Tips for Your Day in Divorce Court

 Posted on April 26, 2016 in Divorce

Divorce is often a challenging process, but there is one aspect of the experience many people report being the most stressful: their time spent in court. Most people have never set foot in a courtroom prior to their divorce, and while there are ways to avoid court room battles, such as mediation, many couples find court to be unavoidable. Without prior knowledge of how a courtroom procedure works, the process can be nerve-wracking. How should you behave? What should you wear? What should you expect? With a little prior planning, and an understanding of the process going in, you can help relieve your courtroom nervousness and have a successful experience. Here is what you need to know:

Plan Ahead With Your Attorney

No one should be expected to go to a day in court without preparation beforehand. Any quality divorce attorney will meet with their client to review everything about their day in court, handling topics like what you will be expected to say, what issues the hearing will discuss, and how the court process will go. Rather than being caught off guard during your hearing, meet with your attorney ahead of time to prepare yourself. Strategizing in advance will help you feel ready to face your time in court, so it is recommend that you set aside time to meet with your attorney before every court session, as different areas of your divorce may be covered at different times.

Be Respectful

How you conduct yourself in divorce court is extremely important, as the judge is likely trying to get a sense of what kind of person you are. While showing respect to the judge is vital, is is also important to be respectful to everyone else in the room, even your spouse and their representation. This can be difficult, especially when you are being grilled with difficult questions or facing untrue accusations, but it is important to remain poised and respectful. Anger will get you nowhere with a judge, so remain calm, and leave a good impression.

Choose Your Outfit Wisely

Just as you want your actions to leave a positive impression with the judge, your outfit needs to do the same. Casual is not always better, and an institution like court requires business attire. Plain but professional is a good choice, and as general rule of thumb, dress as if you were going to a job interview. Be sure you are also well groomed. The wrong outfit choice or appearance could be taken as disrespectful.

Additionally, divorce specialists recommend avoiding wearing clothing that is outside of your typical means. Say for example you are in court arguing costly maintenance to your spouse, but you show up in a designer outfit. The judge may find that contrasting with your request to pay less.

Watch Your Own Actions

Do your best to be self aware throughout the entire process. This can be challenging if you are being asked difficult questions. Maintain correct posture, and avoid signs of nervousness. Also, remember that body language is visible, and exasperated looks, eye rolling, and other gestures can be just as damaging to your case as an angry outburst. No matter how badly you want to stare down your ex, remain collected.

Work With a Quality Attorney

At Pesce Law, P.C., our attorneys will ensure you are always prepared for your time in court, and will be there to support you through every step of the process. Do not attempt this process alone, or with an inexperienced attorney. You need help you can trust. Call 630-352-2240 to learn more about how an qualified DuPage divorce attorney can assist you through your divorce. We have helped many clients achieve a successful divorce outcome, and are available to assist you with your divorce today.

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-e-cordell/4-tips-to-help-you-succee_b_9625796.html