Divorce Courtroom Tips

Key Takeaways

• It’s important to be respectful at all times in the courtroom, dress appropriately, and be on time.
• Come prepared with your arguments and evidence. It’s better to be overprepared than leave something behind.
• Don’t bring an entourage to court with you. If you feel you need moral support, choose one person who can keep you calm.
• Your attorney can provide you with the courtroom tips you need to achieve a successful outcome in your divorce case.

At some point during your divorce, you will likely need to go to court, even if your case is uncontested. If you and your spouse cannot settle the issues that need to be decided, and your case proceeds through litigation to trial, you will definitely be spending time in the courtroom. While you may feel overwhelmed and intimidated by the prospect of going before a judge, there are some essential things you can do to prepare for your divorce court appearance.

Here are ten courtroom tips to keep in mind during your divorce case:

1. Be on Time

While it might seem obvious, don’t be late for your court appearance. Arriving late is not only a sign of disrespect to the court, but the judge may proceed without you. Plan to get to the courthouse at least fifteen minutes before your scheduled appearance, allowing time for traffic, parking, and finding your way to the courtroom.

2. Show Proper Decorum

One of the most important courtroom tips is to have a good attitude. Maintain an appropriate demeanor during the proceedings. Making gestures or faces when the judge or your spouse’s attorney is speaking can reflect poorly against you.

3. Dress Appropriately

Dressing appropriately shows respect to the court and makes a positive impression on the judge. Men should wear slacks, a jacket, and a tie. Women should wear a skirt, a dress, or slacks and a modest blouse. The courtroom is not a place where jeans, shorts, revealing clothing, or flip flops should be worn. If you are not sure how to dress for court, it’s best to consult with your attorney.

4. Be Respectful

Always be respectful in court. Address the judge by referring to them as “Your Honor,” and stand when they enter or leave the courtroom. Be sure to turn off all electronic devices, including your cell phone, to avoid disrupting the proceedings.

5. Only Speak When Spoken To

One of the most important courtroom tips to keep in mind is speak only when spoken to. Do not interrupt the judge, your spouse, or your spouse’s attorney. You will be given an opportunity to speak. If you need to communicate with your attorney while someone else is speaking, write down your comment on a notepad.

6. Take Notes

Don’t leave anything to chance. Take notes in the courtroom that you can refer back to if you cannot remember something. This will be far less expensive than calling your attorney to refresh your memory and it will give you a task while other people are testifying.

7. Don’t Bring an Entourage

Do not bring your children, your family, or your friends into the courtroom unless you have been told by your attorney to bring a specific person. Bringing an entourage can be disruptive, cause unnecessary tension, and risk inflaming the situation. If you feel you need moral support, choose one person to bring with you who can help you remain calm and focused. However, it should go without saying that the person you bring should not be your new romantic partner.

8. Come Prepared with Your Arguments and Evidence

Work with your attorney to organize your documents, prepare your testimony, and compile your evidence. You should keep a binder with separate, clearly labeled folders for each category of documents so that you can access them easily. Be sure to maintain folders for your finances, property, child custody matters, and legal correspondence. It’s better to come to court with more than you need rather than risk leaving important information behind.

9. Bring a Book

One of the most frequently overlooked courtroom tips is to bring something that will keep you occupied. There can often be long waits in the courtroom. You may want to bring a book you can quietly read while you wait for your case to be heard. However, you might also want to observe the proceedings so you know what to expect, or take the time to review your documents and materials.

10. Follow Your Attorney’s Guidance

Throughout the proceedings, follow your attorney’s guidance. They are there to protect your rights and safeguard your interests, as well as take the burden off your shoulders during the process. Your attorney will help you prepare for the appearance, be your advocate in the courtroom, and help ensure you understand what is happening at the proceeding.

Contact an Experienced Maryland Divorce Attorney

Preparing for divorce court can feel stressful, but an experienced attorney can provide you with the courtroom tips you need to achieve a successful outcome. At Strickler, Platnik & Hatfield, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the support they need as we assist them with navigating the divorce process. To learn more about how we can help, contact Strickler, Platnick & Hatfield to schedule a consultation.