solutions for our Clients.

What is Collaborative Law?

The Collaborative Process is an alternative option for resolving Family Law issues such as Divorce, Paternity, and Timesharing (commonly known as Child Custody) matters. It involves both parties, two respective Collaboratively trained attorneys, a Mental Health Neutral and Financial Neutral — all working together in a goal-centered, problem-solving approach to find mutually beneficial solutions for the entire family without going to Court.

Reasons why Collaborative Law is more cost effective than traditional Litigation in Orlando, Florida:

  1. Reduced Legal Fees: One of the most significant advantages of Collaborative Law is its potential to incur less legal fees. You can even utilize the Collaborative process using only the Collaboratively trained attorneys, without using either or both the Financial Neutral and the Mental Health Neutral. When you choose the traditional Litigation route, Family Law Attorneys and legal Teams often spend countless hours preparing for Court Hearings and Trials. These proceedings and the cost can quickly add up, leading to substantial legal bills. In contrast, Collaborative Law promotes open communication and a focus on resolution, which can significantly reduce the time spent in legal proceedings.
  2. Streamlined Process: In Court, Family Law cases can drag on for months or even years, leading to ongoing legal costs, Depositions, additional Discovery efforts, Experts, Court Reporters, Transcripts, Trial fees, and other expenses. Collaborative Law encourages a more streamlined process, as it aims to resolve issues efficiently through common goals and focus on any minor children involved. This results in more timely resolutions, allowing Family Law Clients to move forward from their respective cases and with potentially fewer expenses.
  3. Lower Emotional Costs: Traditional Litigation can be emotionally exhausting for both parties, leading to stress, anxiety, and strained relationships. These emotional tolls can impact your overall well-being and may even require counseling or therapy. Our Team at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys is connected to trusted Mental Health Professionals in the Orlando area. We are happy to provide our Clients with a referral if they are interested. Overall, Collaborative Law promotes a more amicable and respectful atmosphere, reducing the emotional toll on everyone involved.
  4. Flexible Solutions: Court decisions can be rigid and limited in their scope, often leaving both parties unsatisfied with the outcome. Collaborative Law allows for more creative and personal solutions tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. This flexibility can prevent costly Post-Divorce Modifications, Enforcement actions and disputes, saving you money in the future.
  5. Preservation of Assets: Divorce can result in the unexpected or undesirable division of Assets and Debts, which can be further complicated by Court costs and Attorney fees. Collaborative Law inspires open discussions about financial matters, leading to more equitable and efficient Asset distribution. These discussions are conducted during Collaborative Team Meetings and financial documents are filed privately, rather than being subject to public record. By avoiding protracted Court battles, you can better preserve your Assets for your future needs and use.
  6. Reduced Stress: The emotional and financial toll of Courtroom battles and disagreements can be overwhelming. Collaborative Law prioritizes peace throughout the process, reducing the stress and anxiety associated with contentious Litigation. By maintaining a more positive and productive environment, you can focus on reaching an agreement rather than engaging in costly legal conflict and outright warfare.

In Orlando, Family Law matters, including Divorce and Paternity cases, don’t have to exhaust your finances and emotional well-being. The Collaborative Process offers a cost-effective alternative that promotes open communication, confidentiality, and tailored solutions. By choosing Collaborative Law, our Clients have the opportunity to accumulate fewer legal fees, streamline the process, and reduce the emotional and financial toll associated with traditional Litigation.

At The Marks Law Firm, P.A., we are dedicated to maintaining Heart for the Client and Going the Extra Mile. Our Collaboratively trained Family Law Attorneys recognize the importance of handling challenging situations with compassion and excellence.

To learn more about Collaborative Law, contact us to schedule a Consultation at 407-872-3161.

Photo Credit: Pexels.

