Courtroom Behavior During Divorce Cases

When going to court to finalize your divorce case it is the culmination of months, maybe years, of a strained domestic relationship and marital discord. When you go to court for a jury trial or bench trail you need to leave your emotions at home if you want to have a possible favorable outcome. If you cannot leave your emotions at home then you will have to know how to follow courtroom etiquette and keep your feelings in check. This is especially true if getting to this step has consisted of months of bitter contention and bickering. If you let your emotions get the better of you during the divorce trial, you may be giving the judge reason to give your soon-to-be ex the favorable judgment instead of you. How to behave appropriately in court during divorce cases • Although divorce is a painful process, you need to come across as a serious person. Make sure that you are on time, wear clothes that are neat and tidy, and look well-groomed and light makeup. No outlandish hairstyles, tight short skirts or dresses, and no garish makeup. No matter how hard it is, maintain a calm attitude at all times and avoid body language that is negative such as laughing unnecessarily or crossing your arms while speaking. Also, make sure that your cell phone is turned off completely. • When asked to speak be respectful to the person who asked you the question and maintain eye contact. • Make sure that you are not glaring angrily at your spouse’s lawyer or your spouse. • Be truthful and honest and do not make any assumptions on behalf of the jury or judge when you make a point. • Do not spring any surprises on your attorney such as skeletons in your closet. • If you are in a new relationship at the time of the trial, do not bring them to the courtroom even if there is a custody battle and the new person’s credibility could be beneficial to your case. Ask your attorney first. • During any trial recesses do not engage in any conversation with your spouse, their attorney, or the jurors. • At the end of the trail, if things do not go in your favor do not throw a temper tantrum in the middle of the courtroom. Wait until you somewhere private. Although correct behavior in court during divorce cases does not guarantee the proceedings will go in your favorite it can help make the jury seem more sympathetic to you. If custody is also being decided during these divorce cases your spouse’s lawyer may say some negative things about you but do not display an angry outburst.