Most divorce cases settle and a trial is not necessary. However, for those who cannot settle, a court hearing will be required to obtain a divorce and a resolution of your issues.
For many of us, our images of going to court are created by dramatic movie scenes and our favorite legal television shows. We picture the witness breaking down in tears after a grueling cross examination. We see lawyers moving around the courtroom, waving their arms as they plead their case to the jury.
Hollywood drama, however, is very different from reality. Going to court for your divorce can mean many things, ranging from sitting in a hallway while waiting for the lawyers and judges to conclude a conference, to being on the witness stand giving mundane answers to questions about your monthly living expenses.
Regardless of the nature of your court proceeding, going to court often evokes a sense of anxiety. Perhaps your divorce might be the first time in your life that you have even been in a courtroom. Be assured that these feelings of nervousness and uncertainty are normal.
Understanding what will occur in court and being well prepared for any court hearings will relieve much of your stress. Knowing the order of events, the role of the people in the courtroom, etiquette in the courtroom, and what is expected of you will make the entire experience easier. Your lawyer will support you any time you go to court. Remember, every court appearance moves you one step closer to completing your divorce so that you can move forward with your life.