Litigation

Litigation

There are some situations where separating families cannot agree on some or all of the issues arising from the breakdown in the relationship. When this is the case, as a last resort, arbitration and litigation in court are options for resolution. In both cases submissions are made to a third-party (a judge or an arbitrator) tasked with making decisions for the family.

Arbitration is private. Parties pay for the arbitrator, usually a very experienced family lawyer, to make decisions that they could not make on their own. The result in that case is an arbitration award that is enforceable like a court order.

All parties must agree to arbitrate. They must agree on the arbitrator, the scope of the arbitration and other process-related issues before they proceed with this process.

Court is public. In court parties or their lawyers ask a judge to make decisions that they could not make on their own and the result is an order of the court. This is the only process where it is not necessary for all parties to agree before proceeding.

If you have a family matter that requires court or arbitration to move the matter to resolution we have strong litigators within the firm and outside of the firm that will advocate for you through this difficult process. Our lawyers and support staff all come to this practice with decades of solid family litigation experience.  We work as a team to provide reliable advice, research, prepare court materials and represent our clients at all levels of court.

If you are representing yourself in your family matter we can still provide support and help you access the justice system on a pay-for-what-you-need basis with our limited scope retainers, coaching and virtual law clerk services.