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

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

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

Are You Part Of The 3%?

Recently, a family law judge in Palm Beach County provided valuable insight to a group of local divorce attorneys and professionals. The judge reminded us that 97% of all divorce cases in Palm Beach County reach a settlement agreement without going to trial. 3% of divorce matters in Palm Beach County go to trial.  These…

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…