Collaborative Divorce Attorney Lakeland, FL
Keeping Your Divorce Cordial and Out of Court
- Board Certified in Marital and Family Law
- Mutually Beneficial Resolutions
- Helping Florida Families Since 1989
Sutton Law Firm Is a Trusted Choice
In Practice Since 1989
Ms. Debra Sutton has represented clients in Florida county and circuit courts for over three decades. During this time practicing law, she's handled complex family law disputes and helped clients through difficult periods of their lives.
Certified in Marital and Family Law
Ms. Sutton is Florida's only lawyer certified in marital and family law and appellate practice. Multiple Florida Bar presidents have appointed her to serve on the certification committees for appellate and family law.
Close Consideration of Your Needs
Ms. Sutton takes time to consider the needs of each client. She wants to understand how you got here, what was good and what was bad about your relationship, and what is needed to help your family succeed in the future.
A Tailored Approach to Collaboration
Ms. Sutton uses her undergraduate and professional experience in psychology as she familiarizes herself with each spouse's concerns. There is no template. Our legal team tailors the approach to each case based on the spouses involved.
When Reynalda was going through a difficult divorce, Debra Sutton was there to help. Hear more about her experience.
You Could Benefit From the Collaborative Process Book a Consultation at Sutton Law Firm
Your relationship with your former spouse does not need to be adversarial. Collaborative divorce allows you to make family law decisions together, with an aim toward mutually beneficial resolutions and amicable outcomes. If this sounds ideal to you, it's important that you contact the Sutton Law Firm.
Attorney Debra J. Sutton has helped numerous couples with collaborative law needs. She has been in practice since 1989 and uses her decades in law and background in psychology to closely note the needs of each client based on their relationship with their spouse and their children.
We encourage you to contact us online if you want more information about collaborative law and live in the Lakeland, St. Petersburg, or Bartow, FL, area.
Lakeland Rates Us 5 Stars
“I had a complicated divorce situation. Ms Sutton and her team were amazing at working quickly, confidently and professionally. They communicated efficiently and were very kind and patient while they helped me through a difficult transition.”
— Lisa, 5-Star Review
What Is Collaborative Law?
Collaborative law is a voluntary process in which spouses and their respective attorneys work together to finalize a divorce and resolve any differences out of court. A facilitator helps keep all parties on task, and outside consultants may be brought in to address needs that arise as part of the collaborative process, such as financial issues or mental health concerns.
While multiple parties may be involved during a collaborative divorce to address family law issues, the process typically involves a series of four-way meetings. This simply means that the spouses and their attorneys meet and work with one another directly.
Collaboration vs. Mediation
Collaborative law sounds a lot like mediation in that both seek to avoid family court, but they are different in key ways.
The Roles of Mediators and Lawyers
During mediation, a third party is hired to resolve differences between spouses. A mediator does not have to follow the collaborative procedure outlined by Florida state law, making mediation a more informal process. Lawyers do not have to be present when spouses decide on mediation, whereas lawyers for both spouses are present at all times during the collaborative process.
Mediation During Collaboration
We should also note that mediation is an option during a collaborative divorce. If our attorneys at our family law offices in Lakeland, St. Petersburg, and Bartow, FL, cannot reach a resolution through four-way meetings, we can bring in a mediator to help achieve an out-of-court resolution.
Solely Focused On Resolution
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If a collaborative resolution is not possible, Florida law prohibits the collaborative attorneys from representing their clients in family court. This ensures the process is focused on resolution rather than as a setup for contested litigation.
The Benefits of Collaborative Law How It Can Help in Family Law Cases
Save Time and Money
The collaborative divorce process tends to move faster than contested divorces. Saving time in a collaborative divorce means saving money on legal fees for both spouses, as well.Avoid Court Battles
Collaboration reduces the emotional and psychological toll of a drawn-out battle in court. This is important if you want to maintain a relationship and avoid future conflicts with your former spouse.Protect Children's Best Interests
As always, our collaborative law attorneys will help keep parties focused on the best interests of any children involved. Collaboration shields children from the fallout of contentious divorces.
Maintain Confidentiality
Collaborative divorces are private. Any financial disclosures or family details are kept out of the public record and are confined to the four-way meetings between separating spouses and their lawyers.Did You Know...
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In non-collaborative cases, you may have to wait 60–90 days for a simple hearing or 90–120 days for more complex litigation. It is possible to resolve a collaborative divorce in the time it takes to get your first hearing in a divorce that goes to court.
Working With Collaborative Professionals Addressing the Needs of a Client
During a collaborative divorce, the lawyers may agree to hire neutral professionals from various practice areas who do not have ties to either spouse. These outside professionals can provide an unbiased assessment of any legal, personal, or financial concerns that arise during the collaborative law process.
Potential neutral professionals include:
- Financial advisors/CPAs
- Tax advisors
- Parenting consultants
- Mental health specialists
- Child therapists
- Divorce coaches
- Real estate brokers
- Appraisers
Three Convenient Offices In Central Florida
Our Lakeland-based family law firm understands that divorce is a difficult time of transition. Your days are already full, so navigating these legal avenues can be an unwelcome burden on your plate, especially if you're busy caring for children as well. Attorney Debra J. Sutton wants this legal process to be easier for everyday people, which is why our firm has three different offices purposefully spaced throughout Central Florida. We will be pleased to meet with you at our family law offices in Lakeland, St. Petersburg, or Bartow, FL, whichever is most convenient for you.
