People getting divorced often ask, "If we do not reach an agreement, how quickly can we get into court?" The answer varies depending on the county. However, all courts in the Denver metro area are overwhelmed. Due to budget cuts, increases in filings, and hiring freezes, court staff (including judges) work under a tidle wave of demands that grows larger every day.
How big is the wave? A recent post from Douglas county provided this information: Each Domestic Relations Division has only 1 or 1.5 staff. Each division receives OVER 1,000 document filings EVERY DAY. Every filing must be reviewed to determine what action, if any, is needed.
Each division also receive on an average 250 calls/messages/emails EVERY DAY from parties and attorneys. Each message must be reviewed and answered.
AND THEN, they still must review pending matters, have hearings/trials on issues, manage the caseload, address emergencies, pull mail and files, and assist the judge or magistrate in court. The wave grows every day.
So, the answer is - it will take a long while, for you to have your day in court. AND, when you get there you may be given a very limited time as so people also want their "day in court.". As such, they will not have the time to get to know you well or your case as thoroughly as you would like.
However, a professional mediation can take the time to get to know you and your case. Although they cannot order either party to take action, they clearly can put more effort into your case to help you find an agreement than any court room can allow. So, even if you do not have any agreements on anything, consider mediation before demaning "your day in court."
www.divorcehelpcenter.net.