The Truth About Collaborative Divorce Procedures
What is collaborative divorce, and how does it differ from mediation? It emerged a decade ago, explains Florida divorce attorney Bill Leininger. In mediation, 99% of couples come without attorneys to avoid roughly $1,300-an-hour fees. Collaborative divorce instead seats a lawyer beside each spouse—protecting someone fearful of abuse; if threatened, that lawyer can halt the room and shift to Zoom.
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Answered by Bill Leininger · Sarasota, FL
Highlights
— how collaborative divorce spread from the South over recent decades
— what his second collaborative training involved
— the expert fees that pile up: psychologist, financial specialist
— when collaborative divorce makes sense: substantial assets or complex needs
— why he doesn't recommend it in 95% of his cases
Frequently Asked Questions
What is collaborative divorce?
It emerged over recent decades—in mediation 99% of couples come without attorneys to avoid roughly $1,300-an-hour fees, while collaborative divorce seats a lawyer beside each spouse.
What training did it involve?
He completed a second round of collaborative training to learn the process and how the team works together.
Why is it expensive?
Because expert fees pile up—a psychologist, a financial specialist, and more, all billing hourly.
When does it make sense?
Mainly for substantial assets or complex needs, where the added expertise earns its cost.
How often does he recommend it?
Rarely—he doesn't recommend it in about 95% of his cases, preferring mediation for most couples.
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