Also, the Court may appoint a psychologist to do a psychological profile of the family to help the Judge make a decision concerning the best interest of the children. When lawyers start to prepare a case for settlement or trial, they employ various investigation devices both formally and informally. For example, the law allows a party to ask the other party written questions under oath. Informally, subpoenas can be served requesting information from third parties, and private investigators can be employed to obtain information. Oftentimes, experts need to be employed both as consultants and witnesses.
Experts can provide an essential component to the understanding of the issues in the case.
Depending on the complexity of the issues or the assets, this phase of the case can go quickly or over a more extended period. This phase is typically the most time consuming. Where issues are simple and assets and their values readily identifiable, the phase can virtually be eliminated. The final phase of the case involves the resolution of the case either through settlement or trial. The vast majority of all cases settle.