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

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

Taking Action Without a Plan is a Mistake in Divorce

 The divorce process will have a major impact on you, your family, your assets and your financial future.  Taking the time to consider what is most important to you and your family before filing a contested divorce action can save you years of litigation and many thousands of dollars. Also, you can retain control of…

Chad Layton collaborative divorce attorney west palm beach

Your Divorce Lawyer Shouldn’t Do Better When You Do Worse

Lately, I have noticed the commercial for financial advisors that promotes, “we do better when you do better”. The message in this commercial is clear and it makes sense. The financial advisor is working together with you towards a common goal, to help you make money. They benefit when they help you to accomplish your…

Chad Layton Collaborative Divorce Attorney

Divorce Budget – What Is That?

The process of divorce can be daunting. Many spouses that I meet with for the first time have concerns over how the process of divorce works. Where do we start? Where do we end? How much does it cost? How long will it take? Can we do this without a legal battle? They have worked…