In a Cooperative Separation, the clients and each legal representative sign a binding collaborative participation agreement. Under this agreement, the legal representatives are prohibited from participating in contested court proceedings on behalf of the clients. This means that everyone focuses on resolving the matter and no one considers litigation as an option. This commitment to avoid litigation sets Cooperative Separation apart from mediation or litigation. Cooperative practice allows couples to achieve creative, flexible, and private settlements of family law matters without engaging in courtroom battles. The majority of couples who choose Cooperative Separation are able to reach an agreement. They are not emotionally and financially drained during the process and still maintain respect for each other at the end. Furthermore, in Cooperative Separation, they are able to keep painful and sensitive details, as well as financial records, confidential and out of public court records.
The Association of Florida Cooperative Professionals (AFCP) data from surveyed cooperative professionals in Florida demonstrated: 92% of cooperative cases in FL finished with complete agreement; 95% of cooperative cases in FL concluded within 1 year; 84% of cooperative cases in FL finalized in less than 9 months. Full disclosure and open communications ensure that all matters are addressed promptly. Resolving matters outside of court eliminates the need to wait for a trial slot on a judge’s schedule. The speed at which your Cooperative Separation progresses depends on various factors, including your characteristics, your spouse’s characteristics, cooperation, the matters in question, access to information, each person’s well-being, and the family’s dynamics.
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