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Transcript

Hi, everyone! Thanks for joining me today.

My name is AJ Grossman. I’m a divorce attorney with Leap Frog Divorce, a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, and a dispute resolution specialist.

This is video number six in my Myths of Divorce series, and today we’re discussing the myth that most divorces go to court.

The short answer is no. Most divorces do not go to trial. I can tell you that roughly 3% to 7% of divorce cases actually go to trial, which means your chances of having a trial in your divorce are relatively small.

There are several ways to get divorced in Florida without going through a traditional courtroom trial.

Collaborative Divorce

One option I’m particularly fond of is collaborative divorce. I’m specifically trained and experienced in this process, which takes place almost entirely outside the courtroom.

If a collaborative divorce requires any courtroom involvement, it may involve a brief hearing at the end of the process for a judge to review the final documents or ask a few questions. However, the vast majority of collaborative divorce cases never go to trial.

Divorce Mediation

Another option is to hire a mediator to help you and your spouse resolve the issues in your divorce.

If mediation helps you reach a settlement and the necessary agreements and paperwork are prepared, you may be able to complete your divorce without attending a court hearing. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and the court handling your case.

Collaborative divorce and mediation are just two examples of ways to resolve a divorce without going through a traditional trial.

My Experience With Divorce Trials

I’ve been practicing in this area for more than a decade, and I’ve certainly handled cases that went to trial. However, the majority of my cases have not gone to trial.

Why? I believe strong negotiation skills and the ability to work with people experiencing conflict and distress can make a significant difference during divorce.

My goal is to help clients negotiate settlements whenever possible so they can avoid the expense and time involved in a trial.

Divorce trials can be extremely expensive, sometimes costing tens of thousands of dollars or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Should You Be Concerned if Your Divorce Lawyer Takes Every Case to Trial?

If you’re looking for a divorce lawyer and a prospective attorney tells you that they take all or most of their cases to trial, I believe that’s worth asking more questions about.

In my experience, it’s unusual for most divorce cases to proceed all the way to trial. The majority of cases are resolved without one.

Understanding your options can help you choose an approach that fits your circumstances and goals.

Conclusion: Most Divorces Don’t Go to Trial

I hope this video has helped bust the myth that most divorces go to trial. They simply don’t.

If you enjoyed this video, please give it a like and consider subscribing to my YouTube channel. I regularly release new videos with free, helpful information about divorce in Florida.

Again, I’m attorney AJ Grossman with Leap Frog Divorce.

Be well!