Now that it's time to go to court for your divorce, you're going to need to know one very important thing, and that is that the courtroom belongs to the judge. It's okay to forget just about everything else, but don't ever forget that. Because the courtroom belongs to the judge, there are some unspoken rules that you'll need to follow. Knowing these rules before you enter the courtroom will help you have a successful day in court. Here are some of those rules.
Keep A Straight Face
No matter how much you may want to, never make faces. That includes eye rolling, eyebrow raising, and smirks. The judge is going to be watching you, and those facial reactions may make the judge favor the other side. Even if you know your spouse is lying, keep a straight face and let the judge decide the merits of the case.
Don't Speak Out Of Turn
There may come a time where you simply can't hold your tongue. You're going to need to hold it anyway. This includes controlling angry outbursts. The worst thing you can do is get upset and start talking out of turn. If you have an issue, write a note and pass it to your attorney.
Never Try To Engage The Judge
You should never try to engage the judge. For instance, don't try smiling or making gestures towards the judge. The judge will make mental notes of your behavior, and those smiles and gestures could end up hurting you in the long run.
Don't Get Combative With The Other Attorney
Since your divorce is going to go to court, you're probably going to have to take the witness stand. Your spouse's attorney is going to try and fluster you, or get you to be combative. Don't give in to the tactics. If you feel yourself heading towards an outburst, take a deep breath before continuing. It's also a good idea to take a look at your attorney. Follow their lead and regain your composure.
Listen To Your Attorney
By all means, listen to your attorney. You may have an idea of how the case should go, but that might not be what's in your best interest. Let your attorney, such as from Kolker Law Offices PC, lead the way. If you have questions or concerns, wait until court is in recess and discuss those concerns in private.
You probably didn't want to go to court. Now that you're there, you want to have the best possible outcome. Following these courtroom rules can help you make it through your trial.