 

Choosing Between Mediation or the Collaborative Process in a Central Florida Family Law Case

/0 Comments/in , /by

When facing Family Law matters in Central Florida, such as Divorce, Timesharing (commonly known as Child Custody), Paternity, etc. it’s essential to explore your options for resolving these issues. Two popular alternative dispute resolution methods available in Florida are Mediation and Collaborative Law. While both approaches aim to reach an amicable resolution without involving Litigation, they have distinct differences and similarities that may significantly impact your case’s outcome.

Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where a neutral third party, the Mediator, helps the parties communicate and negotiate the specifics of their case. The goal of Mediation is to facilitate dialogue and foster compromise to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Here’s how it works:

1. Neutral Mediator: Mediators do not take sides or make decisions for you or your spouse. Instead, they guide the conversation, ensure each party is heard, and help find common ground.
2. Informal Setting: Mediation typically occurs outside the Courtroom, (where no Judge is present) in a private and informal setting. This can create a more relaxed atmosphere, conducive to open and honest communication.
3. Flexibility: Parties have control over the process and the outcome. You can tailor solutions to fit your unique family dynamics, which is especially important when minor children are involved.
4. Cost-Effective: Mediation is often more cost-effective than going to Court, which creates an opportunity for Family Law Clients to resolve their case in a quicker and less expensive manner.
5. Confidentiality: Mediation is confidential, protecting sensitive information during the Mediation process but the Mediation Agreement is typically filed with the Court and so becomes part of the public record.

Collaborative Law is another alternative dispute resolution method that involves a Team approach to problem-solving. In a Collaborative Family Law case, Clients experience:

1. Trained Team of Professionals: Each party is represented by their Collaboratively trained Family Law Attorney. A Financial Neutral, and a Mental Health Neutral are also involved. Other Allied Professionals may join the Collaborative Team, as needed.
2. Structured Process: Collaborative Law follows a structured process with scheduled Team meetings, ensuring that all aspects of the case are thoroughly addressed.
3. Full Disclosure: Both parties commit to full disclosure of information to the Collaborative Team, promoting transparency, solutions, and fairness.
4. No Court Involvement: A unique feature of the Collaborative Process is that if the approach fails and the Family Law case proceeds to Litigation, both Family Law Attorneys must withdraw, adding an incentive for all parties to work together with common goals.
5. Privacy: Collaborative Law protects the privacy and confidentiality of both Parties in that the Financial Affidavits, Equitable Distribution Work Sheet, Alimony Analyzer Worksheet and the Collaborative Settlement Agreement do not need to be filed with the Court.

Similarities Between Mediation and Collaborative Law
Despite their differences, Mediation and Collaborative Law share some common characteristics:
1. Voluntary Process: Both methods are voluntary, and all parties must agree to participate.
2. Client-Centered: Both approaches prioritize the best interests of the Clients, any minor children and their families.
3. Private and Confidential: Both Mediation and the Collaborative Process maintain confidentiality during the Mediation or Collaborative Process, but only Collaborative keeps personal matters unavailable to the public.

Which Approach is Right for You?
Choosing between Mediation and Collaborative Law in Central Florida depends on your unique circumstances. If you value control over the outcome, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, Mediation may be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a Team-based approach with professional support or if full disclosure is a concern, Collaborative Law might be the better choice.

When it comes to Family Law matters in Central Florida, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Mediation and the Collaborative Process offer viable alternatives to going to Court, each with its own set of advantages. Understanding the differences and similarities between these methods can help you make an informed decision on the path that best suits your needs and circumstances.

Three of our Central Florida Family Law Attorneys are Collaboratively trained, and available to assist our Family Law Clients who are solution-oriented, goal centered and focused on the best outcome for the family as a whole.

Call our office to schedule an initial consultation with one of our experienced Family Law Attorneys to discuss your options and navigate your family law matter.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska via Pexels.

Litigation vs Collaborative Divorce in Orlando Florida

/0 Comments/in /by

In a Divorce process, couples typically have two main options: Litigation or the Collaborative Law Process. Each approach has its own set of pros and cons, and Collaborative Divorce is often considered a better option for avoiding an acrimonious divorce and for maintaining a healthy family dynamic. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of both methods and highlight why Collaborative Law can be beneficial to Clients who are goal centered and focused on solutions rather than conflict.