Are You Interested in a Collaborative Approach? Our Lakeland Divorce Attorneys Can Answer Your Questions
Collaborative law allows you to negotiate mutually beneficial arrangements with your former spouse while remaining in control of the process. The Sutton Law Firm can assist with divorce, division of assets and debts, child custody, child support, and parental time-sharing arrangements. Our goal is a resolution that avoids drawn-out court disputes. If you live in the Lakeland, St. Petersburg, or Bartow, FL, areas and would like more information, contact our law firm online. You can also reach Ms. Sutton by phone.
We Treat Clients Like Family
"I can't began to tell you how much she has changed everything for me. I was on the verge of losing everything when I walked into her office and now she has not only gotten me back my children but more then then I expected. Ms. Sutton and her entire staff put my children before anything and I have never met an attorney do that, it's as if my children are one of their family members. Thank you so much to everyone at Sutton Law Firm.”
— Bryan, 5-Star Review
Practice Areas Eligible For Collaborative Law
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- Divorce
- Distribution of property
- Alimony
- Child support
- Child custody
- Visitation rights
- Parenting time
- Child relocation
The Collaborative Process What to Expect
“The Sutton Law Firm guided me in my divorce. I followed her counsel, just like a guidance planned system (GPS) from the beginning to the conclusion of my divorce. Thank you to the whole Sutton Law Firm including the office and legal staff!” — Mary, 5-Star Review
Legal Consultation
During the initial consultation at one of our law offices in Lakeland, St. Petersburg, or Bartow, our team will review your case and determine if a collaborative approach is ideal for you. In divorce cases where abuse or other serious issues affect your ability to cooperate, we may recommend litigation rather than the collaborative divorce process.
Invitation to Collaborate
If needed, we can invite your spouse (and their legal representation if they already have an attorney) to consider a collaborative effort. We can encourage your spouse to hire a family law attorney who understands the collaborative divorce process.
Facilitator and Neutral Professionals
If all parties agree to a collaborative divorce, we can then determine who will be the facilitator and what kinds of neutral consultants and professionals will be necessary.
The First Four-Way Meeting
During the first four-way meeting, the spouses and their family lawyers sign the Collaborative Law Participation Agreement. This ensures spouses are committed to resolving disputes out of court and that their collaborative attorneys will not represent them if their case goes to litigation.
Subsequent Meetings
Additional meetings are required so financial disclosures can be reviewed and any issues of note can be discussed as a group. The goal is to achieve an amicable solution to various family law matters. The number of meetings and amount of time required for successful collaboration will vary based on individual needs and the complexity of the case.
Taking a Collaborative Approach To Child Custody and Child Support
Entering a collaborative arrangement can be even more beneficial if there are shared children to consider. This approach ensures that your children's best interests stay front and center throughout the proceedings. It can promote cohesion between all parties involved and create a smoother transition into this new phase of life for your family.
Our attorney in Lakeland recommends applying collaborative law to child custody whenever possible. Taking a collaborative approach opens up possibilities to create a more customized parenting plan that serves your family's unique needs. It makes it easier to consider special circumstances like work and school schedules, extracurriculars and travel, home environment, sibling relationships, and the children's wishes in a method that remains amicable.
When and Where Can We Meet You? Arrange a Consultation With Debra Sutton
Debra J. Sutton is an attorney who aims for successful and agreeable outcomes in all situations. She is an excellent choice to represent you if you're interested in taking a collaborative approach to your divorce or another legal matter related to the well-being of your family.
We invite you to book an appointment at one of our three Central Florida offices (one in Lakeland, one in St. Petersburg, and one in Bartow) for a thorough review of your case and an assessment of your options. Send us a message online or call us at:
“I couldn’t have asked for better representation.”
“Their team handled my family matter with compassion, and professionalism. They kept me informed, listened, and guided me through every step. I couldn’t have asked for better representation. Highly recommended for anyone needing trusted family law support.”
— Victoria, 5-Star Review
Pausing Litigation to Try Collaboration Instead A Way to Avoid Divorce Court Delays
Collaboration During Litigation
Court hearings take time to schedule. Some spouses in divorce litigation have decided to pause litigation and take a collaborative approach instead to save time. Collaborative lawyers can attempt to fast-track a resolution rather than waiting for the next court hearing.
Collaborating on Certain Issues
Not all disputes need to be settled in court or through collaboration alone. Some spouses may decide to collaborate on parenting and time-sharing issues to expedite a resolution while handling financial disagreements through litigation.
What If My Spouse Does Not Want a Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative law requires both spouses to agree to collaboration. If you would like to try a collaborative approach but your spouse is unsure if it's right for them, that can become a major setback. Similarly, your spouse may have already hired a lawyer, and their legal representation may be unfamiliar with the collaborative process or unwilling to participate.
Our firm can offer assistance if your spouse is reluctant to collaborate. We can provide access to collaborative process groups so your spouse can at least consider the potential time and cost benefits of this resolution method. While this is no guarantee that your spouse will agree to a collaborative divorce, providing information and resources is worthwhile.
