For parties who want the structure and finality of decision-making provided by a more traditional court proceeding — but with greater flexibility, privacy, and control over scheduling — a Consensual Special Magistrate (CSM) may be an ideal option.

In this process, a qualified neutral is appointed by the district court to hear the case and decide contested issues in much the same way a judge would, including receiving testimony and evidence.

The process is binding, and the district court judge of record countersigns the CSM's decision — but importantly, the parties retain the right to appeal, preserving many of the same procedural protections available in traditional litigation.

What sets the CSM process apart is that proceedings take place privately, on a schedule that works for the parties and their counsel, rather than on an overburdened court docket and on a timeline that may be inconvenient for the parties.

This makes it a particularly attractive option in cases involving complex financial issues, sensitive matters concerning children, or situations where the parties simply cannot afford to wait months — or longer — for a court date.