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