Chad Layton Mindful Divorce

Is Collaborative Divorce Just Mediation On Steroids?

The answer is no, and here’s why. Here are 4 advantages that collaborative divorce provides when compared to mediation: No Litigation – in collaborative divorce, both attorneys will sign a disqualification clause that disqualifies them from representing you or your spouse in litigation. This means that both lawyers will be “all in” on helping you…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

How Do I Tell My Husband Or Wife That I Want A Collaborative Divorce?

Talking to your husband or wife about divorce is not an easy conversation.  However, if you need to have this conversation, it is best to be prepared. Here is a short list of tips that may help in the discussion with your spouse about the benefits of Collaborative Divorce: Deadlines – Don’t create any unrealistic…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney

Hourly Billing Woes

Over the weekend, I read a good article in the Palm Beach Post about hourly legal fees charged to the School Board. These bills were of course ultimately paid by us, the taxpayers in Palm Beach County. The law firm billed at the rate of $660 per hour. The columnist made light of the obvious…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

3 Signs That Collaborative Divorce Is Not Right For You

For the large majority of families, the benefits of the collaborative divorce process (privacy, respect, non-adversarial nature) far outweigh the cons. However, in some instances, collaborative divorce is not the best fit to address the issues in your divorce. Collaborative divorce is not the best solution for you IF: REVENGE – If you or your…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Who Is On My Collaborative Divorce Team?

Collaborative divorce is a process that helps families resolve their divorce without fighting in court. In my opinion, this is the best process available to resolve the difficult issues in divorce.  Collaborative divorce keeps you out of court and it helps you create a custom plan to resolve your divorce. So, who is on the…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

7 Questions To See If Collaborative Divorce Is A Good Fit For You

Divorce is not fun and it’s not easy.  This is true no matter which process you decide is the best fit for your divorce. However, some divorces are much better than others. Almost all of us know someone that has been through an ugly divorce.  In my experience, just about every one of those “ugly…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

Divorce Planning > Divorce Fighting

How we help couples and families through the process of divorce has come a long way during the 15 years that I have been practicing divorce law in Palm Beach County. Traditional Divorce Litigation (Fighting): Your attorney should: Pay attention to the “consequential facts” in your case. These are the facts that the law and…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

What is a Collaborative Prenuptial Agreement?

I work most often with married couples to help them resolve the issues in their divorce, without fighting in court. However, more and more, I am helping clients that are single and engaged to be married.  We are working together to protect their assets and their estate before they get married. Many times, my client…

Chad M. Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

How Do I Start My Collaborative Divorce?

Almost every spouse that I meet with for the first time to discuss their divorce options wants to know more about Collaborative divorce and how it works. This question also comes up during lunch regularly when I meet with friends and attorneys that practice other areas of the law. The interest and questions surrounding the…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

How To Achieve A Healthy Divorce

In divorce, as with many things in life, the process matters. When you are first considering divorce and what life might look like after divorce, lots of questions come to mind. How do we separate our finances? How do we divide our assets and debts? Will my spouse or I need financial support? How do…