Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

How Do I Obtain A Peaceful Divorce?

The way we start matters.  More and more I hear this question from a husband or a wife, or both spouses, during a divorce consultation: How do I (we) obtain a peaceful divorce? This simple question, or some variation of it, opens the door to a private, peaceful and respectful divorce process.  This civil and…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Can I Use the Collaborative Process to Modify Alimony or a Parenting Plan?

Yes, the Collaborative Process works as a peacemaking option for divorce actions, and to modify or fix previously entered divorce judgments. Often times, years after a divorce is finalized, changes occur in the family that create a need to modify the terms of the divorce judgment. These changes are often related to addressing concerns for…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Should I Hire a Bulldog Divorce Attorney?

Recently, I have heard several of my friends use the term “bulldog” attorney. There is nothing new about this term.  We have all heard it used to describe a certain type of lawyer for many years. The interesting thing about it to me is that in some cases I hear it used as a compliment,…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

What Are The Nuts And Bolts Of Collaborative Divorce: Is It Faster And Better?

What Are The Nuts and Bolts of Collaborative Divorce? Collaborative divorce is an alternative to the traditional adversarial divorce that plays out in Court, which often times wastes a great deal of your time and money. Collaborative divorce is an out of court solution that is based upon a private, informed, cooperative and structured environment.…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Is Court The Best Place For My Divorce?

No, the courthouse is not the best venue to resolve your divorce. Courts and judges are needed to handle criminal cases, and many other legal conflicts.  However, in my opinion, court is not the best venue to resolve your divorce peacefully and privately. Surgeons Are Like Litigation Attorneys Here is a good analogy: In the…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

How Do I Protect My Children In A Divorce?

Divorce affects the entire family, especially the children.  Recognizing and identifying this concern is the first step to protecting your children from emotional damage that can occur during a divorce.   The next step is for you and your spouse to agree not to fight in court.  Fighting in court increases the likelihood of unnecessary…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

What Is A Collaborative Marriage Plan?

While Prenuptial Agreements contemplate what will happen if your marriage fails, Collaborative Marriage Plans help you and your future spouse consider potential problems that may occur during your marriage and agree to solutions in advance. Prenuptial Agreements are a legal tool that plan only for your divorce.  Collaborative Marriage Plans provide you with a much…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

Divorce Is Not: You Vs. Your Spouse

Divorce is defined by the American Bar Association as a court decree finding that a valid marriage no longer exists. The path that you choose to obtain a court decree ending your marriage is your choice. You don’t need to, and I would strongly recommend that you do not: Engage in a legal battle with…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

Collaborative Divorce Protects Your Privacy

Collaborative divorce is a peaceful, private and respectful process that helps families to reach a fair resolution.  The entire team agrees not to fight in Court. Collaborative divorce is drastically different than a litigated divorce, where  you file a lawsuit against your spouse, and then wait for lawyers and judges to determine the outcome of…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Should I Bring My Spouse With Me To Talk To A Divorce Attorney?

Divorce Options Yes, you can bring your spouse with you to talk to a divorce attorney. There are many advantages to bringing your spouse with you to this meeting. Transparency The biggest benefit to having your spouse at the meeting (zoom or in person) is that you are showing your husband or wife that you…