In today’s economically challenging times, the last thing you need is a costly divorce to add further financial stress to your plate. A Family Law case is similar to any other legal case, with two ways to resolve: reach an agreement or go to court. Fortunately, family law somewhat differs from other legal suits, in that court would much rather adopt resolutions than hear days of trial.
To this end, many counties have adopted procedures to help the parties resolve their differences. If child custody is an issue Los Angeles County refers cases to Conciliation Court or Mediation. This is a free program designed to provide parties with the opportunity to meet with highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals, and be guided to work out amicable custodial arrangements. If an agreement is reached, it is drafted and signed by the judge, eliminating an appearance by the parties before the judge!
If child support or spousal support is the issue, if financial information is available, generally a short consultation with an attorney will result in an idea of what the support level may be.
In a case where pension and retirement plans need to be divided, again an appearance in court is not necessary. The cost of preparing an order for division is in the area of $500 per plan. You could simply pay an attorney to draft the order, get it approved by the plan administrator, and submit it to court without the need for a court appearance.
A case can proceed quickly through alternate resolution methods such as mediation. In mediation, an attorney serving as a neutral can help facilitate conversation to promote settlement. Even if an appearance in court is inevitable, you do not always need an attorney. But in order to have a meaningful and productive hearing, you have to have your forms properly completed and served. At a minimum consulting with an attorney to help you with the paperwork and give you an idea of what the upcoming hearing entails is certainly advisable.
Lastly, check out the Internet for help. The Reape-Rickett Law Firm hosts DivorceDigest.com where you can participate in a free interactive forum where you can post questions and get real answers from attorneys and other litigants regarding divorce, custody, visitation, support, mediations, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, domestic violence and other areas of family law.
For more information about family law matters, contact The Reape – Rickett Law Firm at 661-288-1000 or visit us on the web at DivorceDigest.com .