Start with your priorities
We discuss your concerns about children, property, finances, and the future. Understanding what each issue means to you helps frame the conversation about the process.
DM LAW · CENTRAL FLORIDA FAMILY LAW
Collaborative divorce
Focused on Family | Committed to Results
For spouses interested in working toward a negotiated resolution, collaborative divorce offers a process to explore. DM LAW helps you consider whether that approach aligns with your circumstances and goals.
Consider a cooperative path
A collaborative approach involves a commitment to working toward resolution. We explain the structure, expectations, and practical considerations so you can evaluate whether it is appropriate for your family.
Make informed decisions
We help clients examine proposed arrangements and keep their long-term priorities in view. A consultation is an opportunity to compare approaches and ask questions before deciding how to proceed.
YOUR FIRST CONVERSATION
What to have in mind.
You do not need every answer before calling. These details can help frame the conversation:
- The issues you and your spouse have discussed
- Areas of agreement and unresolved concerns
- Your goals for the process and outcome
Our staff can explain how to provide documents after the initial intake and conflict check.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Answers for the decisions ahead.
What is collaborative divorce?
It is a voluntary process in which each spouse has a collaborative attorney and the participants work toward negotiated solutions under a participation agreement. The focus is resolving the family’s issues through cooperation rather than contested courtroom litigation.
What issues can the process address?
Collaborative negotiations may address divorce, property and debts, alimony, parenting plans, timesharing, child support, relocation, and related family-law concerns. DM LAW helps identify the issues that need to be included in your discussions.
Can a court force us to participate?
No. Florida law does not allow a court to order participation over a party’s objection. Both parties must choose the process and enter into a collaborative participation agreement.
How is it different from ordinary settlement discussions?
Collaborative divorce uses a defined process and a signed participation agreement, including limits on the collaborative attorneys’ involvement in later contested litigation. Ordinary negotiation and mediation can also lead to settlement, but they do not automatically carry the same structure or attorney-disqualification requirements.
Are collaborative discussions confidential?
Florida law provides confidentiality and privilege protections for qualifying collaborative communications, with exceptions and limits. Before you begin, we can explain the protections and what information may still be disclosed or used outside the process.
What happens if we cannot reach an agreement?
A party may end the collaborative process. If the matter proceeds into contested litigation, new litigation counsel is generally required under the applicable collaborative rules. We discuss that commitment and its practical consequences before you choose this approach.
Will it always be faster or less expensive?
No particular cost or timeline is guaranteed. Cooperation may reduce conflict and give the parties more participation in shaping an agreement, but progress depends on disclosure, the complexity of the issues, and the willingness to resolve disagreements.
How do I know whether it is right for my family?
We discuss your goals, the information needed, the ability to negotiate constructively, and any safety or power-imbalance concerns. We also consider negotiation, mediation, and litigation so you can compare the available approaches.
General information; the options in a particular case depend on its facts and applicable law.
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT STEP
A plan starts with
a conversation.
Contact DM LAW in Sanford.