The third stage of litigating a family law dispute begins after the discovery phase has been completed. This critical part of your case is when your initial goals are reassessed, refined or even reconsidered.
Common Strategic Considerations
- Do you have the evidence needed to reach your goals?
- Have you gathered evidence of wrong-doing (i.e. hiding assets, adultery, etc.)?
- Do you need to gather additional evidence to strengthen a weak area of your case?
- Has the evidence provided the ability to be more aggressive with you goals?
This is the time to assess your entire case based upon the evidence gathered. The next phase is where the family law dispute is resolved. This resolution is either a settlement or a contested trial. If you have evidence of serious wrong-doing on the other side’s part, then more options are available. However, if the evidence favors the other side, it may be in your best interest to minimize your exposure by preparing to negotiate.
This stage can best be described as planning. For example:
- If you are seeking to change custody, when is the best time for a trial to occur?
- If you have custody of a child under the Temporary Orders, should you delay the trial or move more quickly?
- In a divorce, what types of debt do you want to avoid taking settling your case?
- What witnesses are most critical, and how can their testimony be protected (i.e. change of heart, bad memory, etc)?
Gerald Tadlock is an experienced family law attorney who brings years of experience and creativity to your case. You will not receive “cookie cutter” advice, but outside-the-box thinking. You will also be part of the planning and preparation process. Because this is your life, these are your children, and this is your case. We are here to make your life better.
Once the Strategy Phase of the family law dispute ends, it is time for resolution.
