Frequently Asked Questions
Discovery is the exchange of documents and information between parties. Costs arise from attorney time reviewing and organizing documents, responding to written questions, and preparing for depositions. In complex cases with thousands of documents, discovery can cost $5K-$30K per side.
No. Failure to respond to discovery can result in sanctions (fines, evidence being deemed admitted against you, or even default judgment). However, you can assert valid objections (attorney-client privilege, trade secrets). Evasive or incomplete responses can be challenged.
No. Most settle before trial, even after discovery and depositions are underway. Settlement saves both sides significant cost and provides more control over outcomes than a judge's decision. Judges encourage settlement at every opportunity.
In contested cases involving retirement accounts, a QDRO divides the retirement account between spouses without tax penalty. If parties don't agree on how to divide it, the court orders a QDRO allocating shares. QDRO must be properly drafted and approved by the plan administrator.
Simple disputed custody/support cases may be resolved in a day. Complex cases involving business valuation, substantial assets, or high-income disputes can last a week or more. The judge or jury then deliberates and issues a decision.
Yes, either spouse can appeal on grounds of legal error or abuse of discretion (not factual disagreements). Appeal is expensive and slow (1-2 years). Appellate courts rarely reverse trial judges' factual findings, making appeal a high burden and low-probability remedy.