How should I behave when I appear in court?

Remember, you can never be over prepared for court. Beyond reviewing the specifics with the attorney, other essential responsibilities of the client play a very vital role. Here are basic rules of thumb that will allow the client and the attorney to work as a successful team.

• Presentation: the client should always be very comfortable, but do not sacrifice a proper and respectable appearance.
• Respect: Be on time, do not curse, address the judge as “Your Honor”, do not raise your voice, etc.
• Relax: Even though the experience is very new, it is very helpful for the attorney if the client is relaxed. It is next to impossible not to be nervous on the witness stand, but one must remember to listen to all questions asked in full. Never think of an answer before the question is finished. The opposing counsel will pick up on this and use it to their advantage.
• Pronunciation: Be as clear as possible. If one is soft spoken, then he or she might have to talk extra loud. Whatever is said in a courtroom should be heard by everyone. If an answer is not clear, someone will ask for it to be repeated. It is rarely to the benefit of the person on the stand to have to repeat anything. Be as direct as possible. One should speak as though he or she ordinarily does. For some reason people feel they must use formal language in the courtroom. This style of speaking tends to come across negatively for the witness. Speak in plain English.
• Honesty: It is essential that all witnesses tell the truth. Dishonesty in the courtroom will only worsen any situation.

Rosanne DeTorres, co-founder of DeTorres & DeGeorge, LLC, is NJ Supreme Court certified as a Matrimonial Law Attorney. Choosing a Certified Matrimonial Law Attorney assures you the most effective representation. Ms. DeTorres concentrates her family law practice on divorce, custody, child support and alimony.