Divorce Court Behavior - How to Act in Court

   If you or your spouse are unable to agree on the terms of your divorce,  a judge will be the one to decide.  You have a right to request a jury trial where a jury of citizens from your community will decide the issues.  But family law courts are overcrowded and overworked.  While a jury trial is your right to request, asking for one will give the judge a negative impression of you before your case ever begins.  And in a divorce the judge is the most important person in your life.  So it is best to always "play to the judge" throughout your case.

   The vast majority of judges are intelligent, compassionate, and concerned with doing the right thing.  But judges are human and you must guide your behavior in, and out of court, by how you may appear to another person.  From the start of your divorce to the final judgment (and possibly beyond) you must take "the high road."  This means you should act rational and with integrity.  If your actions don't match your words, a judge will pick up on that.  Be the person everyone admires throughout your divorce and the judge will pick up on that as well.  A judge will frequently give the benefit of the doubt to a person that appears to be rational and honest.  Further, a judge that gives you the benefit of the doubt will go out of his or her way to do the right thing.

  However, you must be aware that as human beings, judges can act unpredictably.  You may get a certain ruling because the judge "woke up on the wrong side of the bed" that day and you looked like the bad-guy in court.  Again, you will always come out best if you maintain a squeaky clean image.  During your hearing, avoid appearances of instability.  Even if you don't speak during your trial, the judge is probably looking at and evaluating you.

Don't:

• interrupt your attorney every 3 minutes
• glare at your spouse or the opposing attorney
• speak directly to the other party or attorney
• speak to the judge if you have an attorney - unless asked to
• furiously write notes in a compulsive-looking manner
• wear revealing or dirty clothing

   The rules strictly prohibit any communication with the judge outside the presence of the other party.  So do not attempt to speak to the judge in private.  Letters to the judge are also prohibited.

Divorce can be the single most important event in your life.  Make sure you gather lots of information so you can make informed decisions.  Many people can benefit from the advice of a good, honest, loyal divorce attorney.  The Divorce Center can provide a divorce attorney that can help you protect yourself.  A lawyer is not an expense in a divorce case - they are an investment. We help clients in Hernando County, Pasco County, Pinellas County, and Hillsborough County. Our service area includes Tampa, Orlando, Kissimmee, Clearwater, Largo, New Port Richey, Brooksville, Dade City, and the New Tampa area. CONTACT US NOW or call 800-469-3486