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LITIGATED DIVORCE
Each spouse hires their own lawyer to represent his or her interests in negotiating with their spouse’s attorney and during court proceedings. If you have children, the court may appoint an attorney (Law Guardian) to represent their interests. If you are involved in a litigated divorce, custody or support matter, you and your attorney will meet to discuss the appropriate strategy to best achieve your goals.
Trials to decide custody, support and property division can take up to five days. Your trial attorney will conduct extensive pre-trial discovery in order to narrow the issues that will be decided by the judge.
Thus, you may be deposed (questioned in advance of
trial) by your spouse’s attorney. Your attorney will likely
depose your spouse as well. Financial documents will be exchanged.
Experts in business valuation, taxes and pensions may be employed
to draft reports. An expert may testify about the value of a degree
or license earned during the marriage. A psychologist may give an
opinion about custody. Most divorce cases are tried before a judge
without a jury.
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