Below are Pros and Cons of Litigation:

Pros:

Legal representation: During Litigation, each spouse has their own attorney who advocates for their interests in the litigation process.

Court decision: If the spouses cannot reach an agreement, a Judge makes decisions regarding property division, Timesharing (formerly known as Child Custody) and other matters. This can provide a sense of finality and closure, although with a decision that was not necessarily what at least one of the Clients wanted.

Impersonal process: For some couples, the adversarial nature of litigation allows them to feel that they have an opportunity to “win” in the litigation.

Cons:

Costly: Litigation can be expensive due to Court fees, Attorney fees, and the potential need for Expert witnesses. It can also be costly in terms of emotions, stress and family relationships.

Potential lengthy timeline: Court schedules and the complexities of Litigation can significantly prolong the Divorce process for months if not years.

Strained relationships: The argumentative nature of Litigation can worsen conflict and negatively impact the relationship between the spouses, making Co-Parenting and future interactions not only very difficult immediately after the litigation but for years to come. This can increase the likelihood of further litigation in the future for Contempt, Enforcement and Modification actions.

Collaborative Divorce:

Pros:

Cooperation and open communication: Each member of the Collaborative Team (two Collaboratively Trained Family Law Attorneys, a Mental Health Neutral and a Financial Neutral) encourage spouses to work together and put the needs of their minor children first, promoting respectful and transparent communication to reach mutually beneficial goals and agreements.

Privacy: Collaborative Divorce proceedings are confidential, providing a more discreet alternative to litigation. Financial documents are not filed with the Court and are not made part of the public record.

Customized solutions: Choosing the Collaborative Process allows couples to find unique solutions a Court is not permitted to Order, that best suit their specific needs and those of their children. A Mental Health Neutral acts as the Facilitator during Collaborative Team Meetings and prioritizes positive results. The Financial Neutral produces all the necessary financial documents often at far less cost than the Attorneys would charge in the Litigation process.

Cost-effective: In general, Collaborative Divorce tends to be less expensive than Litigation, financially, emotionally and in terms of damage to the family and children, as it often involves less conflict and fewer traditional legal procedures.

Cons:

No court decision: If the Collaborative Process is unsuccessful, both parties may need to start the Litigation process with new Attorneys, unless they have chosen the Cooperative Process which allows the Attorneys to continue on with the Clients.

Requirement for cooperation: Collaborative Divorce heavily relies on the willingness of both parties to collaborate in a transparent way in the best interest of the entire family. If one spouse is uncooperative or adversarial, the process may break down.

Why Collaborative Law can be a better option for maintaining a healthy family dynamic:

Focus on cooperation: Collaborative Divorce prioritizes cooperation and open communication, allowing couples to address their concerns and find mutually agreeable solutions. This approach promotes a healthier post-divorce relationship, which is especially beneficial when minor children are involved. And agreements reached this way are more likely to be followed in the future than when decisions are imposed on the spouses by a third party like a Judge.

Minimized conflict: By avoiding the adversarial nature of Litigation, Collaborative Divorce reduces conflict and fosters a more amicable separation. This can positively impact Co-Parenting and ongoing interactions between the former spouses.

Child-centric approach: Collaborative Law places emphasis on the well-being of children and encourages parents to work together to create a Parenting Plan that reflects the best interests of their children.

Confidentiality: Collaborative Divorce provides a private and confidential space for discussions, minimizing public exposure and potential damage to family relationships.

Three of our Orlando Family Law Attorneys are Collaboratively trained and available to guide our Clients through the Collaborative and Cooperative processes. Moving forward with Collaborative Law can help maintain a healthier family dynamic during and after divorce, focusing on effective communication, intentional cooperation, and the well-being of everyone involved.

