Divorce is never easy, but for state workers in Tallahassee, the process can feel even more stressful due to the unique pressures of working in government jobs, the impact divorce can have on your financial future and benefits, and the cost of divorce litigation. Fortunately, there are alternative ways to handle divorce that can reduce conflict, save time and money, and give you more control over the outcome—mediation and collaborative divorce.
If you’re a state employee looking for a divorce process that minimizes the emotional and financial toll, mediation and collaborative divorce may be the right path for you. These methods encourage cooperation, compromise, and respectful communication, helping you and your spouse avoid the high-stress nature of traditional litigation.
Both mediation and collaborative divorce aim to settle disputes outside of court. This is particularly beneficial for professionals like state workers, whose demanding schedules and need for discretion make these more private, flexible alternatives to a courtroom battle.
Mediation is a process in which a neutral third-party mediator helps you and your spouse reach an agreement on any or all aspects of your divorce, including division of assets, alimony, child custody, and support. The mediator doesn’t make decisions for you, but facilitates productive conversations and creative ideas, helping you find mutually beneficial solutions.
The advantages of mediation include:
You can read more about mediators Rachel Borntreger and Jason Borntreger, the cost of mediation, and the Borntreger Law mediation process here and Click here for Frequently Asked Questions About Mediation.
Collaborative divorce is another non-adversarial process in which both parties, along with their respective attorneys, commit to resolving their disputes without going to court. In a collaborative divorce, you and your spouse work together with a team of professionals—including financial advisors and mental health experts, if needed—to negotiate the terms of your divorce.
The collaborative approach offers several key benefits:
State workers in Tallahassee face unique circumstances when navigating a divorce. Balancing work responsibilities with personal upheaval can be overwhelming, and the potential impact on your financial future—especially when it comes to pensions, benefits, and retirement funds—can be significant.
Here are a few reasons why mediation or collaborative divorce may be the right option for you as a state worker:
As a state employee, you likely value privacy, especially when your job might put you in the public eye. Mediation and collaborative divorce keep your personal matters out of the courtroom and the public record, ensuring that your divorce remains a private matter.
State workers, particularly those with long-standing careers in government, have pension plans, retirement benefits, and other job-specific assets that must be carefully divided during divorce. Through mediation or collaborative divorce, you and your spouse can work with financial experts to protect your interests and find equitable solutions that benefit both parties.
For example, you can create a division plan for your Florida Retirement System (FRS) benefits that meets legal requirements while also considering your future financial security. Addressing these complex issues outside of a courtroom setting can save you time and money while avoiding the uncertainty of a judge’s decision.
State employees often have rigid work schedules or may need to maintain a high level of focus on their careers. With mediation or collaborative divorce, you have the flexibility to schedule meetings at times that work best for you, instead of being tied to a court’s timetable. This is particularly helpful for state workers who may not have the luxury of taking frequent time off for court appearances.
The divorce process can be lengthy and disruptive, but mediation and collaborative divorce are designed to be more efficient. For state employees who need to focus on their jobs and personal lives, avoiding the time-consuming nature of court battles is an attractive advantage. By working collaboratively, you can streamline the process and move forward with your life more quickly.
If you’re a state worker with children, mediation and collaborative divorce can also help protect your children from the negative effects of a high-conflict divorce. These processes focus on cooperation and reducing emotional harm, which can make co-parenting easier down the road. A custody arrangement that both parents have agreed upon is often more sustainable and positive than one imposed by the court.
At Borntreger Law, attorney and mediator Jason Borntreger has extensive experience with state government, and we understand the unique challenges faced by state workers going through a divorce. Both attorneys Rachel Borntreger and Jason Borntreger are Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediators. In 2017, Rachel founded the local non-profit organization for collaborative divorce, and both Rachel Borntreger and Jason Borntreger enjoy the practice of collaborative divorce. Whether you’re dealing with complex financial concerns, negotiating a fair time-sharing arrangement, or simply looking for a way to resolve your divorce without a bitter court battle, we can guide you through the mediation or collaborative divorce process.
Our team, both Rachel Borntreger and Jason Borntreger are experienced in helping individuals protect their assets, maintain privacy, and find equitable solutions that work for their families. We’re committed to helping you avoid unnecessary conflict and create a plan that benefits everyone involved.
If you’re a state worker in Tallahassee considering divorce, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of mediation or collaborative divorce against traditional litigation. These methods provide more control, privacy, flexibility, and reduced costs, all of which are valuable for government employees who need to balance their professional and personal lives.
At Borntreger Law, we’re here to help you determine the best path forward. Whether you choose mediation, collaborative divorce, or another approach, we’ll work to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Ready to learn more about how mediation or collaborative divorce can benefit you as a state worker? Contact Borntreger Law in Tallahassee today to schedule a consultation and explore your options. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
A collaborative divorce is a process where both spouses, along with their respective attorneys and other professionals, work together to reach...
Hiring an attorney board-certified in marital and family law offers several distinct advantages, especially in complex family law matters such as divorce, child custody, alimony,
Divorce is never easy, but for state workers in Tallahassee, the process can feel even more stressful due to the unique pressures of
