Not everyone can work out a divorce settlement with their ex. The ones who can’t will have to go through a divorce trial. Preparing for the trial is something that isn’t going to be easy, but knowing some pointers going into the hearing might help you as handle this hurdle on the way to your new life.
One of the most important things to remember is that you can’t let your emotions rule you when you’re in court. Your ex might try to say things just to get a negative reaction out of you. Remember that you’re being watched while you’re in court. Try to remain calm. It might help if you let your attorney handle issues as they creep up.
It is easy to try to get off-track during the hearing. The court isn’t going to want to deal with points that don’t have to do with the divorce. Typically, it’s best to stick to the facts of the case. Try not to bring up points that won’t matter to the court. This includes things like how you were the one who handled the grocery shopping for the house unless that has a part in what happens with the divorce.
When you’re dealing with the children, remember to keep the focus on the kids. The court isn’t going to worry about anything that’s going on between you and your ex unless it specifically relates to the parenting plan. Try not to badmouth your ex unless you’re bringing up a safety concern, such as a history of abuse.
Divorce trials often take longer than a mediated divorce. Prepare yourself for the wait so that you can cope with the delayed legal end of the marriage.