Gray divorce is a term used to describe older couples who are seeking to divorce in Florida. It is becoming a more commonplace phenomenon among baby boomers and older Americans. While divorce is never easy, there is a friendlier alternative to the court litigated procedure. It is called mediation or a collaborative divorce. Collaborative law is becoming more accepted and available.
In a litigated divorce, both parties have an attorney and most communication is carried out between the attorneys. In a collaborative divorce both parties sign an agreement to participate in the process. Each party may have his or her own attorney, and in addition, there may be financial advisers, mental health professionals and a mediator. All parties sign an agreement to participate in the process. Information is shared freely among all participants.
A collaborative divorce may be a good option for older couples considering a divorce. It can be a quicker process as the parties are talking more directly and not only via their attorneys. It is a friendlier process. This can be a benefit to couples who are looking to maintain a friendship with each other and a close relationship with their children. It can also be a more economical choice as the time involved may be shorter than a more traditional divorce.
While divorce is never an easy solution, knowing there are options can bring some relief to couples considering this step. A person in Florida who is considering a divorce may benefit from speaking with an attorney experienced in collaborative law. A lawyer knowledgeable in this field can review the situation and help determine if collaboration is the best path for his or her client to pursue.
