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also the referee, he will set the schedule of the trial, make rulings when the lawyers disagree, and rap the gavel if the courtroom gets out of control. You may have one judge throughout the case or several different judges until trial, at which time you will have just one judge. |
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How Judges Resolve Issues Before the Trial Has Begun |
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While those going through divorce await trial, they often find themselves unable to resolve even the most mundane issues on their own. When that happens, the judge on their case gets involved. For instance, John wanted to have his sons spend the last three weeks of the summer with him so that they could visit his sister (their aunt) and her family, who were in the United States for just a short time. Sarathe boys' motherhad already enrolled them in summer camp for those same weeks. Because John and Sara could not agree on a solution to this conflict, their lawyers were asked to intervene. Discussions between the lawyers also went nowhere. |
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Finally, John's lawyer asked for a conference with the judge. John brought a brochure from the summer camp, showing that there were three sessions. He had contacted the camp and told the judge that the first and second sessions still had room for his sons. He explained that his sister, who lived in Spain, would only be in the United States the last three weeks in the summer. |
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The judge immediately granted John his request. The cost to him? Less than $500 in legal fees. As an added bonus, he made a good impression on the judge (he had done his homework and had delivered his pitch calmly), whereas Sara seemed unreasonable and stressed. Not only would John get the boys when he wanted them, he would also be walking into the upcoming trial with a reputation for reason, responsibility, and calmness. |
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