You’re getting a divorce, and it looks like you and your soon-to-be former spouse will settle your differences in court. You hoped to work everything out more amicably than this, so it makes sense that you might be a little worried about what happens next. The good news is that millions of people divorce every year, and anyone who has gone through it will tell you that quite a few of those cases will end up in court. All you need know is some guidance on how to prepare yourself for the process of litigation.
Our mission at Christman | Daniell Attorneys is to provide our clients with long-range perspectives and outstanding legal advice that help them now and help them to rebuild their families after marital dissolution. So, as complicated as everything sounds right now, you are not alone.
5 Ways to Prepare for Divorce Court
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Lean on your lawyer.
No two divorces are the same, so you can’t expect your situation to mirror someone else’s. That said, your family lawyer can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect, including a rundown of the agenda, questions that might be asked and how to answer them, how to act in front of the judge, and clarifying topics that might be addressed given your unique situation. There’s nothing wrong with asking your lawyer to share what they know. Having a solid baseline of knowledge — even if some of it doesn’t apply to your situation — can ease some of your concerns because you have an idea of what to expect.
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Gather your financial records and organize critical paperwork.
One of the best ways to prepare for divorce, regardless of whether or not you’re going to court or settling matters through mediation, is to have a solid understanding of your financial situation. Doing so saves time and money, makes your lawyer’s job easier, and also gives you peace of mind that you have everything you need right at your fingertips. Examples of relevant paperwork and financial information includes bank statements, investment information, tax returns, retirement accounts, real estate deeds, credit card bills, mortgage information, etc.
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Research the rules.
Your lawyer will likely provide you with a solid understanding of how you should dress in court, the rules of the court, and what you can or cannot bring into the courthouse and courtroom. Items like cell phones, cameras, purses, laptops, food, etc. will likely be restricted.
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Don’t be late.
Arrive with enough time to park, go through security checkpoints, and make it inside the courtroom with at least 30 minutes to spare. The judge will appreciate your punctuality, and the extra time will help you settle into your new surroundings and handle any last-minute matters with your family law attorney.
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Be honest.
This seems like a no-brainer. After all, most people don’t head into court intending to lie. But even if you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s better to say, “I don’t know,” rather than to give an incorrect answer. In these instances, the opposing side often hopes you might say too much or provide new information that can be used against you. Furthermore, answer questions briefly and to the point. There is no need to over-explain unless you are directly asked to do so.
Christman | Daniell Attorneys’ primary goal is to protect our client’s interests, equip them for a difficult journey, and deliver skilled and legal advocacy and advice in divorce court. Give us a call today!
Please call Christman | Daniell Attorneys for your legal needs today!
Are you looking for family law services in Texas? Christman | Daniell is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether it’s divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell Attorneys believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your own personal circumstances.
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