Preparing for Divorce Court Proceedings

Although it is highly desirable to arrive at a legal separation agreement or divorce settlement through some form of mediation, there are times when a couple cannot reach an arrangement and the case simply must go to trial.

If you resolve to have a trial, you must first fully realize that it is unlikely to be an easy divorce. In addition, with lawyer’s fees on the rise, say adieu to the idea of having a low cost divorce and to thousands of dollars of your hard-earned income. Be prepared to postpone your life after divorce for another year, and perhaps longer. In some states, judges have been known to take more than a year to even specify a court date.

The following divorce advice may help you know what to expect when you take your case to divorce tribunal:

• Remember that a divorce trial is public. Be on time and try to act with dignity. Resist the temptation to get aggravated and emotional.
• Be honest with your attorney and with the court. Knowing that you are acting with full integrity will give you confidence when making your appeals.
• Work out with your lawyer as a team to create a winning strategy.
• Join a support group. Doing this will help you to process out the emotional stuff outside of the courtroom and outside of your lawyer’s consultation time.
• Dress conservatively. Keep your appearance well-groomed, simple and light. Avoid lavishness.
• Speak understandably and audibly. If your words cannot be heard by everyone in the courtroom, you may be asked to repeat what you said.

Coping with divorce is often more challenging for those who need to have a trial. If there is still an opening for mediation, do your best to work with your spouse and with both of your lawyers. At best, the professionals that you and your spouse hired are trying to offer their best divorce help to all concerned.