Attorneys at Kahn and Reiter Talk About.......

10 Steps To Divorce

1. Complaint is filed by Plaintiff. Defendant is then served by Sheriff's Department, Subpoena Service or Defendant's attorney accepts service.

2. Within 35 days after service, Defendant files response (Answer, Counterclaim, or Appearance). If no response is filed, a Notice of Default is filed by Plaintiff's attorney and Default hearing is scheduled.

3. If case is contested (financial or custody issues in dispute), then Case Information Statements (CIS) are required to be filed by both parties involved.

4. Notice of Motions address the issues, pendente lite (Latin for "during the pendency of the action") support or visitation motions are filed 14 days in advance of listing for argument. Litigants are permitted to be present.

5. Orders to Show Cause may be filed and should be made in case of emergencies (such as a party taking the children out of state or mortgage foreclosure).

6. Discovery includes the answering of Interrogatories (written questions), Depositions (questioning in person), appraisals and evaluations.

7. After completion of discovery, the contested financial case should be scheduled for hearing by an Early Settlement Panel (ESP). If the case is settled, a divorce will be granted the same day.

8. Conference with a Judge (Case Management Conference). Discovery scheduling or Settlement Conference may be scheduled with the Court at any time.

9. Trial date assigned if parties cannot settle case and testimony must be taken to decide the issues.

10. A Final Judgment is submitted to the Court for signature.

All contested cases should be finished within 12 months.

How to Deal with Your Spouse During the Divorce

Unfortunately, divorce tends to bring out the worst in people. Self-protection requires a new set of guidelines for dealing with your ADVERSARY.

• If love is gone, substitute politeness.
• Don't let your spouse know how much you know.
• Walk away from arguments or conflict. Remain calm.
• Expect your spouse to resent your lawyer and to attempt to undermine his or her influence.
• Don't enter into private negotiations without your lawyer's knowledge and advice.
• Don't make agreements or sign anything without talking to your lawyer first.
• When in doubt, consult and work with your lawyer.
• Don't rub in your legal victories. Losers try to even up.

You can contact the firm by e-mail at: DK7200@aol.com