Saratoga Private Judge & Special Master

Private Judge & Special Attorney in Saratoga, CA

Going through a divorce, child custody battle, or other family law proceeding can be both mentally and emotionally exhausting. On top of that stress, Saratoga residents often have to navigate the complicated family court system via the Family Justice Center Court House (FJCC) in San Jose. However, you have options for settling the matter privately. That’s where a Saratoga private judge & special master can step in.

Whether you’re in the middle of a highly contentious battle or want more control over the proceedings, private judges and special masters can help. With decades of experience, Tracy Duell-Cazes can act as your private judge or special master, helping resolve any number of family law matters.

What Are Private Judges & Special Masters?

California allows parties to take their case from the public arena of the family law courts into a more private setting under the oversight of a private judge. Private judges are qualified attorneys or retired judges who listen to both parties’ arguments before making a decision.

When a private judge rules on a matter, it becomes binding, just like a ruling from a judge in family court. Saratoga private judge laws are established in statutes like Rule 2.831, detailing their purpose, oath, and responsibilities.

Similarly, special masters help families resolve matters outside of court. Unlike a private judge, special masters are often appointed to the case by the court, meaning the case is already in family court. However, parties can choose to hire a special master on their own. Think of a special master as a sort of referee, as part of their duty is to mediate the matter and resolve disputes.

Special masters also have other duties, including assisting in discovery, assessing evidence, scheduling hearings, making recommendations to the court if applicable, and monitoring compliance with the final order.

How Special Masters and Private Judges Factor Into Family Law

In Saratoga, Santa Clara County, the FJCC heard 8,834 family law cases for the fiscal year 2023 to 2024. Special masters and private judges help alleviate some of the caseload on the court’s docket by working to resolve matters outside of the courtroom. Family law cases can take months or even years to settle when they go through the court, but private judges and special masters streamline the process, often resolving cases much faster.

Benefits of Hiring Private Judges and Special Masters

The benefits of hiring private judges and special masters are numerous. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is how much faster family law cases can be resolved when handled outside of the courtroom. Rather than having a packed docket of cases, a private judge or special master can focus specifically on you. Similarly, their scheduling is more flexible, and you can often set meetings on shorter notice than you can request an appearance in court.

One major benefit that often goes unnoticed is the cost savings. While a private judge or special master will charge a higher fee than the court might, parties often end up saving on attorney fees. Coupled with a quicker resolution time, these professionals may be ideal for your family law case.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes

With decades of experience, the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes focuses exclusively on family law cases. In fact, Attorney Duell-Cazes has undergone a tedious process to receive recognition for her knowledge and skills in family law. Tracy can put her years of experience and knowledge to work for you as a private judge or special master. Special master laws can be complicated, and you want a knowledgeable attorney overseeing the process.

Rated a top attorney by Super Lawyers for Northern California each year since 2009, you can rest assured that your case is in good hands. Our firm strives for fairness in all matters, and we approach every case with compassion and dedication.

FAQs

What Is a Court Special Master?

A court special master is a professional assigned by the court to mediate the case outside of court and manage other responsibilities for the parties. They ensure paperwork is properly filed, schedule hearings, collect and evaluate evidence, and make recommendations to the court regarding the case. Special masters can also be hired outside of court to fulfill these duties.

What Is a Private Judge in California?

A private judge is a neutral third party, often a retired judge or qualified attorney, who essentially acts in the same capacity as a regular judge outside of the courtroom. Private judges listen to both parties and assess the evidence they provide before making a ruling on the case. Like a decision in family court, a private judge’s decision is legally binding and enforceable.

What Is a Special Master Hearing?

A special master hearing is a legal proceeding where a judge-appointed, neutral third party hears both sides’ arguments, reviews the submitted evidence, interviews witnesses, and formulates their own decision on the matter. Depending on the case, they may either take their recommendation to the judge to inform their decision, or they may make a binding decision of their own.

What Is the Difference Between a Magistrate Judge and a Special Master?

The difference between a magistrate judge and a special master largely falls down to their role in the court system. A magistrate judge is a full-time officer of the court, managing a docket of cases. A special master is assigned to matters on a case-by-case basis to handle specific responsibilities and expedite the process.

Hire a Private Judge & Special Master

If you have a family law case that you want to settle outside of the court system, hire a private judge & special master. This can expedite the process, saving you both time and money. Furthermore, they ensure all parties are treated fairly and that the case receives the attention it deserves. For dedicated private judge or special master services, turn to the Law Offices of Tracy Duell-Cazes. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about our services.