California Divorce: New Court Reporter Fee for Trial Setting Conferences | California Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

California Divorce: New Court Reporter Fee for Trial Setting Conferences

In the realm of family law, staying informed about changes in regulations is crucial for navigating the divorce process effectively. Recently, a new rule has emerged in Los Angeles County regarding court fees that will undoubtedly impact many individuals involved in divorce proceedings. This blog post will explore the implications of this change, specifically focusing on the requirement for a court reporter fee during trial setting conferences.

Understanding the New Requirement

As of now, if you are filing for a trial setting conference in Los Angeles County, you will be required to pay a court reporter fee of $30. This marks a significant change from previous practices where such fees were not required for these types of hearings. The shift aims to address the operational realities of court reporting, as court reporters are private contractors and not part of the court system.

Historically, the court system covered the costs associated with court reporters for various hearings, including trial setting conferences. However, due to budget constraints and changes in policy, this is no longer the case. Now, if you find yourself needing to file a motion or request a hearing, you must factor in this additional fee, alongside any other court-related costs.

What is a Trial Setting Conference?

A trial setting conference is a critical step in the divorce process, particularly when cases are not progressing as they should. Typically, this conference serves as an opportunity for the court to become involved in your case, helping to set a schedule of hearings that will ultimately lead to a trial if an agreement cannot be reached. While it is a standard procedure, the introduction of the court reporter fee adds an extra layer of expense that individuals must now consider.

The Implications of the Court Reporter Fee

The requirement to pay a court reporter fee can have several implications for individuals navigating the divorce process:

  • Increased Costs: The additional $30 fee may seem minor, but it can accumulate quickly if multiple hearings are required. This is an important consideration for those already facing financial strain during a divorce.
  • Self-Representation Challenges: Individuals representing themselves may find this new fee particularly burdensome. Without legal representation, they may not have the guidance needed to navigate these additional costs effectively.
  • Potential for Confusion: Given that the courts may not uniformly implement this policy immediately, some individuals may be caught off guard if they are not informed about the fee. This can lead to confusion and unexpected expenses during the hearing process.

Navigating the Changes

As with any change in the law, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this new requirement:

  • Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates from the Los Angeles County court system or your local court to ensure you are aware of any changes that may affect your case.
  • Budget Accordingly: Factor the court reporter fee into your overall divorce budget. Being proactive about these costs can help you avoid surprises later on.
  • Consider Legal Assistance: If you are unsure about how to proceed, consulting with a divorce attorney or paralegal can provide clarity and help you navigate the complexities of the court system.

Conclusion

The introduction of the court reporter fee for trial setting conferences in Los Angeles County is a noteworthy change that will affect many individuals involved in divorce proceedings. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and prepared is paramount. Whether you are considering filing for divorce or are already in the process, understanding these new requirements can make a significant difference in how you approach your case.

For those seeking assistance with their divorce process, our team specializes in providing affordable and comprehensive support. We understand the intricacies of California divorce law and are here to help you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation at 661-281-0266 or visit our website at divorce661.com.

 

Request For Trial Setting (FAM-014) : What Happens At A TSC

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

Request For Trial Setting (FAM-014) : What Happens At A TSC

Tim Blankenship here with divorce661.com today we’re answering the question what happens at a trial setting conference.

So, while 90 percent of the cases we handle are completely amicable and our clients do not go to court when we enter into a full agreement, sometimes I’d say 5, 10 percent of the time maybe the cases go a little sideways, not everything is in agreement as they thought and so they’re going to need to at least start getting into the court system.

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The 1st thing you would file to get into the court system is what’s called a trial setting request, a request for trial setting exactly and what happens with that 1st hearing, once you file that form you’ll get a hearing in about 1 to 2 months, usually 2 months or so, and at this trial setting all the court is doing is ascertaining what exactly are the issues and why you guys are unable to come to an agreement.

On the request for trial setting it basically says we have the following issues, the divorce itself, child custody, child visitation, child support, so you basically will mark off what the issues are.

So at the trial setting there isn’t anything you have to prepare for, there’s not going to be anything in the exhibits or they’re not going to be talking about any orders, or anything like that, the court is simply going to say okay what’s going on, you guys filed on this date, you responded on that date and these are these issues, briefly tell me what the issues are and then the judge will impose some orders of certain things they want you procedurally they want you to do.

Meaning they’ll probably say well if you haven’t prepared your preliminary declaration disclosure both of you need to do that by this time and then take these actions by this time and come back for the next trial setting conference or they may even elevate it to like a mandatory settlement conference or something like that.

So it’s basically the trail setting conference is simply the 1st step in the court ascertaining what the issues are so they can put you on a path to resolving it through a series of hearings, case management conferences, which would be the next step up to a mandatory settlement conference and then ultimately to trial.

So those are kind of the steps leading up and with each one you get closer and closer to being able to come to an agreement and letting the other party know what the issues are and letting the court know what the issues are and then, ultimately if you’re unable to resolve them through those series of hearings, it will result in trial as a last resort.

Tim Blankenship, divorce661.com give us a call if you need any help with your divorce anywhere in California 661 281 0266 or you can go to divorce661.com for more information.