Steps in a Matrimonial Dispute
1. INITIAL CONTACT BETWEEN CLIENT AND LAWYER
2. FIRST CONSULTATION
3. SECOND CONSULTATION
4. EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
5. NEGOTIATIONS WITH SPOUSE OR SPOUSE'S LAWYER
6. IF NEGOTIATIONS SUCCESSFUL THEN -
6A. THE DRAFTING, DISCUSSION AND SIGNING OF A SEPARATION AGREEMENT
IF NEGOTIATIONS UNSUCCESSFUL
6B. COMMENCEMENT OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
and / or
6C. MEDIATION
and / or
6D. APPOINTMENT OF CHILDREN'S LAWYER (in disputed parenting cases)
and / or
6E. PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT (in disputed parenting cases)
and / or
6F. OFFER TO SETTLE
NEGOTIATIONS - If successful then 6A
7. CASE CONFERENCE
NEGOTIATIONS - If successful then 6A
8. TEMPORARY MOTION - (Optional and Court must grant permission)
NEGOTIATIONS - If successful then 6A
9. QUESTIONING A PARTY OR WITNESS - (Optional and Court must grant permission)
NEGOTIATIONS - If successful then 6A
10. SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE
NEGOTIATIONS - If successful then 6A
11. TRIAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
NEGOTIATIONS - If successful then 6A
12. TRIAL
13. APPEAL TO COURT OF APPEAL (If one party is not satisfied with the decision)
14. AWARDING AND SETTLING OF LEGAL COSTS
© Lawrence S. Pascoe - February, 1995 rev. Jan 2011