Los Angeles Litigation & Trial Attorney

No one ever plans on going through a divorce or a child custody battle. Unfortunately, sometimes it happens. If you find yourself in this situation, or in any other family situation that may require professional assistance, you’re going to want to make sure you have the best possible legal representation. That’s where a litigation and trial attorney comes in. Having an experienced family law attorney is essential, but it’s also crucial to ensure that they are experienced in the courtroom and willing to take the case to trial if necessary. At Martin Family Law Group, our Los Angeles litigation and trial lawyers are ready to assist you with your case. Call (310) 694-9533 today to schedule a free consultation.

What is a Litigation & Trial Attorney?

A litigation and trial attorney specializes in lawsuits and trials. They are experts in the field of civil procedure, which is the body of law that governs how lawsuits are filed, how they are conducted, and what remedies are available to the parties involved.

In addition to being knowledgeable about the law, litigation and trial attorneys are also skilled communicators and strategists. They know how to build a strong legal case and present it in the most persuasive way possible. They also understand the dynamics of courtroom proceedings and know how to cross-examine witnesses effectively.

Family Law Litigation

The California family law litigation process usually involves several steps, including gathering evidence in discovery, pre-trial motions or “Requests for Orders,” settlement proposals and counter-proposals, and (possibly) a final trial. The large majority of cases do not go to trial, but when trial is unavoidable or otherwise worth the endeavor, our Family Law attorneys are experienced and tenacious trial litigators.

What is the Difference Between “Hearings” and “Trials”?

The main difference between a hearing and trial is that a hearing results in a court order, and a trial results in a final judgment. Court orders are generally temporary and will only remain in effect until the final judgment is entered. A judgment is entered either by agreement, or if no agreement is reached, then after trial.

In California Family Law Court, a pre-trial motion for temporary orders is called a “Request for Order”. Request for Order hearings are similar to trials in that both parties are able to present evidence and call witnesses. However, if a Request for Order hearing requires several witnesses or will otherwise take more than a few hours to complete, the matter might be set for trial.​

Oftentimes, even in highly contested cases, the parties will agree to incorporate prior orders into their final judgment, in which case they do not need to go to trial on that issue. This makes sense if, for instance, circumstances have not changed since the court made the prior orders.

When is Trial Necessary?

If, after one or several hearings, the parties are able to agree on the orders that should be incorporated into the judgment, their attorneys will prepare the judgment and submit it to the court without a trial. If, however, the parties are unable to reach an agreement, they will have to go to trial on the contested issues.

Qualities to Look For in a Litigation and Trial Attorney

Trial attorneys and litigators are trained to think on their feet, think fast, and never back down from a challenge. Some of the most valuable qualities you should look for when trying to find one for your family law case include the following:

Research Skills

A large part of being a successful trial attorney is being able to find important information quickly. This means being able to use legal databases effectively, knowing how to find relevant case law, and being able to navigate different research materials quickly and efficiently.

Analytical Skills

Another important skill that all trial attorneys must possess is strong analytical ability. A large part of being a successful trial attorney is being able to see both sides of every argument and to find holes in the other side’s case.

Communication Skills

Finally, communication skills are essential for any trial attorney and litigator. In order to be successful in court, your lawyer must be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively – both in writing and in oral argument. They also need to be able to speak confidently and without hesitation in front of a judge and jury.

Why Hire The Martin Family Law Group

If you’re facing a trial, it’s important to have a family law attorney who is experienced and skilled in court. Here are three qualities our lawyers have that make us the right choice for your family law issue:

• We have the experience you need. We handle all types of family law cases, from start to finish. This means we have experience negotiating cases and taking them to trial when needed.
• Our attorneys are great communicators. Being clear and concise is necessary when presenting a case to a judge or jury.
• We are prepared for anything. Our lawyers always have all the necessary paperwork and documentation ready before going into court or before beginning negotiations. We will do everything we can to make sure you get the outcome you want.

If you need an experienced family law litigation and trial attorney, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.  Our legal team will begin preparing your case for trial from the outset. Our legal team is mindful of preserving our clients’ financial resources and delicate family ties and, therefore, strives to favorably settle issues and cases when possible. But if trial is the only option, our family law attorneys are skilled and formidable courtroom opponents, with a stellar record of wins in the courtroom.