The Benefits Of An Out-Of-Court Florida Divorce Settlement

Filing for divorce doesn’t mean that going to court is a foregone conclusion. In fact, couples are strongly encouraged to try and reach a divorce settlement in an out-of-court setting, as this can shield families from the turmoil that so often accompanies litigation. A traditional courtroom divorce can be time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining. Using mediation, collaborative divorce, and negotiation to resolve divorce-related issues, on the other hand, can help couples find their own solutions to things like property division, alimony, and child custody. Choosing an out-of-court divorce settlement offers a variety of advantages. Read on to learn more.

Time Saving 

Divorce cases can drag on for months and sometimes even years when couples engage in litigation. Those who attempt out-of-court divorce negotiations, however, are more likely to resolve their issues much more quickly, as they aren’t required to adhere to the court’s busy schedule. This not only saves the parties a lot of time, giving them the opportunity to move forward with their lives, but can also save them money.

Cost Efficiency 

Going to court to obtain a divorce can be expensive, as proceedings typically require numerous in-person appearances, the collection and presentation of extensive legal documentation, and legal fees, all of which can quickly add up. Out-of-court settlement proceedings can minimize some of these costs, allowing couples to put their resources towards their family’s future rather than ongoing litigation.

Confidentiality 

Although many people don’t know this, litigated divorces are a matter of public record in Florida, which means that anyone can access a transcript of those proceedings. Out-of-court negotiations, on the other hand, are completely confidential, so any sensitive information about a couple’s relationship, finances, or other personal matters will stay within the family. Besides keeping these details private, an out-of-court setting also encourages couples to be more honest and open in their communications.

Control 

Couples who litigate their divorces in court leave the resolution of important issues, like child custody, alimony, and property division in the hands of a judge. While courts are required to and may intend to put a plan in place that is in a family’s best interests, they are not always in the best position to know what that is. Couples who negotiate their divorces in an out-of-court setting, on the other hand, retain the power to tailor their divorce settlement to their family’s specific needs, which can be invaluable as the parties move forward with the transition to post-divorce life.

Stress Reduction 

Finally, making repeated court appearances, attending depositions, and having frequent meetings with a judge can be stressful. Litigation is naturally adversarial and can be exhausting for the parties involved. Out-of-court negotiations offer a more collaborative approach, where the parties can work together in a much more relaxed environment that gives them a better chance of not only reaching a mutually beneficial resolution, but maintaining a more cooperative and amicable relationship.

Do You Have Questions About Divorce Mediation in Florida? 

If you think that reaching an out-of-court divorce settlement could be in your family’s best interests, please call experienced Fort Lauderdale divorce mediation lawyer Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. to learn more about this process.

Sources: 

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Alternative-Dispute-Resolution/Mediation-in-Florida

forbes.com/advisor/legal/divorce/divorce-mediation/