Litigating a divorce may always be an option for Florida couples, but it isn't the only option. For couples that want an alternative, there is divorce mediation or collaborative law. It isn't always necessary to make ending a marriage an adversarial process. Sometimes, couples end up better of handling matters outside the courtroom.

Of course, not all couples are going to be able to get along well enough to stay out of court, and that's okay, too. There are times when going to court is better for all of the parties involved. However, many couples may end up being more satisfied negotiating their settlement themselves with a little help.

At least in the beginning, very few couples end their marriage as friends. If things were going well, the couple wouldn't be getting a divorce. However, there may be enough mutual respect and civility left to build a post-divorce relationship that could become a genuine friendship. This can be advantageous for Florida couples that have children.

Finding a new way to relate to each other after a divorce can be challenging. Many couples will use the love of their children as the push they need to do the work necessary to build a new relationship with an ex-spouse that allows them both to remain good parents. The couple's relationship may have ended, but they will always be bound together by their children.

Working together, making compromises and discussing differences are all part of divorce mediation and collaborative divorce. They are also essential to parenting, especially after a divorce. Through the mediation process, both parties can find their way to a settlement they both can live with now and in the future.

Contact the Divorce Mediators at Copeland Family Law in Jacksonville for more information.