Making A Good Impression During A Court Custody Case
If you have to go to court for a custody hearing, it is important to put your best foot forward the day of your trial. You have put together the best case that you can with your lawyer, so the most important strategy the day of court is to you present yourself in the best light possible. Here are three court strategies you should employ during your day in court to come off as your best self.
1. Dress the Part
Making sure that you look presentable and stable will go a long way in court. Your clothing choices should be conservative, and not casual. Showing that you can be appropriate at such an important day can prove to a judge that you are serious about court, and your family. Court is not a place to stand out because of your clothing options.
2. Keep it Cool
Emotions can run high in a court setting. If you are going through an ugly divorce that involves custody battles or alimony payment settlements, make sure to stay calm and not get emotional. There may be things that are said about your character that could possibly goad you into losing it. Calmly answer all questions to the best of your ability and don't let the stressful situation get the better of you. Remember that presenting your side of the story clearly and calmly will bolster your case, especially if your ex happens to not keep their emotions in check.
3. Play Fair
You might think that having an aggressive strategy and painting an ugly picture of your ex will bolster your custody deal. Take a reality check on your story. If you might be coming down to hard on your ex, it isn't fair to your children or to yourself. If you come off in court as aggressive or misconstruing the truth for your own benefit, judges might discern that you aren't putting the needs of your children first. Coming off as petty can ultimately hurt your case.
Messy divorces that involve children and finances can turn into tough court battles. Your first option should always be to try for out of court mediation if at all possible. This is ultimately the fastest and most amicable way for settlements. This should be your first effort, but if this proves impossible in your divorce, try to keep calm and focused in court. Look classy, keep your emotions in check, and don't fight dirty.
For more information, check out companies such as Fraser Legal PC.