For civil cases: You may, but we will not be able to answer the question until we have the opportunity to discuss the specific facts of your case with you. After doing so, we can identify the options which exist to attempt to resolve the issue. We can also explain which options seem to be the best to achieve your goals. It may be that filing a lawsuit is an appropriate step to take, but even when we believe it is, our job is to explain the potential benefits and the potential risks of doing so to you, so that you can make an informed decision on whether you want us to file a lawsuit.
In family and guardianship cases, the only way to obtain, modify, and enforce your rights as a mother, a father, a spouse, guardian, or caregiver, is to have a court case where orders have been entered. Many of the orders in family court are reached by agreement. A hearing may still be required to enter the Agreement, but it will not be a contested hearing.
