Sara collaborates and works closely with her clients to craft amicable resolutions in the following family law matters: divorce, paternity, post-judgment matters, prenuptial agreements, and name changes. Sara has handled a wide array of family law issues within the matters including but not limited to alimony, child support, child custody and timesharing, divorce, division of marital assets and liabilities, marital settlement agreements, parenting plans, paternity, post-judgment modifications and enforcements, prenuptial agreements, pre-suit negotiation, parental rights, relocation, parental responsibility, stepparent, relative, foster care and adult adoptions, name changes, and uncontested divorce.
After over a decade of practicing family law, Sara has found that it is best for all parties involved, especially when minor children are involved, to avoid contested litigation whenever possible. Although Sara has the necessary experience to represent clients in contested litigation, she prefers to concentrate her efforts on resolving cases in collaborative divorce and family law respectfully and equitably without going to court. Sara ensures she breaks down the legalese and the legal process throughout a case so her clients understand and checks in often with her clients to ensure they do not have any questions. Sara prides herself on being easily accessible to her clients.
❝In the beginning, it is important to create momentum and take steps in the right direction. There are more opportunities and chances for collaboration when one is not married to a specific outcome. The magic is in the pivot and as a result, success can be achieved.❞ – Sara Horowitz
Sara handles the following collaborative divorce and family law matters throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties:
- Collaborative Divorce and Family Law
Collaborative practice is a newer option for couples with marital and family law issues to resolve disputes respectfully and equitably without going to court. Collaborative practice brings together family members to respectfully negotiate resolutions. The goal of collaborative practice is to help divorcing and separating couples to focus on their most important goals, especially children, throughout the process. The end result is a more efficient, targeted and productive way to resolve disputes. Collaborative practice promotes respect and keeps spouses in control of the process, as opposed to the court and judges.It addresses each couple’s unique concerns, rather than litigation, which is driven by the general rule of law meant to apply to all. With collaborative practice, the clients agree not to go to court, which allows the process to be more open and much less adversarial. This gives both spouses control of the process and outcome as opposed to litigation, where a judge makes the final decision.This process helps to enhance communication and lay the foundation for a healthier relationship after the divorce. The spouses learn to work with each other rather than against each other, to work towards mutually beneficial solutions. Collaborative practice can be utilized for all family law actions, including but not limited to actions involving divorce, paternity, child support, adoption, name change, prenuptial agreements, relocation, and/or modification of a final judgment.
- Pre-suit Negotiation
Prior to any court action being filed, Sara can negotiate on her client’s behalf to reach a complete resolution to their case. Once a complete agreement is reached, Sara will prepare all necessary agreements, file the necessary pleadings with the Court, and finalize the case in an uncontested manner. Sara has extensive experience handling hese uncontested, pre-suit matters and will work closely with you to ensure a smooth, minimal stress process.
- Dissolution of Marriage
Whether a dissolution of marriage is being handled pre-suit or follows the more traditional route with filing and serving a Petition on the opposing party, Sara has the necessary experience and will collaborate with you through every step of the process to guide you towards a resolution. Sara will ensure the necessary financial discovery is timely exchanged prior to entering into any resolutions to ensure your interests are fully considered and protected.
- Paternity
Under Florida law, absent marriage, when a child is born out of wedlock, regardless of signing the birth certificate, paternity can only be legally established via a Court order. Therefore, a paternity action is essential to vest the biological father with legal rights and to ensure a parenting plan (including timesharing and parental responsibility) and child support are established.
- Post-Judgment Matters
After the court has executed a final judgment ratifying the parties’ agreements, circumstances may arise that necessitate a party to seek to modify and/or enforce the agreement. To modify a family law action, a party generally needs to prove that there has been a substantial, material, unanticipated change of circumstances. If a party is not abiding by an executed agreement or court order, an enforcement action may be necessary. Sara has the necessary experience to guide you through a modification or enforcement action when necessary.
- Prenuptial Agreements
Prenuptial agreements can address a variety of issues, including but not limited to property distribution, alimony, and estate planning. Sara will collaborate closely with you to craft an agreement unique to your individual circumstances. A prenuptial agreement can be essential to have in the event of a divorce as it can save you a lot of time, money and heartache. It is essential to ensure the agreement is drafted and executed correctly with full financial disclosure.
- Name Changes
If a party wishes to change his or her name or a minor child’s name, Florida law requires specific pleadings to be filed, along with fingerprints. Sara can guide you through the name change process to ensure it is seamless for you.
