Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Celebrities Resolve Divorce Outside Of Court, So Should You

Many celebrities choose private resolution in divorce instead of a drawn-out court battle. A few of the celebrities that have chosen the path of least resistance include Tom Brady, Gisele Bundchen, Robin Williams, Madonna, T. Boone Pickens, and others.[i] Forbes recently reported that the power couple of Tom and Gisele resolved all of the issues…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

Does Collaborative Divorce Really Work? (Yes, 92% of the Time)

As many of you know, I focused my law practice in traditional divorce litigation in Palm Beach County for more than 13 years. Based upon my experience, a court battle is not your best option in divorce. Instead, I recommend the Collaborative Divorce process. The benefits of the Collaborative Divorce process versus traditional litigation are…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

What Drives the Cost of Divorce Most in Palm Beach County? (It’s Not the Lawyers)

This is an instance where the simplest answer is the correct one.  Whether or not you go to court and fight.  That is the factor that plays the biggest role in the cost of divorce in Palm Beach County. Going to court and fighting in your divorce will not only cost you financially (likely three…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Is Divorce Really, “A Game Played By Lawyers?”

In the classic film, The Awful Truth, movie star Cary Grant delivered a great one liner, “Divorce is a game played by lawyers.”[i] There is no doubt that this adage holds true too often. However, divorce doesn’t have to be a lawsuit that is “played” by trained professionals, where you are updated on occasion with…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

No, We Are Not Fighting Over The Kids

In some divorces, parents become engaged in a custody battle. Many years ago, I learned that custody battles are a losing proposition, especially for the children. The system is designed to fail. The system, if you choose to fight in court, provides specific factors that each parent and their attorney will use to build a…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Collaborative Divorce Won’t Work, My Spouse Is Crazy!

A common concern that I hear in collaborative divorce consultations is: “Collaborative divorce sounds great, but it won’t work for me.  My husband/wife is [crazy, irrational, narcissistic, hot head].  That’s why we are getting a divorce.” In my experience, collaborative divorce is in fact a good process for difficult spouses and difficult divorces. The reason…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

3 Questions To Ask Before Filing For Divorce

Deciding to end your marriage is a big step, period. Generally, this decision comes after you have done everything that you can think of to save the marriage, and it has been unsuccessful. When you know that it is time to go forward with a divorce, you may want to consider the following questions. Do…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

2023 Resolution – Help Families Stop Fighting In Court

Happy New Year!  This year, we are working to help families stop fighting in court.  Many clients that I meet with for the first time haven’t heard of the collaborative divorce process. They have been told that they must choose between trying to figure out the legal process of divorce on their own or filing…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

Will My Collaborative Divorce Attorney Fight For Me?

No.  Your collaborative divorce attorney will not fight for you. Your collaborative divorce attorney will not “win” for you. Your collaborative divorce attorney will not attack your husband or wife. Your collaborative divorce attorney will not act without regard as to the impact of the results on your family.   Instead, your collaborative divorce attorney…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

Collaborative Divorce or Mediation: What’s the Difference?

Recently, I gave a short presentation on the collaborative divorce process and the benefits that this process provides when compared to a litigated divorce (i.e. court battle). One of the attorneys in the room asked, “What is the difference between the collaborative divorce process and mediation?” I think it’s a good question.  Below, I have…