Divorce is difficult in the best of circumstances. When the situation cannot be resolved amicably, it may head to court and you may be called upon to provide testimony. Your divorce lawyer will be familiar with the rules of the court as well as what questions that are likely be asked of you. Taking the time to prepare for testimony ahead of time can help you feel more at ease on the stand and give you confidence under questioning.
Working With Your Divorce Attorney Before The Hearing
You should never go into a courtroom without being prepped by your divorce attorney. Prior to the hearing, your lawyer will go over the case with you. He or she will present a list of possible questions that you are likely to be asked and discuss with you how to best answer or respond to those questions. Your divorce lawyer will tell you what happens in court and can answer any questions you may have so you aren’t taken unawares. You will need to provide any documentation your lawyer asks for so they can be used as exhibits.
Many divorce lawyers recommend that their clients visit the courthouse in advance of their own hearing and sit in on a few court cases. This helps the client understand what happens in court and can ease any anxiety they may have about the process in general.
Being Prepared On The Day Of The Hearing
1. Get a good night’s sleep. The best preparation for your day of testimony is to get a good night’s sleep. That may be easier said than done given the circumstances, but being well-rested will help you better understand the questions you’ll be asked and answer them accordingly.
2. Arrive early. Make sure you give yourself enough time to get to the courthouse, find parking and arrive at your courtroom. You don’t want to be late for your hearing. Try to be a little bit early so you can gather your thoughts and converse with your attorney before the court is called to order.
3. Dress appropriately. Make sure you are well-groomed. A good rule of thumb is to dress as if you are going on a job interview.
During The Hearing
At the hearing, keep quiet when you are not on the witness stand. Provide truthful answers and obey the judge’s requests.
You may get angry or upset upon cross-examination. Try to remain calm and cooperative; becoming argumentative will only hurt your case. Your attorney will raise any objections if he or she feels you are being mistreated or asked unreasonable questions and you will be given a chance to clarify your answers under examination by your own attorney. It’s important to answer only the question asked and to do so in as succinct a manner as possible.
It can be nerve-wracking to be on the witness stand for your own case, but if you are well-prepared ahead of time, you can ease your anxiety and present the best possible face during the hearing. The best way to do that is to hire an attorney you trust and feel comfortable with and work closely with him or her to prepare your case.
