TOP THREE HELPFUL TIPS TO ASSIST YOU IN PREPARING FOR YOUR DIVORCE TRIAL (IF YOU ARE REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY)

It’s no secret that going through a divorce trial can be an emotionally taxing and legally complex experience that brings on stress and anxiety for parties, especially when there are children involved. While many divorce cases are settled before reaching the courtroom (and others are settled during litigation at the mediation stage), sometimes a trial is unavoidable. Whether your attorney will be disputing custody, property division, or spousal support on your behalf, mentally preparing for your divorce trial is crucial to minimize the stress and anxiety that may arise from the looming trial date. Below, we discuss some tips to help you mentally prepare for trial.

• ‍BE HONEST AND TRANSPARENT WITH YOUR ATTORNEY

When a divorce trial is around the corner, your attorney should ideally have all the information (from you directly and from the process of formal “discovery”) that he/she needs to try the case. However, if there are facts you have not discussed with your attorney (new or recently developed facts), you must inform your attorney. Your marital and family law attorney needs to know all the details—good and bad—about your unique situation to provide effective legal and trial representation. Be upfront with your lawyer if there are any potential issues or new developments. Surprises in court can be damaging, so addressing any potential challenges head-on is better, especially when trial is looming. Your attorney is your legal advocate. Full transparency will allow them to anticipate arguments from the opposing side and craft a proper strategy for your case.

• ‍SPEAK TO YOUR ATTORNEY ABOUT THE DETAILS (TIME, PLACE, LOCATION, COURT ROOM NUMBER)

Preparation typically helps to reduce the stress and anxiety that may arise from a looming divorce trial, whether counsel represents you or not. If counsel represents you, ensure that you ask your attorney the specific details concerning the location of the trial when they arrive, the address of the courthouse, the courtroom number, the judge’s name, and other information necessary to help you arrive at (and access) the courthouse where the trial will take place. Arriving early will also help reduce potential anxiety associated with running late.

• ‍UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS AND PROCEDURES ASSOCIATED WITH TRIAL

Knowledge is power, especially when understanding the exact process and procedure that will occur through your divorce trial. Discuss this topic with your attorney, and ensure that you understand:

1. what evidence your attorney will be introducing into evidence (if any),
2. what witnesses (if any) your attorney will be calling (or cross-examining),
3. what is the “theme” of your case, and how will your attorney approach the opening & closing statements,
4. which party will “go first,”
5. how long (or how many days) does your attorney anticipate each side will take to present their client’s respective case-in-chief,
6. is the trial expected to go into the weekend,
7. are any experts expected to testify, and
8. all other matters specific to your case.

CONTACT THE EXPERIENCED MARITAL & FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS AT THE JOSEPH FIRM, P.A.

If you’re considering divorce in the State of Florida, you can contact The Joseph Firm, P.A. Attorney Marck K. Joseph, Esq., BCS is a Board Certified Marital and Family Law expert and owner of The Joseph Firm, P.A. With almost fifteen (15)years of experience in Martial & Family Law, he is uniquely qualified in helping in most types of family cases.

If you are involved in a family law matter in Florida, consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the legal process while advocating for the best interests of your child. Our law firm fully understands the challenges of navigating marital and family law issues, and we’re always ready to provide the highest-quality legal representation. Whether your case settles outside the courtroom or goes to trial (or final hearing), our attorneys go the extra mile for every client.

Our firm offers free case evaluations to determine whether the firm can assist you with your case, and if so, a case consultation meeting will be scheduled. The experienced divorce lawyers at Joseph Firm, P.A. are ready to hear your story. We provide smart, aggressive family law representation to clients. To learn more, call (305) 501-0992 or contact us online.