Rocket mediation is a no-nonsense concept that we developed for people that want to get right to the point with their divorce! It describes mediation that starts and finishes in one session. Rocket mediation is not for everyone, but it can be of immense help for: These sessions are effective because the mere presence of a mediator…
Answer: If the parties can reach an agreement on all of the various items that must be resolved in their particular case, they embody the terms of their agreement in a document, which they submit to the court for approval and entry. This document is their Marital Settlement Agreement, also known as “MSA.” A marital settlement…
Answer: A pre-trial conference is a settlement meeting that the lawyers have with the judge. The first pre-trial usually occurs before the case is set for trial, and shortly after the discovery is completed, or is close to completion. Additional pre-trial meetings with the judge often take place just before or during the actual trial. The…
Answer: A Status court date (also known as a Progress Call) is when the case is called in open court and the attorneys are required to advise the court as to the progress of the case thus far. The court selects the dates of these appearances and the first such Status date (depending upon the county)…
Answer: Simply put, a person gives his or her deposition when he or she, accompanied by an attorney, answers questions put by the other side’s attorney regarding the facts of the case. Depositions are under oath and generally take place in an attorney’s office. A court reporter is present and everything that is said is recorded….
Answer: The discovery stage of a lawsuit starts to happen within a month or so of the original filing of the case. It is the second stage of litigation. When the case is filed, certain allegations are made regarding the rights of the person that files. The other party files a Response to these allegations that…
Answer: Yes. The Court has jurisdiction to go ahead and dissolve the marriage by virtue of your residency within the state. However, it cannot order your spouse to pay or do anything until it gets jurisdiction of your spouse. Once your ex is located and lawfully served with Summons, the court may revisit the initial…
Answer: He or she must file their Appearance and Response with the clerk of the court within 30 days or the party that filed for divorce can ask the court to enter a default order. If this happens, the court will conduct a hearing and decide the case without them.
The following sample is a generic copy of a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage which is commonly as “divorce papers.” This is the court pleading that starts a divorce in the legal system, and this is the document that is served upon the other spouse by a deputy sheriff or other lawful process server. Please…
Answer: A case is contested if the parties cannot agree on every one of the issues involved in their particular situation. Common areas of disagreement include, but are not limited to, the following: AN UNCONTESTED CASE IS WHERE THE PARTIES REACH AN AGREEMENT. THESE CASES TAKE 3-4 WEEKS AND INVOLVE ONLY ONE OFFICE VISIT. When a…
