Years after the practice began in Florida, four years after it was ensconced in state law, and three years after accommodations were made in procedural and Bar rules, the use of collaborative law is growing with local associations supporting its legal, mental health, and financial practitioners.

There’s also a statewide organization, as well as national and international associations to help those practitioners as they expect collaborative practices to reach beyond family law cases.

“I think…it’s unique,” said Marta Alfonso, a CPA, who is also a Bar member and the treasurer of the statewide Florida Association of Collaborative Professionals. “There are some other cooperative cases, but to bring together four professionals in this type of an instance, it’s pretty unique.