| Why is it that the majority of Americans find ourself | | | | judge you want a trial. The judge will then set your |
| at one time or another in the middle of a lawsuit. | | | | case for a trial three months down the road and |
| Most of these lawsuits don't involve multi million | | | | then you can hire an attorney if you want. But 95 % |
| dollars but something much more important our lives. | | | | of these family law matters are resolved in mediation. |
| Usually these lawsuits come in the form of Family | | | | Now there are cases where you need an attorney |
| Law matters. Failed marriages usually bring you to the | | | | but the majority are resolved in mediation and all |
| courts at least once in your lifetime, but usually more | | | | you're paying for is a very expensive hand to hold. |
| then that. And if it isn't bad enough going through a | | | | the attorney's hand. Bring your mom or best friend, |
| divorce then you have to fight the ex spouse about | | | | they're less expensive. |
| child support, child visitation, spousal support, | | | | I'm thinking about developing a website that can pick |
| restraining orders, etc. I've seen people go back to | | | | all the forms for you, fill them out for you and give |
| court every year for ten years after a divorce. | | | | you step by step instructions on how to handle your |
| Someone wants more time with the dog, more child | | | | own case. Let's say at a cost of $ 25-30. I'm thinking |
| support, more visitation, less visitation, etc. If going | | | | the website should be able to do all of the following: |
| back to court every year after a divorce doesn't | | | | PREPARE ALL NECESSARY PAPERS TO FILE WITH |
| sound bad enough, you also have to come up with | | | | THE COURT TO: |
| thousands of dollars to hire an attorney. Only the rich | | | | * Request a restraining order against someone who |
| have money to hire an attorney. But the truth is | | | | is harassing you |
| most people don't need an attorney for family law | | | | * Respond to a Restraining Order that's been served |
| matters. | | | | on you |
| Do I really need an attorney? | | | | * Determine who the father is and make him pay |
| What I know, as an attorney, that most of you | | | | child support |
| don't know is that in many family law matters, once | | | | * Respond to papers (Petition to Establish Parental |
| you get to court the judge sends you into mediation | | | | Relationship) that say you are the father |
| and the mediator will resolve all the problems for you. | | | | * Determine if you are the father and get some |
| In fact in many jurisdictions they won't let the | | | | visits for you |
| attorneys in the mediation and if they do they must | | | | * Request custody, visits, spousal or child support for |
| not talk. So what you're really paying for is an | | | | the first time (without filing for divorce) |
| attorney to wait outside for an hour or two while | | | | * Respond to papers (Petition for Custody and |
| you go speak with the mediator. Usually the attorney | | | | Support) that are requesting custody or support. |
| is chatting with friends, working on another case, | | | | * Request to modify existing orders of custody, |
| eating, drinking and just having a great time (who | | | | visits or support |
| wouldn't be a happy camper if they're getting $ 250 | | | | * Respond to papers that request a modification |
| an hour to eat, drink and hold hands). My point is that | | | | (Notice of Motion or Order to Show Cause) |
| your case is usually resolved without an attorney's | | | | * File for a restraining order or respond to a |
| help so why are you hiring an attorney. In fact, after | | | | restraining order filed against you |
| mediation, if you're not happy with the results then | | | | Wow what a great idea. In fact maybe I've already |
| when you appear before the judge you can tell the | | | | created a website that does all this. |