When you’re going through a divorce, the last thing most people want is to battle it out in court. Many families prefer privacy, dignity, and a process that focuses on solutions rather than conflict. That is exactly what Collaborative Divorce is designed to do — and an analysis of a decade of survey data from Florida shows it is working!
This blog post summarizes findings from a comprehensive study conducted using information provided to the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (FACP) Research Committee at the end of Collaborative matters (professionals can submit their data here). The full article originally appeared in the Florida Bar Family Law Section Commentator Magazine, Volume XLV, Issue 1, 2025 and was authored by Collaborative Facilitator Dr. Randy Heller and Collaborative Attorney Adam B. Cordover.
What Is Collaborative Divorce?
Collaborative Divorce is an out-of-court process where each spouse has their own attorney, and the couple works with trained professionals to reach agreements respectfully. Instead of fighting in court, the focus is on problem-solving, protecting children, and helping families move forward.
Many families choose Collaborative Divorce because it offers:
- Privacy – negotiations happen in confidential meetings, not open court
- Respect – the process focuses on reducing conflict
- Support – teams often include mental health and financial professionals
- Control – the couple, not a judge, makes the decisions
The Florida Collaborative Divorce Analysis: What Was Reviewed?
Since 2014, Florida Collaborative professionals have voluntarily reported data about completed Collaborative Divorce and family law matters. No personally identifiable data was requested, so privacy remained. The research reviewed 299 Collaborative cases across Florida and examined:
- Whether cases reached agreements
- How long cases took
- How difficult the matters were
- Which neutral professionals participated on the teams
- Average cost ranges
- Whether families had children
- Financial and demographic trends
The intention of the survey was simple: to gather data that would help families and others make informed choices and to better understand how Collaborative Divorce serves Florida families.
Do Collaborative Divorce Cases Actually Succeed?
Yes, the vast majority of Collaborative Divorce matters complete with a full agreement.
Here’s what Florida professionals reported:
- Over 85% of Collaborative cases reached full agreements
- About 2% reached partial agreements
- Only about 11% ended without agreements
- In the remaining responses, the clients either reconciled or the result was not reported.
That means the overwhelming majority of families were able to resolve every issue without fighting in court.
How Long Does Collaborative Divorce Take?
Divorce is emotional, and many people worry it may drag on. The data analysis depicted that most Collaborative cases completed in a reasonable timeframe:
- Nearly 30% finished in three months or less
- 60% were completed in six months or less
- Over 90% finished within a year
Cases that took longer were usually influenced by severe emotional, relational, or mental health challenges, lack of trust, or especially complicated situations — which are common realities in divorce. Having trained professionals supporting families can help significantly with screening for and managing these challenges.
Is Collaborative Divorce Only for “Easy” Cases?
Absolutely not.
More than half of reported cases were described by professionals as moderately difficult, difficult, or very difficult. Many involved:
- Trust issues
- Infidelity
- Mental health, relational, or emotional struggles
- Power imbalances
- Disagreements about money or alimony
Even with these challenges, most families were still able to reach agreements and avoid court. That speaks volumes about the strength and structure of the Collaborative Process.
What Does Collaborative Divorce Cost?
Cost matters, especially during a major life transition.
The research reviewed 217 cases where full professional fees were reported. Costs varied depending on complexity, the number of professionals involved, and the work needed. Some families spent under $20,000, while some complex or high-asset cases exceeded $100,000. Here is the full breakdown of costs from the survey:
- 11% (24 matters) cost a total of $20,000 or less for all professionals.
- 13% (29 matters) cost a total of between $20,001 to $30,000 for all professionals.
- 18% (38 matters) cost a total of between $30,001 to $40,000 for all professionals.
- 13% (29 matters) cost a total of between $40,001 to $50,000 for all professionals.
- 19% (42 matters) cost a total of between $50,001-$75,000 for all professionals.
- 10% (22 matters) cost a total of between $75,001 to $100,000 for all professionals
- 15% (33 matters) cost a total of more than $100,000 for all professionals.
Besides Lawyers, Are Other Professionals Involved?
Generally, yes, Collaborative Divorce matters in Florida involved neutral professionals.
One encouraging takeaway is that having a trained mental health professional (called a Neutral Facilitator in Florida) often reduced conflict, improved communication, and helped cases move more efficiently, which can save time and reduce stress. Eighty-four percent of cases involved a Neutral Facilitator.
Another encouraging takeaway is that having a trained financial expert (called a Neutral Financial Professional) often brought clarity, reduced confusion, and helped streamline financial information so couples could make informed decisions more efficiently. This can lower stress, reduce unnecessary duplication of professional work, and support better long-term financial outcomes. Ninety-two percent of cases involved a Neutral Financial Professional.
Who Uses Collaborative Divorce?
Florida data shows Collaborative Divorce is used by all types of families:
- About 80% of cases involved minor children (and 20% of cases did not involve minor children)
- Clients ranged widely in age
- Families included both modest and high-net-worth households
- Most cases involved couples from diverse professional and personal backgrounds
The takeaway? Collaborative Divorce is not only for wealthy families or “amicable” situations. It is designed for real people dealing with real challenges.
Why This Matters to You
If you are facing divorce, you deserve options. Court is not the only path, and for many families, it may not be the best one.
Collaborative Divorce may be right for you if you want:
- Privacy
- Respectful communication
- Support for children
- A structured, team-guided approach
- A chance to reduce fighting and emotional damage
Final Thought on Florida’s Collaborative Divorce Analysis
Divorce is one of the most difficult moments in life. This research shows that Collaborative Divorce helps many Florida families resolve their issues efficiently, respectfully, and with dignity, and that can be priceless.
Author Bios
Adam B. Cordover, J.D., M.A. is a Florida Accredited Collaborative Professional, Collaborative Lawyer, and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator. He practices exclusively in out-of-court dispute resolution and represents clients statewide through Family Diplomacy: A Collaborative Law Firm with offices by appointment in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Adam also trains Collaborative Professionals internationally. Learn more at FamilyDiplomacy.com.
Randy J. Heller, Ph.D., LMFT, LMHC is a leader in the field of Collaborative Family Law and served as Chair of the FACP Research Committee. Dr. heller also serves on the Board of the IACP and NYACP. As a licensed mental health professional, she helps families improve communication, reduce conflict, protect their children (where applicable), and create better outcomes during divorce and beyond. Learn more at FamilyNetworkFlorida.com.
Adam and Randy are both co-founders of the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals Research Committee, and strongly encourage professionals to report their data at the end of their case. Data can be reported here.
