Initial Status Conference
First meeting with the Court
Every case filed in the domestic court requires an initial status conference be held with a judicial officer or a court facilitator. This happens very early in the process. Sometimes Orders can be entered at this conference.
Financial Disclosures
Exchanging financial information
Certain financial disclosures are required to be exchanged in every case filed in the domestic court. These are mandatory under all circumstances. These are due within the first few months after a case has started.
Experts
Specialized input can be necessary
There are several types of experts that a case may need. These include, but are not limited to, experts regarding the children (Child and Family Investigator or Parental Responsibilities Evaluator), finances (business valuators, forensic accountants, vocational evaluators), or assets (real estate appraisers, personal property appraisers).
Final Hearing
Sometimes the court must decide
While most cases settle, if you are unable to reach a final resolution in your case, a Judge or Magistrate will make the decisions regarding finances, division of assets/debts and the allocation of parental responsibilities (custody). This hearing is called a Permanent Orders Hearing.
See our Process and Helpful Information pages under Resources for additional information