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…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

How Do I Make A Plan For Divorce?

For many of us, making a plan is the first step to overcoming an obstacle. Divorce is no different. MAKING A PLAN FOR DIVORCE First, you can sit down and consider what your objective goals are for your divorce. Write out an outline that includes the following: Do I really want to divorce my spouse,…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

How Do I Tell My Spouse That I Want A Divorce?

Broaching the topic of divorce with your husband or wife is no easy task. Informing your husband or wife that you have done everything you can to repair the relationship, and that you have made the difficult decision to end the marriage is as hard as it gets. As a friend of mine often says,…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Do I Need a Child Specialist In My Collaborative Divorce?

There is no doubt that the Collaborative divorce process is more popular among families that have minor children.  Parents put their children first.  They don’t agree on everything, but they do agree that they will do everything in their power to protect their children from the potential harmful impacts of a nasty divorce. A trained…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

What Is A Fair Divorce Settlement?

This is a question that I am asked more and more often by a husband or wife during Collaborative divorce consultations.  I see this as progress. In the Collaborative divorce setting, fair is exactly what we are seeking. We work hard to help both spouses understand the complete financial picture of their marriage.  Next, we…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

What Is The Role Of The Financial Professional In Collaborative Divorce?

Collaborative divorce is a process that prioritizes respectful communications, freely exchanged information, direct participation of both spouses, and solutions to accomplish the goals set by you and your spouse. These are lofty ideals that are achieved every day by collaboratively trained attorneys, mental health professionals, and financial professionals. The financial professional on your Collaborative team…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

Can I Get A Collaborative Divorce If We Don’t Agree On Everything?

Yes.  The Collaborative Divorce process provides you with a team of experienced divorce professionals that work to provide you with solutions that are tailored to the unique circumstances and finances of your marriage. Your Collaborative Divorce team can include a financial professional, a mental health professional and two collaboratively trained divorce attorneys.  The entire team…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

How Does The New Florida Alimony Law Affect Collaborative Divorce?

On June 30, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Florida alimony reform bill into law. Here are a few take aways from the new alimony statute: Permanent or “Lifetime Alimony” is eliminated. Adultery by either spouse may now be considered in awarding alimony, and its resulting financial impact on the spouses. The legal standard of “need”…