Litigation begins with the filing of a complaint or similar legal pleading. Each party retains an attorney, who represents that party in the court proceedings and in the negotiation of any settlement agreement. Cases which cannot be settled privately are decided by the court.

Litigation:

Removes the decision-making from the parties, , and places it with the court.

Requires the attorneys to prepare for trial from the time the case begins, even if they are trying to settle it.

Makes a public record of the parties' disputes.

May involve taking depositions and hiring experts to provide reports.

Can be lengthy and costly.

If your family law issue is one which cannot be handled through collaborative practice or mediation, the Law Office of Theresa Barrett Male has the trial experience to advocate effectively for you.