Make plans for yourself and the children

• Arrange for someone to watch the children.

• Only bring the children to Court if the case is in Juvenile Court.

• If you wish, ask a friend to come with you for moral support. (Your friend must remain silent during Court.)

• Plan to be at Court all morning (or all afternoon), because your case may not be the first one called.

Get prepared for the hearing

• Be familiar with your paperwork.

• It is a good idea to make written notes or an outline to use at the hearing. Stick to the facts and be brief.

• Call the Court Clerk to find out the time limits for your argument. You may have only a few minutes to speak.

• Complete and bring a proposed Order for the Judge to sign after the hearing.

The Day of the Hearing

• Dress neatly, as if going to a job interview or special event.

• Be on time for your hearing, but be prepared to wait. Your case may not be the first one called.

• Check in at the Clerk’s Office or check the monitor to determine which Courtroom to go to.

• Do not bring food or drinks into the Courtroom. They are not allowed.

• Do not laugh or talk about the case in hallways or restrooms unless you want others to hear you.

At the time of the Hearing

• The clerk of Judge may read all the cases scheduled for your hearing time – or the Judge may just begin with the first matter on the calendar.

• When your name is called, answer.

• If asked, tell the Judge whether you and the other side agree. Where there is not agreement, the Judge will hear arguments from both sides.

When your case is called

• Walk to the table in front of the Judge and stand, facing the Judge.

• The Judge may swear you in and will tell you when to speak.

• Be respectful and courteous.

• Always address the Judge formally as “Your Honor.”

Tips on answering questions

• The Judge may ask you questions.

• If you don’t understand the question, say so.

• Think about the question before you answer.

• Explain you answer if you need to.

• If you don’t know the answer, say so.

• Be exact with dates and times if you can. If you cannot be exact, say you are estimating.

Tips on speaking in Court

• Use words and terms you understand.

• Speak loud enough to be easily heard by the judge.

• Speak only to the judge, and only when it is your turn.

• Do not interrupt the other party.

• If something needs to be explained, wait until it is your turn to speak.

Tips for good behavior

• Be polite, reasonable and calm.

• Don’t be sarcastic or argue with the Judge.

• Wait for your turn to provide information.

After the ruling

• Remain courteous to the Judge.

• Ask the Judge who should prepare the Order for the Judge to sign.