Divorce and other family law issues can be emotionally and financially draining. Yet these issues are so personal and crucial to creating your new future that they demand your best effort. While many couples in Central Florida feel their only option is to "battle it out" in the Orange County courthouse, others can find a more humane and peaceful way to resolve issues through collaborative divorce.
Call our firm to learn more about how we can help you through collaborative divorce at (407) 898-0747.
Ilvento Law, P.A. offers skilled and caring collaborative law guidance for those who wish to handle divorce disputes through a private, amicable process right here in Orlando. Our lead attorney, Lauren Ilvento, is a Board Certified Specialist in Marital and Family Law. This certification creates an additional layer of security in legal proficiency that few firms can offer. As a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (FACP), and the Collaborative Law Group of Central Florida, we welcome the prospect of helping you maintain control of the legal process while you plan a better future for your family.
The collaborative law process takes place privately outside the courtroom. Instead of a judge deciding your fate, you meet on neutral ground with your spouse, where each of you retains your own legal counsel.
Under the Florida Collaborative Law Act (Florida Statutes 61.56-61.58), this process is formally recognized as a legitimate and protected way to dissolve a marriage. It begins with a "participation agreement." This is a contract where both you and your spouse agree to be transparent and negotiate in good faith.
Why does this agreement matter? The participation agreement includes a crucial disqualification clause: if either party decides to stop the collaborative process and fight in court, both attorneys must withdraw. This motivates everyone—lawyers included—to solve problems rather than start fights.
You won't just have lawyers in the room. We often build a team of neutrals, including financial advisors to help with asset division and mental health professionals to act as coaches or child specialists. This ensures you are fully equipped to make the best decisions concerning your future.
All parties will meet in four-way sessions during which you will resolve your dispute through constructive communication and goal-oriented problem-solving. Collaborative divorce attorneys are specially trained to facilitate this process. You will also engage in private consultations with your own family law attorney as needed for guidance and counsel. The process is designed to allow you to maintain control over the outcome instead of having a judge make these decisions for you.
The collaborative process can be used in all family matters, including:
Why are so many local families choosing this path over traditional litigation?
Collaborative divorce is a powerful tool, but it isn't for everyone. It works best for couples who, despite their differences, are willing to be open with financial documents and want to prioritize their children's well-being over "winning."
However, this process requires voluntary agreement from both sides. It is generally not recommended for cases involving domestic abuse, where there is a significant power imbalance, or if you suspect your spouse is hiding assets or acting in bad faith.
If you're unsure whether collaborative divorce is right for your situation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation. Lauren Ilvento can assess your circumstances and help you determine the best path forward.
We often get asked if collaborative divorce is the same as mediation. While both keep you out of court, they are different approaches:
Lauren Ilvento is experienced in both mediation and collaborative law and can help you decide which approach is best for your specific situation.
Our firm is here to help you resolve your family law disputes in the most constructive way possible. You do not have to navigate this transition alone. With the expertise of our Orlando collaborative divorce attorney, you can move through your divorce with less anxiety and greater understanding and control.
Phone us at (407) 898-0747 for more information or contact us online.