How Do I Maintain Privacy During My Divorce Proceedings in Florida?

Especially if you and your spouse are high net worth individuals, you may want to keep your divorce proceedings as private as possible. Continue reading to learn how to best maintain privacy and how a seasoned Broward County divorce lawyer at The Finizio Law Group can support you throughout this emotional time.

Can alternative methods of divorce help with privacy?

If privacy is a top priority for you and your spouse, then litigation is likely not the best option to select. This is because this process will occur in the presence of a Florida court and ultimately, your settlement agreements will be included in the public record. So, if you want to maintain the privacy of your divorce terms, such as alimony, property division, child support, and child custody, then it may be in your best interest to choose one of the following alternative methods:

• Mediation: in this process, a neutral third party, otherwise known as a mediator, will assist you and your spouse in finding a solution that works for both of your best interests. Your mediator does not necessarily have to be an attorney.
• Collaboration: in this process, attorneys will represent each spouse, and they will use negotiation techniques to help move it along. Also, you, your spouse, and your respective attorneys will sign an agreement at the beginning that ensures the proceedings will be kept confidential and out of litigation.
• Arbitration: in this process, an arbitrator will make the final decision on all terms, much like a judge in court would do.

What other methods can help with privacy during my divorce proceedings?

In addition to opting for an alternative divorce method, you and your spouse can also create a temporary agreement. That is, with the help of your respective attorneys, you and your spouse can protect your interests by agreeing to abide by specific terms throughout the divorce proceedings. Doing this before entering the courtroom will allow such agreements to be excluded from public records.

Also, you and your spouse should make a mindful decision on what grounds for divorce you are claiming. Doing so does not necessarily impact the outcome, but it does impact your public perception. For example, you and your spouse would possibly rather have the public know that you cited no-fault grounds for irreconcilable differences rather than fault grounds for adultery, cruelty, insanity, etc.

You and your spouse must review the terms agreed upon in your prenuptial agreement if you established one before your marriage. This is because this document may include privacy clauses that prohibit you and your spouse from speaking publicly about the divorce. But also, it may include settlement terms that you can finalize before bringing them to the courtroom.

If you require further guidance, contact a Broward County family law attorney today.

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