If you would like to schedule a consultation to learn more about Collaborative Law in Florida, contact us.

Photo via Pexels.

What is the Difference Between Collaborative and Cooperative Law?

/0 Comments/in /by

Divorce cases can often be portrayed as contentious based on what we see in the media and on television. For spouses who are interested in an amicable resolution, there are options outside of going to Court. You may have heard of the Collaborative Process as well as Cooperative Law. Perhaps you would like to know which of these options is appropriate for your case.

Well, our Family Law Attorneys at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. are advocates for both Collaborative and Cooperative Law. In a Collaborative case, if both parties decide to pursue traditional litigation because in that rare circumstance that the Collaborative case has failed, they must retain new legal counsel in order to move forward. Whereas in a Cooperative case, if litigation becomes necessary, both parties may continue to be represented by their Cooperative Family Law Attorneys.

Who makes up the Collaborative or Cooperative Team? It is the same: Two Collaboratively or Cooperatively trained Family Law Attorneys, a financial neutral, a mental health neutral, and both spouses are all part of the Collaborative or Cooperative Team. Depending on specific needs and details surrounding the case, Allied Professionals (realtor, mortgage broker, financial advisor, etc.) may be brought in. Benefits of the Collaborative or Cooperative Process include privacy, potential for lower overall costs, and a more peaceful outcome. Florida law requires all potential Clients be informed of the Collaborative Process during their initial consultation.

Clients who choose the Cooperative process may want to keep their options open throughout the entirety of their case. Ultimately, the goal to avoid litigation still remains. However, we cannot guarantee that conflict won’t arise throughout the divorce process. Emotions and sensitive topics may lead to hostility. The opportunity to continue your case with an attorney in the Cooperative Process who is aware of your goals, concerns, and general details surrounding your Family Law case will save you time, and potentially offset additional costs.

To learn more information regarding Collaborative and Cooperative Law, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels 

Communicating with the Neutrals in a Collaborative Case

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Florida’s Collaborative Process is a neutral process where both parties agree on an alternative to litigation. Potential candidates for Collaborative Law include spouses and unmarried parents who have at least some common goals, a genuine desire to protect their minor children from the Divorce process, as well as those who are intentional about being solution-focused.

Who are the Collaborative Neutrals? In a Collaborative setting, two neutrals are present throughout Team meetings with both parties and their Family Law Collaborative Attorneys. The Mental Health Neutral serves as the Facilitator, meaning he or she will in essence run each Collaborative Team Meeting. Both parties will work with the Mental Health Neutral to complete the Parenting Plan. As a Neutral, the Mental Health Professional will consider goals that are in the best interest of the minor children, rather than just the wishes of the Family Law Clients.

Known as a more private approach to Family Law, sensitive financial documents in a Collaborative case do not need to be filed publicly with the Court. Instead, the Financial Neutral will assist both parties in preparing the financial affidavit, mandatory disclosure, equitable distribution worksheet, etc. Examples of qualified and Collaboratively trained Financial Neutrals are Certified Public Accountants, Forensic Accountants, or Business Valuation Experts.

What separates Collaborative Neutrals from the Collaboratively trained Family Law Attorneys?

While Orlando Family Law Attorneys in a Collaborative case are not considered opposing counsel, they are still ethically obligated to advocate for their respective Client and not for the other party. Confidentiality between Clients and their attorneys is still a priority. However, in circumstances where Clients meet with their Mental Health Neutral or Financial Neutral, confidentiality is not required.

According to the Florida Supreme Court, all Family Law Attorneys must provide Collaborative Law as an option to all prospective Family Law Clients as an alternative to the traditional litigation model. However, not all Family Law Attorneys in Florida are Collaboratively trained. Our Team at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys is dedicated to navigating the Divorce process in a way that honors everyone involved and we believe that Collaborative Law offers our Clients an opportunity to resolve their case in a way that is peaceful and amicable. All of our Family Law Attorneys are Collaboratively trained and are here to help you.

