Understanding the Joint Meeting in Collaborative Divorce
A joint meeting in a Collaborative Divorce is where you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys work together to resolve divorce issues outside of court. As Collaborative Divorce has evolved, these meetings also include other neutral professionals who help address finances, parenting, and communication in a creative, efficient and private way.
Who May Be Involved in a Joint Meeting
In addition to attorneys, Collaborative Divorce typically includes a neutral financial professional or a mental health professional who serves as a facilitator. The financial professional helps gather and organize financial information and assists with discussions about support, the division of assets and liabilities, and future planning.
The mental health professional works with you and your spouse on parenting issues, prepares a parenting plan, and keeps discussions focused and productive. In some cases, a child specialist may also be involved, especially if the children have special needs, when parents need support improving communication, or when parenting skills need improvement.
Why These Meetings Are Structured This Way
The right divorce professionals allow each issue to be addressed by someone with focused experience. One professional can concentrate on parenting, another on finances, while attorneys review agreements and provide legal guidance. Unlike typical litigation, the financial professional and facilitator involved in Collaborative Divorce are neutral, providing information and guidance focused on the family as a whole rather than advocating for one side. This structure reduces duplication of work and helps keep discussions organized.
Each spouse also has the benefit of having an independent attorney with a focus on helping the couple resolve everything, instead of creating conflict.
The collaborative teams will also meet separately to plan joint meetings with you and your spouse and to review how the process is progressing. These private discussions allow the team to adjust strategies, address misunderstandings, and improve communication moving forward. The goal is to make sure you understand everything that is happening during the negotiation of the settlement of your divorce.
Over time, these meetings help you and your spouse build skills for resolving disagreements respectfully, so future issues can be handled without returning to court or relying on professionals.
Flexibility and Efficiency Compared to Court
Courts have limited flexibility and tight schedules. Hearings can take months or longer to be scheduled, leaving you and your family stuck waiting for decisions. Collaborative Divorce joint meetings are scheduled based on availability, sometimes just days apart.
When everyone is prepared and willing to participate, the process moves more efficiently. Issues are addressed as they arise, rather than waiting for a court date. This allows you to move forward quicker, efficiently and with less disruption.
Focused Problem Solving
Joint meetings are not about making demands. They are about identifying issues, sharing information, and working toward solutions that fit your family. By meeting together and keeping discussions private, you remain actively involved in shaping the outcome instead of waiting for a judge to dictate what your future will look like.
Contact the Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin
If you are considering Collaborative Divorce or want to better understand how the process works, having the right guidance matters. The Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin focus on helping you participate in thoughtful discussions that support informed decision making. To schedule a consultation, contact Robert J. Merlin at (305) 448-1555.
The Law Offices of Robert J. Merlin, P.A. are located at 250 Catalonia Avenue, Suite 706, Coral Gables, Florida 33134.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a joint meeting limited to four people?
No. A joint meeting includes the couple, and their attorneys plus additional professionals may be included when their involvement supports better outcomes.
Are joint meetings required in Collaborative Divorce?
Joint meetings are a core part of the collaborative process , though the number and structure of meetings depend on your needs.
Do joint meetings replace court hearings?
Yes. The goal is to resolve issues through these meetings, so court involvement is minimal or avoided.
Bob Merlin is a Florida Bar Board Certified Family Law Specialist, he practices in the areas of divorce, time-sharing of children and parenting plans, child support, alimony, paternity, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, and cohabitation/partnership agreements.
As an experienced Collaborative attorney, Bob continually hones his skills in the Collaborative Process and trains other professionals how to become a Collaborative professional as he is.
“My goal is to help divorcing and other family law clients make well-informed decisions so they experience a more efficient process and feel more in control over their futures.”
