The profusion of law shows on television are popular, entertaining, and misleading. Television needs drama, the thrill of surprise witnesses and last-minute discoveries. Family Court does not. The court deals in process and procedure, tools that exist to ensure a fair playing field for both parties—and no surprises.
In the interest of fairness, the court mandates full disclosure. What you know, your ex knows, and vice versa. This exchange of information comes in the form of Court documents. A lot of documents. Documents that must be filed and served within specified timelines so that you, your ex, and the Court are all working from the same data.
From Applications to Affidavits, Financial Statements to Conference Briefs, Requests for Information to Offers to Settle, there is no shortage of paperwork in Family Court. But, unlike bureaucratic red tape, Court paperwork has a purpose. Each document signed, sealed, and delivered contributes to creating a framework of fairness.
By making sure that all parties are privy to the same information, that everyone knows what’s being sought from the Court, and what evidence is being relied on, Court documents work for you and your family.
Dealing with the dissolution of your relationship is stressful enough, you don’t need any extra drama in Court. Surprises and unnecessary accusations just make you look unprepared and unreasonable. They can cost you and your ex more in legal fees, prolong the Court process, and will not impress a Judge. Leave that kind of thing to Hollywood.
If you have any questions about your Family Court case, or if you want to try to avoid further litigation, our lawyers have the necessary experience to help. Please reach out to us for a free initial consultation.