If you have questions regarding communicating with the neutrals in a Collaborative case, or would like to speak with one of our Orlando Family Law Attorneys about the Collaborative Process, please call our office at (407) 872-3161.

Watch our YouTube Video HERE.

Listen to our Podcast HERE.

It is our Mission: “To Honor God and Faithfully Represent our Clients with Great Leadership, Attitude, Excellence and Teamwork.”

Image via Unsplash

 

 

What to Expect in the First Collaborative Team Meeting

/0 Comments/in , , /by

As a Family Law Client who chooses to proceed with your case by utilizing the Collaborative Process in Florida, you may be curious about what will happen in the first meeting. Remember, Collaborative Law is a voluntary process. Both you and your spouse will work with Collaboratively trained Family Law Attorneys who will prepare you for this meeting.

At the first meeting, you and your spouse will come together with your respective attorneys, a Financial Neutral and a Mental Health Neutral. You can anticipate that the Mental Health Neutral on your Collaborative Team will facilitate each meeting. Right away, he or she will explain the Collaborative Process and its purpose. Once an overview of Collaborative Law has been presented, the Mental Health Neutral will go over the necessary documents needed for your case to be resolved. Examples of such documents include a Collaborative Participation Agreement.

Our Collaboratively trained Orlando Family Law Attorneys at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys believe the most important part of the meeting follows, which is goal setting. At this point, you and your spouse will each share what your goals are and what you would like to see come out of the Collaborative Process for your Family Law case. Each professional on your Collaborative Team wants to see the process succeed and will support you along the way.

Prior to the first Collaborative Team meeting, you should meet with your Family Law Attorney to discuss your specific goals and gain his or her insight. You are an important part of the Team and your trusted Collaboratively trained Family Law Attorney should have sound legal advice for you in order to make sure the Collaborative Process runs smoothly.

During the goal setting stage of the first Collaborative Team Meeting, it is imperative that both parties present their goals in a way that can be easily understood and agreed upon. Of course, the most common goals in many Collaborative cases involve protecting the minor children and ensuring their security and stability. By choosing the Collaborative Process, you are remaining focused on solutions and prioritizing peace and transparency throughout your case.

One specific goal might involve where the children will reside once your divorce has been finalized. Some Clients decide it’s best for the minor children to remain in the marital home where they can maintain familiarity (friendships, neighborhood activities, schooling, etc.) however, it is a common goal that the children spend as much time as possible with both parents. Another common goal could revolve around the children’s financial future.

Looking ahead to building a foundation of ongoing and positive communication amongst the co-parents may be a common goal as well. While your marriage may be ending, your commitment to the wellbeing of your children and the preservation of your family as you and your spouse move forward should not change.

While the goals mentioned above may be envisioned by both parties, in some Collaborative cases, Timesharing (also known as Child Custody) agreements may require more conversation and compromise from the co-parents. Ultimately, Timesharing schedules should reflect what is in the true best interest of the minor children, above the desires of either co-parent.

Another goal that may be brought up in the first Collaborative Team Meeting relates to spousal support. If you or your spouse has a financial need to receive alimony, and the other spouse has a financial ability to pay it, this should be expressed openly to the entire Collaborative Team. The Financial Neutral will help you navigate this part of the Collaborative Process.

Goal setting is considered the framework of the Collaborative Process and will allow both parties to move forward while collectively working towards what they would like to accomplish. However, if new goals arise, they may be shared at subsequent Collaborative Team Meetings.

Perhaps you can think of other goals that would come up during a Collaborative Team Meeting. If you are interested in learning more about this healthier approach to Family Law in Florida, please contact our office at (407) 872-3161 to speak with one of our experienced Orlando Family Law Attorneys today.

Watch our YouTube Video HERE.

Listen to our Podcast HERE.

It is our Mission: “To Honor God and Faithfully Represent our Clients with Great Leadership, Attitude, Excellence and Teamwork.”

