Carolann Mazza | Fort Lauderdale Collaborative Divorce & Family Law

Carolann Mazza is a non-litigation family law attorney and Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She works exclusively with individuals who choose out-of-court dispute resolution processes—including collaborative divorce, structured family mediation, and unbundled legal services—to protect their children, assets, and future co-parenting relationships. Admitted to the Texas Bar in 1997 and The Florida Bar in 2001, Carolann serves families throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

Carolann’s Approach to Restructuring Families

Divorce is not just a legal event; it is the restructuring of a family. I partner with clients who value an honorable resolution, who wish to make their own decisions rather than letting a judge dictate their future, and who want to transition into the next phase of life with their dignity and relationships intact.

My approach is built on a simple philosophy: Collaborative divorce is a marathon, not a sprint.

“Just like training for and executing a long-distance run, navigating a divorce requires pacing, deep focus, and endurance. It takes time, mutual vulnerability, and a structured environment to build a durable, lasting agreement. I provide the guidance, clarity, and legal boundaries necessary to help you cross that finish line efficiently and productively, without burning down your family’s emotional reserves or financial assets in the process.”

Why My Practice is Strictly Out-of-Court

Many local family law firms offer collaborative divorce or mediation as an alternative “add-on” service, yet they continue to maintain active trial practices. I do not litigate. My firm, Carolann Mazza, P.A., is strictly a non-litigation practice.

The Reality of Hybrid Representation: Lawyers who split their time between the courtroom and the negotiating table often fall back on traditional, adversarial litigation the moment a conflict becomes difficult, highly technical,or slow to resolve.

When you hire a trial attorney, the courtroom always remains a looming threat. By eliminating litigation entirely from my practice, I ensure that 100% of our energy, resources, and strategic focus remain dedicated to reaching a creative, sustainable, and peaceful out-of-court settlement.

The Catalyst for the Pivot

Approximately 15 years ago, I handled my last traditional, litigated divorce case. Watching that adversarial process pit two well-meaning parents completely against each other—and seeing the direct, toxic fallout it had on their children—changed my career forever. I recognized that the court system is inherently destructive to families. I stepped away from the courtroom permanently to specialize in consensual dispute resolution frameworks. These methods act as an antidote to the toxicity of traditional divorce, keeping you in the driver’s seat of your own life.

Answers to Common Divorce Questions

Navigating a family transition comes with significant uncertainty. During a first consultation, most clients want answers to three essential questions:

How much will it cost to divorce?

The total financial investment is directly tied to transparency, complexity, and cooperation. Traditional courtroom litigation routinely costs tens of thousands of dollars because you are paying for trial prep, depositions, and formal motions. Out-of-court resolutions are structurally more efficient. The total cost is driven by how quickly both parties exchange complete financial documents, maintain momentum, and commit to realistic compromises rather than circular, high-conflict bargaining.

How do I go about getting divorced?

You have options beyond standard lawsuits. My firm guides you through three specific non-litigation pathways:

• Collaborative Divorce: A highly structured, private team model where both spouses retain trained collaborative lawyers and work alongside neutral financial and mental health professionals to build global settlements without ever filing a lawsuit.
• Family Mediation: A private, confidential negotiation process where I act as a neutral third-party mediator to help you and your spouse resolve parenting, financial, and asset disputes smoothly.
• Unbundled Legal Services: A flexible option for individuals who wish to represent themselves but need targeted, professional assistance on an as-needed basis, such as drafting, legal coaching, or reviewing pre-nuptial, post-nuptial, or marital settlement agreements.

Heading] How long will it take?

A court-contested divorce can drag on for months or even years due to backlogged county dockets and formal legal maneuvering. An out-of-court timeline is controlled by you, not a judge. When parents utilize a calendar-based schedule, establish clear decision-making rules, and transparently exchange records early, resolutions can be reached in a fraction of the time.

Compact Firm Facts & Credentials

• Jurisdictions: Texas Bar (Admitted 1997); The Florida Bar (Admitted 2001)
• Core Designation: Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator (Cert #25475F)
• Professional Status: Accredited Collaborative Professional (FACP)
• Industry Recognition: Selected to Super Lawyers (Family Law, 2022–2026)
• Practice Focus: Collaborative Divorce, Family Mediation, Non-Litigation Settlement, Unbundled Legal Services
• Primary Service Area: Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County
• Languages: English (Fluent), Italian (Conversational/Studying)

Professional Affiliations & Board Leadership

• FACP: Florida Academy of Collaborative Professionals (Board & Committee Participant)
• IACP: International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
• CFLPSF: Collaborative Family Law Professionals of South Florida
• CFLI: Collaborative Family Law Institute (Miami)
• SPBCCLG: South Palm Beach County Collaborative Law Group
• BCBA: Broward County Bar Association

Outside the Office

When I am not helping families find peaceful structural resolutions, I focus on activities that keep me grounded, sharp, and physically active. I regularly participate in short-distance triathlons, practice yoga, paddleboard, and kayak along the South Florida waterways. I am also dedicated to learning Italian—a continuous exercise in patience, active listening, and embracing new perspectives.