| A family law attorney or other divorce lawyer will | | | | evidence your lawyer presents and the custody laws |
| guide you through the rigors of divorce court. But it is | | | | governing your state. But often a judge makes his or |
| important to remember to be civil when addressing | | | | her decision about joint physical custody based on their |
| your soon-to-be ex-spouse, especially when | | | | personal instincts. So it is important to enter a |
| concessions are made that you dislike. | | | | courtroom with an open mind and a clear outlook on |
| Television allows us to see the transgressions made | | | | how things could turn out in the end. |
| during celebrity divorces, but in reality, the same | | | | Your family law attorney can guide you through your |
| transgressions are made in courtrooms all over the | | | | time spent in divorce court. Following their lead is very |
| country. Being mindful of your conduct will not only | | | | important, especially if you need to speak in front of |
| make the proceedings easier for you to sit through, but | | | | the judge. As with any other profession, common |
| it will also give your lawyer a stronger bargaining | | | | courtesy is expected in a court of law. This means |
| power in front of the judge. | | | | always addressing the judge as "your honor," and |
| Before entering divorce court, it is vitally important that | | | | remembering to thank him or her for your time in front |
| your lawyer and you work out as many details and | | | | of the bench. |
| issues as possible with your spouse's lawyer. This is | | | | If you are trying to present yourself in a professional |
| usually performed in what is called an early settlement | | | | manner, remember to never make snide or |
| panel, or divorce mediation. This panel takes place in a | | | | condescending remarks to your spouse. This will only |
| court house and is attended by your soon-to-be | | | | cause you more harm in terms of the divorce |
| ex-spouse, you and both attorneys. | | | | settlement. When a joint physical custody battle occurs |
| Family law attorneys listen to both sides of the divorce | | | | between you and your spouse, keeping your cool can |
| settlement while both counselors go over property | | | | be difficult. |
| divisions, any marital debt that has accumulated and | | | | Never bring the children into the courtroom because it |
| any other issues that comprise the marital settlement | | | | will only make things more difficult for everyone |
| agreement. This process can be extremely helpful | | | | involved. Lawyers will always come prepared to court, |
| because it allows many of the issues to be settled | | | | but to help obtain all the information discussed in |
| between the couple before a judge even hears the | | | | divorce court, take notes that will assist your attorney |
| case. In some instances, such as in divorce mediations, | | | | with the proceedings. Being prepared as possible will |
| issues can be resolved and agreed upon without ever | | | | only benefit you, and hopefully bring about a positive |
| having to go to divorce court. | | | | outcome in the end. |
| We have all seen cases on television or in the movies | | | | Divorce court appearances can be short-lived or |
| where couples are brought into divorce court, and in | | | | drawn out over months at a time. The best way to |
| the end the "good spouse" wins. In reality, this is not so | | | | keep your proceeding relatively brief is by remaining |
| much the case. A judge has the free will to make his | | | | mindful of your actions during the ordeal. Going in with |
| or her own decisions about a case, and that decision | | | | the realization that a judge may not rule in your favor |
| may not always be in favor of you. When proceeding | | | | will help you maintain the dignity needed to make it |
| with a divorce settlement, it is important to remember | | | | through the settlement with a few bumps and minimal |
| this fact because it will help you retain a cool | | | | scars. |
| demeanor in front of the judge if something is decided | | | | Unlike many of the celebrity divorces shown on |
| against you. | | | | television, divorce proceedings for average couples |
| The most difficult time to do this, of course, is when | | | | can be done with speed, accuracy and little bickering. |
| children are involved. What a judge decides regarding | | | | Remembering the proper etiquette while following your |
| child custody and visitation rights will rest on the | | | | lawyers lead will help the overall experience. |