Image via Unsplash.

Collaborative Law: A Brief History and Overview

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Florida’s Collaborative Law Process Act came to be in 2016, but the original concept for Collaborative Law came from Minnesota by an Attorney named Stuart Webb in 1990. He realized the importance of personal relationships in the legal process. Attorney Webb believed the litigation process could be harmful to spouses and families.

Did you know, our very own Attorney Matt Capstraw contributed to the Collaborative Law Process Act in Florida? For more on his involvement, check out Attorney Capstraw’s profile HERE.

According to Florida Statute 61, the purpose of Collaborative Law in Florida is “to preserve the integrity of marriage and to safeguard meaningful family relationships, promote the amicable settlement of disputes that arise between parties to a marriage, and mitigate the potential harm to the spouses and their children caused by the process of legal dissolution of marriage.”

While traditional litigation and mediation involve two Family Law Attorneys who act as opposing counsel in a Divorce, the Collaborative Process utilizes a Team to help resolve the case in a peaceful and productive manner. Benefits of the Collaborative Law Process include but are not limited to: Goal centered and solution-oriented meetings as well as the opportunity to protect minor children from the Divorce process.

Who makes up a Collaborative Team?

Family Law Attorneys: Unlike the litigation or mediation processes, in a Collaborative divorce, the Orlando Family Law Attorneys work together in order to assist both spouses reach an amicable and peaceful resolution.

Mental Health Counselor: In a Collaborative setting, the Mental Health Neutral serves as the facilitator. He or she will facilitate the Collaborative meetings and make sure common goals of both spouses remain top of mind among the Team during the case.

Financial Professional: To preserve the privacy of the spouses and their family, the Financial Neutral maintains the financial affidavits of both parties, rather than the parties filing the document as part of public records. Any amounts relating to Alimony are also kept private in a Collaborative case.

In some cases, especially in situations where the parties are in need of additional assistance, the Collaborative Team is able to bring in Allied Professionals as well.

Potential Allied Professionals

Realtors: Collaboratively trained Real Estate professionals are able to assist in the valuation of the marital home, determine potential rental costs, etc.

Florida Ethics Rules require all Divorce Attorneys to present Collaborative Law as an option to potential Family Law Clients during the initial consultation. However, not all Family Law Attorneys have Collaborative experience or training.

All of our Orlando Lawyers at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys are Collaboratively trained and are active members of The Collaborative Family Law Group of Central Florida. Our Team recognizes the true value of this process.

Watch our YouTube Video HERE.

Listen to our Podcast HERE.

It is our Mission: “To Honor God and Faithfully Represent our Clients with Great Leadership, Attitude, Excellence and Teamwork.”

To learn more about the Collaborative Process, call our office at (407) 872-3161.

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

 

What Happens When a Christian Husband Wants a Divorce?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

In marriage, sometimes we go through difficult seasons. Life as Christians does not mean that we won’t experience trials or endure challenges. Perhaps you have been trying to work on your relationship for months or even years. Even still, you have reached a breaking point and feel like you don’t love your wife anymore. Divorce is on your mind. Our Team at The Marks Law Firm, P.A. – Family Law & Divorce Attorneys Orlando can help you through the process.

Being a Christian husband, you take what the bible says seriously. Feelings of guilt, loss, and regret may arise as you are a believer. As a Family Law Attorney who believes in marriage, I often ask my Clients if there is anything they can do to save their relationship with their spouse. Our Central Florida Divorce Attorneys encourage reconciliation in situations where it is possible, appropriate, and safe for both parties.

To get to place where the marriage can be restored, you may want to consider counseling with a Christian therapist, who has a biblical worldview. Ephesians 5:25 says “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Being willing to sacrifice and compromise will help you make your wife and children a priority.

If you have done everything in your power to move forward as a couple and divorce still seems like the best option, think about how you want to proceed with your case. There are other options than traditional litigation. Florida requires all Family Law Clients be informed of the mediation process as well as Collaborative Law.

