Los Altos Private Judge & Special Master

Undergoing a trial can feel like a very long, very public experience that leaves you overwhelmed. Fortunately, when you hire a Los Altos private judge & special master, you can avoid this difficult step while still pursuing your desired outcomes and future goals.

Tracy Duell-Cazes has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2002 and has been rated one of the top lawyers in Northern California by Super Lawyers every year since 2009. She believes firmly in personalizing her wealth of legal knowledge to better meet the needs and goals of every client. As a private judge, she can help you avoid going to trial while still promoting progress, clarity, and decision-making in your case.

Private Judges or Special Master in California

Before you go looking for a Los Altos private judge or special master, you may benefit from learning more about how the roles differ, what each can contribute to your case, and how hiring the right one can improve your experience and likelihood of success overall.

The Role and Responsibilities of Private Judges

In the Golden State, private judges are typically neutral third-parties whose job is to privately listen to the arguments of disagreeing parties and then make legally binding decisions about their case. This role is typically filled by either a retired judge or a skilled licensed lawyer.

There are many benefits to hiring a private judge, including the following examples:

• It may take less time: The California court system, while efficient, is often crammed and overwhelmed with caseloads. Going through the traditional pathways may take more time. Hiring a private judge can streamline your process, cutting back on the amount of time you must put into your case or wait around for a resolution.
• It can be more private: One of the main benefits of hiring a private judge is that you will most likely be able to avoid the difficulties and effects of a public trial. The private judge will be one of the very few essential members involved in your case, which can be carried out at their firm or even at your own home. However, the public may not be able to be excluded is a proper request is made to observe.
• You choose your private judge: While it is not the case in traditional trials, private judges can be chosen jointly by the parties The chosen private judge is then appointed by the court on behalf of the litigants. This means that you can select the private judge you feel is suited to your case and its unique needs.
• Private judges come with both authority and perks: With similar authority to a superior court judge but the ability to personalize your case, private judges can make legally binding decisions while doing what they can to ensure that these choices and the process to arrive at them align with your unique needs. You can also appeal their decisions if you desire to do so.
• There are many types of cases they can help with. From divorces to settlements, private judges can help you with a wide variety of cases. In 2022, an estimated 673,989 marriages ended in divorce in the United States. While many of these cases were most likely carried out in court, you can avoid courtroom litigation with the help of a private judge.

The Role and Responsibilities of Special Masters

Special masters are yet another incredible resource for those looking to sort their case out in private while still accessing all the necessary resources. Special masters, like private judges, serve as a nonpartisan third party whose main responsibility is helping the judge and/or the court carry out specific tasks. Here are some examples of these tasks:

• Serving as a mediator of sorts when there are disputes to resolve.
• Gathering, evaluating, and delivering evidence that is relevant to the case.
• Facilitating communication between every party involved in the case.
• Making recommendations to the family court and/or private judge about relevant issues, such as property division and child support.
• Assisting with negotiations and promoting open communication.
• Ensuring that the required paperwork has been completed and filed correctly.
• Working to help all parties reach mutually beneficial, reasonable, and fair agreements.
• Managing any non-compliance issues that may arise during the case.
• Scheduling necessary hearings.
• Holding all parties to compliance by implementing court orders.

Hire a Private Judge

When you hire a private judge, you can gain access to benefits, guidance, and knowledge that you may not have otherwise had. One of the main benefits of hiring a private judge is that you can carry out your session(s) in a more private place, such as your private judge’s firm or even your own home via remote hearing technology. You can avoid going to trial while still pursuing answers, doing so without unwanted viewers and/or participants.

FAQs

Can I Hire a Private Judge to Help With My Divorce Case in Los Altos, CA?

It is legal in Los Altos, CA, to hire a private judge to help with your divorce case. It does take the agreement of both parties to do so, then an appointment order from the Court. There are also many additional benefits to doing so, such as sorting out your divorce in private instead of in a court of law. This allows you to present your requests in a more modest setting where only essential personnel are present.

What Are Private Judges and Special Masters in California?

Private judges and special masters are both privately chosen or court-appointed roles that serve as a nonpartisan third party. Their job is to help people and/or groups resolve various legal disputes, but they often do this in different ways. While a private judge is typically hired by all involved parties to listen to their cases and make decisions, special masters are typically attorneys appointed to carry out certain tasks by the court, such as looking into evidence for the case.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Private Judge in California?

The cost of hiring a private judge tends to vary case by case in the state of California. This is typically because of the different impact certain variables can have on your case, as well as your final price. Some examples of these factors include the amount of time your case requires, the level of complexity your case presents, and the private judge you hire to handle the case.

What Kinds of Cases Can a Private Judge Help With in California?

In California, there are quite a few types of cases that a private judge can help with, including both civil and family law cases. Civil cases often involve a plaintiff pursuing damages for an event that has occurred, such as getting injured at work and having their employer refuse to pay them compensation. Family law cases include divorces, spousal support disagreements, property division discussions, child custody arrangements, and/or child support decisions.

Los Altos Private Judge & Special Master

Contact Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you avoid going to trial while still achieving your desired outcomes.