What Should You Not Say in Family Court?

What Should You Not Say in Family Court?

Here is a list of things that you should not say (or do) in a family court:

  1. Things that reflect you are venting your anger
  2. Things that make you sound tutored and rehearsed
  3. Redundant information and statements that sound like your opinions
  4. Lies and exaggerated statements
  5. Disrespectful language for the other spouse

1. Don’t Vent Your Anger

Don’t demonize the other spouse by describing him/her as a sociopath, narcissist, unfit, cruel, etc., even when you have submitted solid evidence to back up your claims. Stick to the facts and be calm. If you have the evidence, and if your hostility makes you badmouth your spouse in the courts or use foul language, then the judge may perceive that you are a very hostile and aggressive person. If you do not have the evidence, the courts may perceive that you are the problem in the marriage. And, if you keep arguing with the judge, he/she may hold you in contempt.

Calling names and showing unwarranted aggressiveness and an overdose of hostility may provoke the judge to penalize you for violating court etiquette. He may consider you an unstable and untrustworthy person.

Do not ever butt in when the judge is speaking.

When you are accused of something, don’t get angry and make excuses for your behavior. Don’t start sentences with phrases/words like “I think,” “by the way,” “always,” “never,” “to tell you the truth,” and other such words. Words like these sound either casual, vague, or exaggerated. Instead, counter the accusations with facts.

2. Don’t Sound Tutored and Rehearsed

Sounding rehearsed as though you are acting in a play when being questioned in court can make you look like a fake and frivolous person to the judge. The judge may easily figure out your rehearsed testimony, and he/she may think that you have memorized all the lines and are hiding the truth.

So, sound natural in courts like you would in a conversation at work or with friends – but without the casual tone.

3. Don’t Give Your Opinions and Redundant Information

While answering a question, give only as much information as is required to answer the question precisely. While answering, stick to the facts and do not give your opinions. If your answer contains anything that is over and above what is required, it may be used by the other spouse’s attorney against you later, at an opportune moment. Moreover, giving redundant information or making minor accusations (which don’t matter) to the courts may irritate the judge. Minor accusations include accusing your spouse of forgetting your birthday, being late to your child’s birthday, or keeping you waiting (even though your spouse had genuine reasons), etc.

4. Don’t Lie or Exaggerate

Your family law attorney may have already coached you about appropriate court etiquette. He/she, for sure, would have told you not to lie or exaggerate in the courts. If you lie, you may be charged with perjury. If you mislead the courts or exaggerate, the judge will consider you an insincere petitioner/defendant. Experienced judges can easily figure out when witnesses lie or exaggerate.

If you are honest, frank, and truthful, the judge will appreciate it. If not, he/she may doubt your version of events.

5. Don’t Disrespect the Opposite Side

Always speak in a calm and respectful tone, and do not curse. Ensure that your body language is composed and your appearance is presentable. These are small things but they help in giving the impression that you take your divorce case seriously and care about the court proceedings.

Signs of disrespect include throwing your hands up in the air in exasperation, mocking, rolling your eyes, mocking the other spouse’s statements, and interrupting his/her attorney. Such an attitude can irritate the judge.

EXTRA: Tips that may help you in family law court:

  1. Address the judge as “your honor” or “sir/ma’am.”
  2. Start sentences with facts, not opinions.
  3. Raise your hand if you want to say something instead of interrupting.
  4. If you do not agree with the judge’s opinion, let your attorney know instead of countering it verbally in front of the judge.
  5. Don’t jump from one topic to the next. First, finish what you started.
  6. You’re in the courts to convince the judge about your case, not to impress him with flowery language or your opinions. That tells you a lot about what you should or should not do.
  7. Make sure that the documents that you have filed in the courts are complete and that all relevant facts are included there.
  8. Your attorney will coach you on how to behave and speak in court – follow his/her advice in letter and spirit.
Protect Your Money And Your Family

We remove fear associated with divorce, protect your money & maximize time with your kids!

We're here to help. Let's determine your best options.

Call Us 24//7 at 801-685-9999 to Speak with a Live Representative

Utah Divorce FAQs
Top 100 Divorce Blog
What Clients Are Saying…
BrownLaw icon
Excellent
Brown Family Law
Based on 961 reviews
Marco and his team at Brown Family Law have created nearly the perfect system for getting divorced in Utah. From the initial intake, to gathering all of the necessary documentation, to the client communication in between. There is so much work that goes into getting divorced, but with Marco and his team you'll always know where you are in the process and what happens next, which is such a comfort. Would highly recommend.
I would give them 10 stars if I could. Clay was professional and super organized. He took the time to explain everything. I would highly recommend him for any family law needed. Melanie was a godsend. She not only kept me continually informed of the progress, she sent texts of encouragement and support throughout the entire process. I would give her 100 stars for going above and beyond to make this experience less stressful. Her encouragement and genuine caring were comforting and calming. The entire staff at Brown Law are on your side and if you are lucky enough to get Clay and Melanie on your team you will not be disappointed. Thanks! Mack M.
Response from the owner:Wow, thank you so much. Melanie is great. Glad she helped you so well.
Nathaniel was an incredible partner throughout the divorce process. He was organized, responsive and respectful of my wishes while simultaneously giving me guidance and advice. I would recommend him to anyone.
I couldn’t have made it through my divorce without Clay and his team! I am forever thankful for the hours and time spent with me to help navigate an extremely difficult time in life. They’re reliable, knowledgeable, and know how to get things moving in an efficient manner. Nothing but good to say here!!
Working with Daniel Young at Brown Family Law was a truly positive experience during one of the most difficult times of my life. From the start, Daniel was knowledgeable, compassionate, and incredibly responsive.
If you need a family law attorney who combines expertise with empathy, I cannot recommend Daniel Young enough. He is a true advocate and a credit to Brown Family Law.
Nathaniel and Carren have been absolutely incredible to work with. They kept me informed and in the loop throughout each step of the process. They always answered every question I had in a very quick and timely manner. I could not recommend them more.
This 5-star review is for Nathaniel Garrabrandt at Brown Family Law. Nathaniel was just what we needed. He helped guide us with a level of professionalism, efficiency, and genuine care that made a real difference during a challenging time. He is always thoughtful and respectful, and he never makes you feel like just another case. His communication was clear (with regular check-ins), his advice was solid and uncomplicated, and I always felt that he had his client's best interest at heart as he made suggestions. I’m grateful to have had such a capable and compassionate attorney to work with. You hope you never need these kind of services, but when you do, you want the best... and someone with high integrity. Nathaniel truly deserves all 5 of these stars, in every way.
Russell Yauney was my attorney at Brown Family Law. Throughout the process, Russell and his paralegal Conor, were extremely helpful and patient. They were highly responsive, thorough, and most importantly: did not make me feel insignificant or embarrassed for asking clarifying questions. Russell made himself available and whenever he wasn't, Conor was. The Friday Phone Calls were reliable and I knew I could expect an update each week. The firm's texting abilities also made it easy to send a quick question/concern if I ever needed it. Russell was a fantastic attorney and guide to have throughout my situation. I highly recommend this firm.
This law firm went above and beyond for me and my case. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing a good lawyer for custody issues.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Denney. So glad we could help.
Carren is absolutely amazing! Made things easy and always was helpful explaining.
yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7

Categories

Related Posts