Proactivity vs. Reactivity

[lyric]

Good day,

We want to make sure our ducks are in a row. The Respondent sent a handwritten paper asking for nothing and stating "wanting to get the matter over with as soon as possible".

• Would the court allow the Respondent to show up at the court date before the judge and interject a "changed mind"?
• In FL, do the courts allow emotion-laden testimony when appearing before the judge; OR, is it basically a going over of the forms to verify those in front of the judge are who they say they are, been living here 6 months, have a witness- etc., etc.?
• What instance would a judge recommend "counseling" if the Respondent shows up in tears and acting like they would just die if not married to the Petitioner; i.e., "emotion-laden act"? What if the Petitioner is not interested due to attempts at counseling previously; are they "forced" and who would be responsible to pay for such "help"?

I am trying to not have surprises on court day and am not fooled by a handwritten piece of notebook paper saying she doesn't want anything. Thank you.

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Would the court allow the Respondent to show up at the court date before the judge and interject a "changed mind"?

Depends on the judge. Sometimes yes, and sometimes no.


In FL, do the courts allow emotion-laden testimony when appearing before the judge; OR, is it basically a going over of the forms to verify those in front of the judge are who they say they are, been living here 6 months, have a witness- etc., etc.?

See above answer. I have seen some judges allow a "dog and pony show." Others are intolerant of that sort of scene.


What instance would a judge recommend "counseling" if the Respondent shows up in tears and acting like they would just die if not married to the Petitioner; i.e., "emotion-laden act"? What if the Petitioner is not interested due to attempts at counseling previously; are they "forced" and who would be responsible to pay for such "help"?

Chances are overwhelming that would never happen. Technically it is possible but I have not seen it happen in recent years.



Attorney Howard Iken