Collaborative Divorce: The Ultimate Peace-Making Process

Cecilia Armenteros | Armenteros Law, P.A.

Cecilia Armenteros is a Florida attorney with over 30 years of legal experience. She is the founder and owner of Armenteros Law, P.A, where her practice focuses primarily on family law, real estate, and probate. Cecilia is also a trained Collaborative attorney and Florida Supreme Court-certified family mediator. Cecilia occasionally serves as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for children in cases involving divorce, domestic violence and paternity. She excels in managing complex financial matters, while prioritizing the best interests of children. She is the current President of the Florida Chapter of AFCC, a Past President of the First Family Law American Inns of Court, a member of the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (FACP), and is a member is several Florida practice groups.

Edward S. Sachs | CPA, ACP

Edward Sachs is a Certified Public Accountant and Accredited Collaborative Professional. After 25 years of representing spouses in litigated divorces, in 2016, Mr. Sachs opened his own accounting practice dedicated to the Collaborative Process and other alternatives to litigation in settling financial issues in divorce and business.

Ed is a Past President of the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (FACP) and is a member of three practice groups in Miami-Dade, Broward and South Palm Beach counties. He currently serves as the President of My Collaborative Team, the not-for-profit publisher of the #1 distributed weekly Collaborative Family Law Newsletter in North America. Mr. Sachs has trained countless professionals throughout Florida in the Collaborative Process and has taught Collaborative Ethical Standards for the past three years at the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals Annual Forum.

Ronda Fuchs | Ronda Fuchs, Psy.D.

Ronda Fuchs, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist, an Accredited Collaborative Divorce Facilitator, Qualified Parent Coordinator, and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator. Dr. Fuchs has been in private practice in Florida for 29 years. She treats individuals, couples, and families and works as a Neutral Facilitator in Collaborative Divorce. She presented on Collaborative Divorce including: My Collaborative Team, Florida Association of Collaborative Professionals, and Family Court Services.

She is a member of the American Psychological Association, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, the Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals, the Collaborative Family Law Institute of Miami, The Collaborative Family Law Professionals of South Florida, and My Collaborative Team. Dr. Fuchs graduated with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 1995, followed by a Post-Doc Fellowship at UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She received her undergraduate degree from Florida International University in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.

I. Foundations of Collaborative Divorce | 1:00pm – 1:40pm 

• The core principles of collaboration in family law
• Understanding the roles of attorneys, financial professionals, and mental health specialists in the process
• Exploring how this model prioritizes family well-being and long-term stability

II. Comparing Collaborative Divorce to Traditional Litigation | 1:40pm – 2:30pm

• Key distinctions in time, cost, and emotional impact

Break | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

• Common pitfalls in adversarial divorce processes and how collaboration addresses them
• Real-world examples of outcomes achieved through collaboration

III. Practical Steps in the Collaborative Process | 2:30pm – 3:10pm

• Structuring initial client meetings and setting expectations
• Facilitating joint sessions: Agendas, communication tools, and decision-making frameworks
• Finalizing Agreements: Drafting documents and ensuring enforceability
• Addressing common challenges, such as resistance from opposing parties or unexpected disputes