Our Frequently Asked Questions
What Kinds Of Divorce Cases Do You Handle?
We do not engage in post-judgment enforcement, modification and contempt cases. We do engage in court and non-court divorce, including cooperative and collaborative law processes. We are experienced and competent and frequently engage in high-end divorce settlements.
What Are Your Charges?
Shelly’s hourly rate is $500. Julia’s rate is $390. A minimum no court retainer fee required in advance is $3,500. $5,000 for a routine court case and higher for a case with complex facts and emotional issues.
How Did Cooperative Law And Collaborative Law Get Started?
The cooperative process was created by Shelly Finman, Honorable Hugh E. Starnes and other local professionals in Lee County, Florida. The collaborative process originated by Stuart G. Webb and Ronald D. Ousky, both attorneys from the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
How Many Cooperative Law Cases Have You Had?
Over the last 25 years, no fewer than 2500.
How Many Collaborative Law Engagements Have You Had?
Over the last 20 years, in excess of 100 cases.
How Many Of The Collaborative Cases Have Not Settled, Requiring You And Your Counterpart To Withdraw?
Approximately one out of 10 engagements.
What Is The reason Why A Collaborative Law Engagement Would Not Result In A Settlement?
All of our collaborative cases settle when the parties act reasonably and are cooperative. When parties become inflexible and lack objectivity, not considering what the other side may feel is fair, the result could very well be an impasse, with no settlement.
Generally, Why Do Most Persons Choose Collaborative Law?
Most wish to save money and reduce stress and conflict. Most also do not wish to harm their children, which will result if all of the parenting issues are not resolved and parental conflict ensues. Both parties understand that there is no court; therefore, many persons choose the process in order to stay out of court to remain discreet and confidential. We find that many prominent persons, or persons whose presence or activity or business matters may be subject to public scrutiny, appreciate the collaborative process.
How Can An Angry Or Distrustful Client Be Guided In Acting Reasonably And Cooperatively?
We take time and explain to the client that he or she is entitled to feeling the way they do. However, they must be able to control their feelings and act responsibly. We may also suggest engagement of a mental health professional to help the client understand his or her feelings, control those feelings, and how those feelings adversely impact the collaborative process if not under control.
Is Family Law The Only Legal Area Of Practice By Collaborative Practice Professionals?
Actually, the collaborative process is slowly evolving into other legal areas, such as civil law disputes, estate and probate matters, U.S. Postal and is now also venturing into medical malpractice and errors. Shelly Finman has formed a dialog group of committed professionals in order to determine if the collaborative law process should be implemented in Southwest Florida for medical malpractice and errors.
What Is The Collaborative Law Participation Agreement?
Both parties and attorneys are required to sign the Participation Agreement, which is the essence of how the collaborative process works. The parties agree not to seek court determination of a dispute during the collaborative law process, whereby if a party does seek judicial intervention, the agreement requires that counsel for all parties must withdraw from further representation of legal proceedings.
This disqualification trigger actually encourages the parties and attorneys to focus on problem-solving rather than positional bargaining. The Participation Agreement also incorporates other provisions in order to encourage problem-solving negotiations.
These include full voluntary disclosure of relevant information; joint retention of neutral experts, if reasonably required; and four-way meetings for all discussions and negotiations where the attorneys and parties focus on underlying interests and further share information and brainstorm solutions. The agreement also provides for confidentiality of the process and forms the basis for parameters of conduct, including termination of the process.
We rarely engage in a collaborative process without the involvement of a neutral coach to help guide the process and assist the parties and attorneys in keeping the process moving forward with a constructive and objective focus.
What Clients Are Not Appropriate For The Collaborative Law Process?
Those clients who may be secretive and not able to freely and openly communicate, and those clients who may have a significant emotional health issue, which may include a personality disorder and who are unable to responsibly participate without significant awareness and help.
What’s The Difference Between Collaborative Divorce And Cooperative Divorce?
Collaborative divorce and cooperative divorce are both alternative dispute resolution methods. They are alternatives to traditional divorce litigation. Generally they minimize conflict and foster a respectful approach leading to amicable settlements.
In a collaborative divorce, both parties and their attorneys commit to resolving their divorce without the need for a judge. The process involves a series of joint meetings where both parties work together with their lawyers and sometimes other professionals to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
Cooperative divorce is less structured. It encourages respectful and open dialogue but does allow for the attorneys to remain involved should court be necessary for a complete settlement.
How Long Does The Collaborative Or Cooperative Divorce Process Usually Take?
The duration of either type of divorce varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both parties to be open to discuss differences in order to find a common agreeable outcome. Both methods tend to take less time to conclude than traditional litigation, which may approximate a few months to as long as a year depending upon complexities involved. Litigated divorces will, most often, require more time, which results from temporary court hearings resulting from the parties not being able to agree on procedural and substantive issues in moving the divorce forward.
How Do Costs Compare Between Collaborative/Cooperative Divorce And Traditional Litigation?
Collaborative and cooperative divorces are almost always more cost-effective than traditional litigation. By avoiding court proceedings, they reduce legal fees and associated costs.
As between the two processes, collaborative divorce is most often more expensive as a result of the required structural commitments. However, if affordable, a collaborative divorce process will usually result in a satisfactory experience and priceless family outcome.
How Do You Handle Complex Assets Like Businesses, Investment Portfolios And Multiple Properties?
Handling complex cases in divorce requires detailed analysis. Our divorce attorneys often collaborate with financial experts. This helps to ensure an equitable division of assets that encompasses tax implications and future financial needs.
What Makes Sheldon E. Finman, P.A., Uniquely Qualified to Handle Cooperative Divorces?
Attorney Sheldon Finman is one of the founding fathers of cooperative divorce law. His background in family law and dedication to minimizing conflict make him an ideal choice for clients seeking amicable settlements. In addition, he is certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid.