When facing a legal issue related to family law, it’s important to understand what to expect before and during the family court process. If your legal issue cannot be settled during negotiation, or collaborative law proceedings, your case will be heard in family court. Family courts strive to find fair solutions that make family units more stable.

What types of cases are resolved in Family Court Family court helps resolve all issues that fall under the category of family law. These include cases stemming from the following topics:

Reaching an agreement outside of court Legal counsel is not required for negotiation proceedings, although it is strongly advised. During these proceedings, family law attorneys can:

Receiving a Temporary Order After failed negotiation, a summons and complaint should be filed with the court. In addition, a motion for temporary relief may also be filed. This motion asks the court to make a temporary decision on one issue, before the official court date. Motions for temporary relief may concern the following:

The motion for temporary relief case will be heard at a temporary hearing. At this hearing, the court relies on sworn witness statements rather than live testimony to make its ruling. In addition, each party or their counsel gets time to argue their case. The court then issues a temporary order to be granted until the trial date.

Family Court proceedings If a solution cannot be reached outside of court, one party usually files a summons and complaint explaining their requests. This is served to the opposing party to begin litigation proceedings. After an action is filed, the case enters the discovery process. At this time, each party can request information and documentation from the other to prepare their case. These processes are not available for divorce proceedings, which always progress to court. Discovery usually features the following:

Sworn testimony is taken from opposing parties and witness. After discovery, both parties may attempt to find a resolution out of court through negotiation. If an out-of-court settlement is not reached, the family law case will go to trial. Once a family law matter goes to trial, both parties get the chance to plead their case in front of a judge. Each party can call witnesses to testify for them, who are typically cross-examined by the opposing counsel. Admissible documents and records are also submitted to the court as evidence. After hearing both sides, the judge will deliver their verdict. This verdict is legally enforceable, and should be accepted by all parties.

Appealing a Court’s decision If one party is not satisfied by the verdict, they can appeal the case and take it to a higher court, where the process begins again. However, appeals are difficult to win, and could end up wasting your time and money. No matter what family law issue you’re facing, an experienced family lawyer can help you face the legal process with confidence.