When two spouses would like navigate divorce in a way that is amicable, voluntary, confidential, and outside of Court, Collaborative Law is encouraged. During Collaborative Team Meetings, you sit in the same room with your wife and your Collaborative Team–which includes the attorneys, mental health neutral, financial neutral, and in some cases, allied professionals (such as realtors.) Everyone works together toward a resolution through goal setting. The process is peaceful, and often protects the wellbeing of the minor children.

Watch our YouTube Video HERE.

Listen to our Podcast HERE.

It is our Mission: “To Honor God and Faithfully Represent our Clients with Great Leadership, Attitude, Excellence and Teamwork.”

For more information on the collaborative process, call our office at (407) 872-3161. Our Collaboratively trained attorneys would be happy to assist you.

4 Steps to Take After Your Initial Consultation

/0 Comments/in , /by

Meeting with an attorney for an initial consultation can be overwhelming. Perhaps you have not been in the position to seek legal advice before. Once you have an opportunity to discuss your family law case with an experienced Central Florida attorney, you may be left wondering what to do next.

Depending on your overall experience going through the consultation process, you may want to consider the following steps:

  1. Contemplate your options: Before you decide to retain an attorney, you might want to ask yourself the following questions.
  • Can my marriage be saved?
  • Have my spouse and I exhausted all efforts to maintain our relationship?
  • Are my spouse and I willing to try counseling?
  • Would a Collaborative strategy meet the needs of my family?
  • Am I ready to take legal action?
  1. Review your notes: During your initial consultation, the attorney will ask questions to get to know you and the specifics of your case better. Many potential clients use this time to write down how the meeting went from their personal point of view. Did you feel comfortable discussing the details of your case with an attorney? Are you confident in his or her ability to serve as a legal advocate on your behalf?
  1. Determine your ability to follow through with a fee agreement: There are many factors that contribute to an attorney’s hourly rate such as experience, industry training, educational background, etc. Be sure to carefully read any documentation related to fees and/or retainers. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if there is anything you don’t fully understand.
  2. Contact the attorney to retain services: Once you have made the decision to take legal action, it is imperative to get in touch with the attorney you would like to represent you. Remember, every case is unique and different. It is important to manage your expectations. Should you have questions regarding policies and procedures that the attorney and/or legal team follow, let them know as soon as possible.

If it turns out that the timing isn’t right to move forward, you still might choose to keep your notes and contact information for the attorney in a safe place, in the event that you decide to pursue your case at a later date.

To speak with one of our attorneys, contact us today.

Photo by Nik MacMillan on Unsplash

How Can Collaborative Divorce Benefit You and Your Family?

How Can Collaborative Divorce Benefit You and Your Family?

/in , /by

Whether you are embarking on the divorce process now or contemplating your options regarding the future of your marriage, it is important to base your decision on what is best for your family. What worked for someone else may not lead to an ideal resolution for you. If your efforts toward a reconciliation have been unsuccessful, we encourage you to consider a collaborative divorce.

Three of our attorneys at The Marks Law Firm are collaboratively trained, experienced, and dedicated to building a custom team of professionals best suited for your family law case.

When couples are experiencing divorce, it is very likely that they will need assistance beyond legal representation. Who is on your team?

Family Law Attorney

Whoever you choose to be your legal advocate and counselor should work closely with you and your professional team to maximize your goals and interests,  in order to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Financial Professional

A financial neutral can assist you and your spouse in identifying and determining the value of your assets and debts. They can also help you understand your complete financial situation and provide you with financial options to help you and your family achieve your goals and interests for the future.

Mental Health Professional

Your mental health professional will also serve as a neutral member of your professional team and will guide you and your spouse to effective communication. He or she will help you create a positive co-parenting relationship with your spouse and work with you to develop a parenting plan that maximizes the benefits to your children.

To learn more about collaborative divorce and why it might be the best option for your family, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our collaborative attorneys today.