Board Certified Family Law Specialist Matt Arnold answers the question: ” I’m considering separating from my spouse; what actions should I refrain from doing?”
The day you have anxiously anticipated and prepared for is here: It is finally your day in court to settle your divorce. You have likely been waiting many months for this day and your attorney has prepared for hours and hours for every contingency. It can be scary to finally set foot in a courtroom; you have endured hours of interviews, depositions, settlement negotiations, and other proceedings to prepare for a judge to make a determination. Below are tips to keep in mind before going into family court to ensure the best possible outcome.
There is no formal dress code for court, but it can be beneficial for you yourself to dress in business or business-casual attire. The way you are dressed can set the tone for the entire proceeding. While there is no official dress code, as human beings we all still have perceptions of individuals based on their wardrobe. Looking professional and polished can give you an unconscious boost in the eyes of the court.
Prepare for Surprises
Before you step into the courtroom, your attorney will likely prep you on what you might expect to happen during the proceedings. Even with the most preparation, there is still the chance of a surprise happening – whether that be positive or negative. While there is no way to know what a surprise might be, you can anticipate certain things and be prepared. Show up to the court house early in case there is a line to get in, know the facts of the case and what you are seeking in the event there is an unexpected question, and trust your attorney to navigate you through any unexpected issues that arise.
Know the Key Players
Since the opposing party is your soon to be ex-spouse, it is not likely that there will be many, if any, unexpected people at the court hearing. Your spouse and his or her attorney will sit on the other side of the aisle from you and your attorney in front of the judge. Any courtroom observers or friends and family supporting you can sit behind you in the benches and seats provided.
Prepare for Security
Every courthouse has security. Courthouses have metal detectors that individuals must pass through before entering the court. This is to keep everyone safe and avoid any weapons being brought into the courthouse. Be sure to follow any rules posted at your local courthouse to make the security process a breeze. Avoid bringing more belongings than necessary and be prepared to take off any outer layers you are wearing, like a coat.
Anyone can be anxious or nervous about going to court. Whether this is your first time in front of a judge or you are a seasoned professional, going to court where a legally binding decision is made is a big deal. The family law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC are here to help you navigate your way through your day in court. We make sure to prepare thoroughly so that as many surprises as possible can be eliminated. Contact us today for a consultation. If you find yourself facing a complicated family law matter and need the help of experienced family-law attorneys in or around Charlotte, Lake Norman, or our new office in Monroe, please contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today at (704) 370-2828 or find additional resources here.
The family law practice group at Arnold & Smith, PLLC includes two Board-Certified Family Law specialists and one Child Welfare Law specialist, as well as several attorneys with many years of family law experience that are committed to providing a powerful voice to individuals facing the often-tumultuous issues in this area of law. The range of issues our family law clients may be facing include pre- and post-nuptial agreements; separation agreements; post-separation support; child support (both temporary and permanent); absolute divorce; divorce from bed and board; military divorce; equitable distribution of assets; child custody (both temporary and permanent); retirement benefits and divorce; alimony and spousal support; adoption; and emancipation. Because this area of the law is usually emotionally charged and complicated, the family law attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC act with the utmost dedication to ensure that each client understands his or her options, and then act to achieve the best result possible for that client’s particular situation.
Source:
https://www.nccourts.gov/going-to-court/going-to-court-basic-information
https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/articles/drennan.pdf
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