I just completed a pro bono matter in the 11^th Judicial Circuit Model Collaborative Program in Judge Sarah Zabel’s division. We were able to help a young couple with one child get through the final part of their divorce in a very peaceful fashion. But as our team debriefed and completed the FACP survey, the cost of a Collaborative divorce became very evident to me. In this matter, there was no equitable distribution or alimony, just child support and parenting issues, most of which they had already put in place. Even if the four professionals had charged reduced rates, I estimate the billing would have been close to $10,000. There is just no way around it when you have four professionals.

On the billing side, I recently completed one Collaborative case in which my bill, in addition to the two attorneys’, were each around $8,000, and the facilitator’s bill was $6,000. These parties were excellent Collaborative team members and had no children that were minors. The case was settled in an unconventional way that would not happen in Court. Because of unusual circumstances, there is no question this matter would have cost the parties two to three times more in litigation.