DIVORCE COURT TIPS TO HELP YOU GO THROUGH A DIVORCE OR CUSTODY PROCEEDING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE CIRCUIT COURTS
1. Be prepared. Bring as many documents, background information, financial information ahead of time to your lawyer so that you can have the materials you need to rely on to prove your case.
2. Dress appropriately. Dress for business and make sure you do not show any expression or act too emotional. The Court wants to observe a professional civil demeanor of all the parties and the attorneys.
3. Don’t speak directly to the parties. Do not engage in any discussion with the parties or the counsel outside of being addressed by the Court. When asked, respond directly to the Court or your lawyer.
4. Take notes. Bring your own yellow pad and pen and be prepared to take notes. Typically, your attorney will check with you prior to the end of the hearing and you may want to give him some notes to assist with the matter.
5. Expect the unexpected. There are many issues that can occur and sometimes the Court may ask unexpected questions, you may not be able to answer them, and your attorney might simply respond by leaving the room to check into that and respond. Otherwise, expect to be asked questions such as details of health insurance, details of life insurance, mortgage interest deduction, mortgages, financial issues, etc. because the parties, counsel and the Court are trying to find out the details to assist you.
6. Try to settle early. The classic problem people have with Court is that the Decision can be largely unexpected, inaccurate, and out of your control. Settlement is always preferred to going to a hearing. Even if you can’t settle all the issues, try to settle some things ahead of time.
7. Hurry up and wait. Be prepared to get their early and prepare with your attorney and wait. Sometimes the Court will make you wait for hours. Be patient. We tell clients to sometimes bring a newspaper or bring a book. We also tell clients to bring a friend that you trust because there is strength in numbers and it is emotionally helpful to have someone supportive there with you.
8. Leave your cell phone in the car or certainly make sure it is off. Courts will fine people if the cell phone goes off in the Courtroom. If you bring it in, make sure you turn it off, double check it before you go into the Courtroom.
McGrath Law Firm is a full-service law firm with offices in New Hampshire and South Carolina, and has affiliations with law firms nationwide.
Are you or someone you know going through a divorce or custody situation? Do you want to know your legal rights? Call Attorney Peter G. McGrath at (800) 283 1380 or (603) 224-7111 or visit www.mcgrathlawfirm.com to learn about your legal rights!! We get results!!