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Law Offices Of David Bliven
Law Offices Of David Bliven
  • White Plains Office 19 Court Street
    Suite 206
    White Plains, NY 10601
  • Bronx Office 3190 Riverdale Avenue
    Suite 1
    Bronx, NY 10463

Family Law: Court Decisions

Family Law: Court DecisionsThe following article will cover:

  • The duration of a contested family law or divorce case trial.
  • Client’s decision-making authority in a contested divorce matter.
  • Experience of the firm in guiding clients through the trial process in contested family court and divorce court in New York State.

How Long Might I Expect A Contested Family Law Or Divorce Case Trial To Take?

The duration of a contested family law or divorce case trial depends on the specific issues at hand. A straightforward financial trial may take place over two to three court dates, while custody trials typically take three to five trial dates. For combined custody and financial trials, the trial may last between three and ten trial dates, depending on the amount of trial time the Judge gives the case on any given day.

The timeline also depends on the Judge and the backlog of cases in the court. For instance, (as of this writing in 2023) the New York City Family Courts are still backlogged due to COVID, with Judges only giving trials in one or two-hour blocks of time. As a result, trials take a long time to complete.

In Family Court, child support trials are generally quick unless one party owns a business, in which case extensive documentation on business and corporate records and expenses will be necessary. If both parties have “on-the-books” incomes, a trial is simpler & can be completed in one or two court dates.

Who Makes The Final Decision In A Contested Divorce Matter?

In a contested divorce matter, it is always the client who makes the final decision on settlement or whether to take the case to trial.

But while the client determines the settlement terms and whether or not to proceed to trial, the attorney advises on the law, the odds of winning, and the strengths or weaknesses of the case on individual issues.

Are The Decisions Made By The Judge In A Trial Final? Can These Decisions Ever Be Appealed In A Contested Divorce Case?

In a contested divorce case, all decisions made by a Judge after trial are presumptively appealable, provided that they are incorporated into a final order or judgment of divorce. If you feel there is a solid basis to do so, you can possibly file a motion to renew or re-argue the decision. All decisions are final only at the trial level, but subject to the ability to appeal or file a motion to renew.

What Is Your Firm’s Experience In Guiding Clients Through The Trial Process In Contested Family Court & Divorce Court In New York State?

With 25 years+ of experience in family law, including hundreds of trials as a former family court prosecutor and private practice attorney, our firm has extensive experience guiding clients through the trial process in contested family court and divorce court in New York State.

Family law has been the sole focus of our practice for the past decade, and we have handled numerous cases in this area, distinguishing us from attorneys who handle multiple areas of law. By specializing in family law, we have acquired in-depth knowledge and skills, which enable us to provide our clients with the best possible representation in contested custody or financial issues.

With the guidance of a skilled attorney for Family Law Cases, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that we’ll make it look easy. For more information on Family Law in New York, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (347) 797-1188 today.

Law Offices Of David Bliven

Call Now To Schedule A 20-minute Case Assessment
Or Full 50-minute Case Strategy Consultation!
(347) 797-1188 | (914) 362-3080