Testifying For A Child Custody Hearing? Follow These Four Tips
Are you going through a custody battle where you will need to testify at a child custody hearing? Here are some tips that you should follow to give you the best chance at getting the results that you want.
Prepare With Your Lawyer
It is always a good idea to go through a mock testimony with your divorce lawyer so that you have an idea about what kind of questions you can expect. You may be surprised at the line of questioning that will come from the other lawyer during the actual testimony, and your lawyer can help you prepare for that as best as they can. Know that it may feel like you are being attacked during the testimony, but your lawyer will ask you similar questions during the mock testimony so that you won't be caught off guard.
Keep Good Notes
You should be keeping notes about your interactions with your spouse and children, and these should be reviewed prior to your testimony. This can include things that were said to you by your spouse or things such as the frequency with which you spend time with your children. Having this refresher will help you when questions come up during the testimony. Understand that you will not be allowed to have your notes with you, but you can ask to refer to them to answer specific questions during your testimony.
Do Not Make Guesses
You may encounter a line of questioning where it seems like the other attorney is trying to make you give a guess to a question they are asking. It is very important that you do not make guesses while on the stand. The other attorney is trying to trick you into giving answers that may or may not be true. If you cannot remember something, specifically say that you do not recall. If you need to refer to your notes to give an honest answer, ask to refer to your notes. Guessing incorrectly can harm your case, so do not do it.
Leave Emotions Behind
It is very easy to get emotional during a testimony, but you want to keep your emotions in check by being as calm, cool, and collected as possible. You do not want to lose your temper, raise your voice, or potentially say things that you regret. It is not just about what you say when testifying but how you say it. You do not want to give the impression that you are not capable of having custody of your children.
To learn more, contact a resource like the Hart Law Offices, PC.
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