Category: Family Law
Family Court Hearings: Tips and Strategies
October 13, 2022 | Jason C. Brown
Courtrooms are not meant to be friendly or comfortable. They exist for one purpose: decision-making. How do you stand the best chance at making a good impression on the judge? Here are ten things to keep in mind: Dress the part. The court does not expect you to wear formal attire to the hearing. At the same time, t-shirts and blue jeans are probably best kept for another day. Business casual is just fine. Refer to the court as “your honor.” Over the years, I’ve observed litigants call the judge “madam,” “sir,” or “judge.” All are tactful, but the path of least resistance is to simply use “your honor.” That way, the court’s train of thought won’t be disrupted. Leave your phone in the car. Cell phones are quite disruptive in a quiet courtroom setting. Some judges confiscate ringing phones and charge the owner to get it back – even when they thought it was on silent mode. Don’t take a chance. Speak only when spoken to. The judge is trying to manage a courtroom full of people as efficiently as possible. Follow their lead. If you are asked a question, answer it. But don’t try to take control of the situation. Don’t argue. It may sound counterintuitive, but there is a time…
Read MoreFamily Law ADR: Alternatives to the Courtroom
October 13, 2022 | Jason C. Brown
To the surprise (and relief) of many, only a small portion of the family cases we handle wind up in trial. The vast majority of the time our attorneys are able to negotiate a favorable settlement. Our firm has a reputation for success in the courtroom. Still, we consider trial as a last resort. Why is it important to focus on settlement efforts before trial? We find that the litigants will save substantial time and money if matters are resolved sooner than later. We also find that the parties are far more likely to abide by the terms of the agreement if they have created it. Most importantly, by working toward settlement our clients maintain control over the outcome, rather than handing that authority over to a judge. There are a number of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) models available to family court litigants. Mediation is a common process in which the parties and lawyers hire a neutral to facilitate a conversation about the issues. The mediator is there to offer suggestions on how to resolve matters but takes no position concerning the issues. Most mediators are experienced family law attorneys who have shifted their practice to ADR after many years in the courtroom. Evaluative mediation involves the retention of a neutral but gives…
Read MoreTake Care of Your Legacy: Planning Your Will & Estate
November 18, 2021 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
By: William F. Huefner For many, writing a Will and planning for the handling of your estate seems like a topic that can be pushed to the backburner. However, planning ahead and creating a Will is something that should be handled sooner rather than later. With the help of trusted professionals, it’s easy. Continue reading our blog and find out how you can ensure a strong plan for your estate. When Is the Right Time to Write a Will? The short answer is right now. As long as you are at least 18 years old, you are in a position to write a Will. Experts recommend that every adult should have a Will regardless of their age and health. A few other life-changing events that provide a good reason to write a Will are accumulating a large sum of money, getting married or divorced, when you have children, and when you start a business. Many factors can be protected with a Will. Make sure you and your family are not caught off guard without one. Writing Your Will Itemize Your Inventory The first step towards creating a Will is itemizing your assets. Start off by making a list of your assets, i.e., bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, etc. Keep in…
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