6 Useful Tips for Handling Divorce Court

If you’ve never gone through a divorce before, you should know what happens in divorce court. You may worried this will go downhill fast, but if you follow the tips in this guide, listen to your lawyer, and prepare, you should be fine.

What happens in divorce court?

Well, it’s not a battle and it’s not a war. Both sides make the case, argue on child custody, property, and money, and a judge makes a decision.

How You Dress Says a Lot

This does depend on the man and woman question. Some suggest women should not dress “sexy,” but really that’s quite obvious. Be professional: act like this is an important interview. You need not wear the dress showing all your legs nor the leather jacket with all the holes. Dress for success, not to make a big impression.

Be Honest, Be Fair

Be honest with your lawyer, be honest with the judge, and be fair with your spouse. You are more than likely going to lose some things, unless there is clear evidence of wrong doing on one side. Some take divorce court as an opportunity to get back at their spouse; if he or she cheated on you, it’s understandable to be angry. However, the more honest you are, the more mature you act, the better you will look to a judge. Though you may want to strike a home run, just play it safe.

Respect the Judge

Show your divorce judge respect. Instead of being smart – or trying to explain every detail of your side – be honest with the judge and understand he or she has a lot of power in your case. If you play smart, be disrespectful, how will that help your case?

Emotions

Rarely will a divorce which has to go to court – instead of mediation – be agreements and farewells. Your emotions may get the best of you. You have a right to show them, but avoid doing so in court. If you cry through the whole proceeding, or explain to the judge how much you hate your spouse, it helps nothing. Will it ruin your case? Not always, but if you act unprofessional, it may hurt the final decision.

Refer to Your Lawyer

Finally, walk every step your lawyer tells you to, say what he or she tells you to, be quiet when your lawyer asks, and only contradict them when it’s not a legal issue. Yes, you are paying this lawyer, but you are paying him or her for court room experience.