Going Through A Divorce? Here's What To Expect In Court
While going through a divorce isn't the most exciting time in your life, it happens more often than you might think. Just about every divorce case requires you to go to court at least once during the process. Even though you shouldn't worry too much about the hearing, you still want to make sure you are properly prepared beforehand. Consider some of the following information to ensure your court hearing goes by as smoothly and effortlessly as possible.
Avoid going to court without being properly prepared.
Before you actually go to court, you should schedule a meeting with your attorney far enough in advance to go over all of your documents and testimony. In the event you have to take any paperwork with you to court, make sure you have a copy made. You should be able to explain any of those documents to your lawyer with ease.
Going into a courtroom can be quite stressful. The best thing you can do is to make sure you get a good night's rest and eat something before going in. Being relaxed will help you to deal with the stress easier.
Don't be late getting to court.
Make sure you plan ahead to give yourself enough time to drive to the courthouse and make your way through any metal detectors. Allow plenty of time to find the courtroom where your hearing is at. Showing up late makes the court think that you don't care about your case. It is always better to be early than it is to be late.
Dealing with the hearing process itself.
Once it is time for the judge to go over your case, the clerk is going to call you to the front of the court. You will be sworn in before giving your testimony. Since you have already had a chance to go over everything before being called to the stand, you will know exactly what to expect. During the cross-examination, you might be thrown a couple of surprise questions. However, an attorney (such as one from Gearing, Rackner, Engel & McGrath, LLP) will work hard to make sure you are as prepared as possible to handle them.
Once all of the testimony has been given, the attorney will give a closing argument. This allows them to state your position and fight for the things you want to happen in the case. At times, the judge decides right then and there. Other times, they have you come back for their decision.
Either way you look at it, you need someone there with you fighting for your rights and making sure you are prepared to handle whatever comes your way.
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