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Difference between revisions of "Starting a Court Proceeding in a Family Matter"
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Starting a Court Proceeding in a Family Matter (view source)
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<blockquote>'''4. Disclose documents and information.''' The rules of court require each party to produce to the other all documents that are relevant to the issues in a court proceeding. This can include things like bank statements, report cards, medical records, school reports, and income tax returns. Each party must list these documents in a formal ''List of Documents'', and keep the List of Documents updated when new documents are found or become available.</blockquote> | <blockquote>'''4. Disclose documents and information.''' The rules of court require each party to produce to the other all documents that are relevant to the issues in a court proceeding. This can include things like bank statements, report cards, medical records, school reports, and income tax returns. Each party must list these documents in a formal ''List of Documents'', and keep the List of Documents updated when new documents are found or become available.</blockquote> | ||
<blockquote>'''5. Examine each other out of court.''' The parties may, if they wish, question each other outside of court, in a formal setting before a court reporter. This is called an ''examination for discovery.'' Examinations for discovery, also called ''discoveries'', are helpful to get | <blockquote>'''5. Examine each other out of court.''' The parties may, if they wish, question each other outside of court, in a formal setting before a court reporter. This is called an ''examination for discovery.'' Examinations for discovery, also called ''discoveries'', are helpful to get each person's views of the evidence and the issues on the record. Discoveries are almost always held after Financial Statements have been prepared and documents have been exchanged.</blockquote> | ||
<blockquote>'''6. Have a settlement conference.''' The rules of court allow a party to schedule a settlement conference before a judge ahead of trial. At this hearing, the parties will explain their positions and areas of disagreement to the judge, and hopefully negotiate a settlement. These conferences can be very helpful; the judge will serve as a mediator and help the parties work towards a settlement. The judge may also express his or her opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of each party's position, which also encourages settlement.</blockquote> | <blockquote>'''6. Have a settlement conference.''' The rules of court allow a party to schedule a settlement conference before a judge ahead of trial. At this hearing, the parties will explain their positions and areas of disagreement to the judge, and hopefully negotiate a settlement. These conferences can be very helpful; the judge will serve as a mediator and help the parties work towards a settlement. The judge may also express his or her opinion about the strengths and weaknesses of each party's position, which also encourages settlement.</blockquote> | ||
