Susan Keyes

Statement: Susan Keyes is dedicated to helping couples and individual clients resolve family matters in a manner that minimizes acrimony. Ms. Keyes draws on her many years of experience in family law and dispute resolution skills to help clients resolve their matters outside of the court setting in a more humane way that makes a positive difference in their lives.

Background: Ms. Keyes has practiced extensively in the area of family law for more than twenty-five years. Early on in her career, realizing the need for a collaborative approach, Susan made a conscious decision to restrict her practice to providing only non-adversarial and solution-based methods of resolution, such as Pro-se mediation, Mediation and Collaborative Divorce.

The Collaborative Divorce Process: Collaborative Divorce involves a team of professionals and offers a private, confidential and solution-based approach to divorce. A Collaborative Divorce is significantly faster than traditional litigation, minimizing costs both financially and emotionally.  The primary objective is to ensure that divorcing or separating couples resolve disputes in a civilized, respectful and private manner without litigation. Therefore, financial matters as well as other sensitive issues will not become part of the public record. Only a few documents will be filed in court after a full settlement agreement has been signed by the parties.  Parties and the team will work together to achieve the best outcome for clients and their families. This process is particularly advantageous when children are involved, laying the foundation for ongoing communication and a healthier post-divorce relationship overall.

The Collaborative Process is Based Upon These Principles:

  • The parties and their attorneys will agree in writing not to go to court.
  • The parties will engage in an honest, transparent and full exchange of information.
  • Settlement options will be explored taking into account the priorities and interests of both of the parties and their children.
  • The negotiation process includes a team of professionals in a private setting in a series of meetings, scheduled in advance.

Experience Highlights: Susan Keyes earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the George Washington University in 1988 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tulane University in 1985.  She is an honored member, and proud of her involvement, in organizations that benefit children such as the Children’s Home Society and Kidside. Ms. Keyes has been married for 30 years and is the mother of two daughters.

Certifications and Memberships:

  • The Florida Bar – Admitted 1994
  • The New York Bar – Admitted 1988
  • Collaborative Family Law Institute (Co-President)
  • Certified Family Law Mediator
  • Florida Bar Family Law Section
  • FACP-Florida Association Collaborative Professionals
  • IACP-International Association Collaborative Professionals
  • Eleventh Judicial Circuit Parenting Coordinator