3.3.3 Strategic Considerations

If several courts have venue, consider which court may be better for resolving your client’s various claims. Some courts are more expensive or have more onerous local rules or procedures. Another factor may be the judges’ propensities. For instance, judges on some courts may be inclined to exclude the category of “other extraordinary expenses” when computing child support or may favor awarding 50-50 custody in every case.

The humorous saying, “A good lawyer knows the law, a great lawyer knows the judge!” is true. A lawyer should know, in advance, the general philosophy a judge may possess regarding issues presented by the case. Judges are no different than anyone else. They often bring to the bench the lessons that life has taught them which gives them their point of view of the facts of a case. You should know the approach your judge takes to issues such as fault, child support, custody, final periodic spousal support, etc. This important information will assist you in better preparing your case for trial.