Even in the most amicable of divorces, it is likely that you will, at one time or another, need to go to divorce court. The judge will need to have you in court for a final hearing, at the very least. In less amicable divorces, it is more likely that you will be spending much more time in court as the court works to resolve any outstanding issues incident to divorce between you and your soon-to-be former spouse. Court is an intimidating place and one that most people do not ever go to. If you are getting divorced, it may very well be your first interaction with the legal system let alone the first time you have needed to go to court. To help ease some of the anxiety that may come with a divorce court appearance, here are some tips to planning for it.
Divorce Court Etiquette Guide
As with so many things in life, appearance matters in divorce court. Making a good impression can have far-reaching implications that all parties involved may not even fully realize. How the judge views you, how opposing counsel views you, and how others view you can come to bear on the resolution of important issues involved in the divorce. Do you look responsible enough to be the primary caregiver for your kids? Do you seem honest and trustworthy or are you trying to hide something? To get the best benefit of the doubt, presenting yourself in the best light in divorce court can be critical. How do you do this?
To start, arriving at the courthouse prepared and on time is important. On the days you are scheduled to go to court, leave plenty of time to be able to find the courthouse, locate parking, go through security screenings, and find the courtroom. You should also leave some time to meet with your attorney prior to the hearing to go over any last minute prep work and to review what will go on at the hearing.
Dress appropriately. We still live in a society that judges us by what we wear. It is simply a reality that you may not be able to afford to ignore at your divorce proceedings. Dress conservatively and professionally.
Prepare yourself emotionally for your divorce court hearing. This, of course, is easier said than done, but it will be very important to be as in control of yourself as possible. Divorce covers some highly emotional, personal, and stressful issues. Brace yourself accordingly. Outbursts and arguments in divorce court may be fairly commonplace, but they rarely play out well for the perpetrators of them. Focus on what you can control and that is yourself. Center yourself and prepare for yourself for what may lie behind those courtroom doors. Breathing exercise, meditation, and other calming tools may end up helping significantly!
Texas Family Law Attorneys
Preparing for divorce court? Having the team at Navarrete & Schwartz can help you feel confident and prepared to take on divorce proceedings. We are not just divorce attorneys; we are support for our clients. We are proud to serve the residence of Midland, Texas. Contact us today.