Whether you are facing a divorce, custody battle or dispute regarding the division of assets, there are a few general tips to help you prepare for family law litigation:
Don’t Procrastinate
Your family law attorney is going to need a wide variety of documents, so do not wait until the last minute to start gathering them. The more prepared and organized you are, the easier it will be for your lawyer to meet deadlines in the lawsuit. It will also save you a significant amount of money because your lawyer will not have to spend time tracking down necessary information. Thus, as soon as your attorney provides you with a list of records that he or she needs, get to work on it. Be thorough and prepared so your case can go as smoothly as possible.
Stay Clean
We understand that family law matters can be highly emotional and stressful, but do not consume illegal drugs or over-indulge in alcohol during a custody dispute. This may seem like common sense, but it occurs in a surprisingly large number of cases. Once substance abuse becomes an issue, it can make your case much more complex. The court may require the parties to take drug tests. It will also become a major factor in determining the best interests of the child. If you want custody or even visitation with your children, you must demonstrate that you can maintain an appropriate environment for the child.
Be Cooperative & Honest
When you are in court, do not argue or attempt to be funny with the judge or opposing counsel. If you are nervous, frustrated or stressed, it can heighten your emotions. Even though opposing counsel may make you angry, it is imperative that you stay calm. Answer the questions, remain calm, and rely on your lawyer to object if the line of questioning is improper. Remember, you are being evaluated on your credibility and demeanor, so you must be honest and forthright. If you are caught in a lie, it will detrimentally affect how the judge sees you. If you have told your attorney the truth, you will be prepared to deal with whatever the facts are in your case. You want to put your best foot forward and let the judge know how seriously you are taking the matter.
Men often find it difficult to find a divorce attorney who understands the unique male perspective on family law matters. If you are facing divorce or you have other family law needs, our legal team is here to help. Contact the Men’s Divorce Law Firm to schedule a consultation with a caring professional, and aggressive advocate for men’s rights in divorce, child timesharing (custody), and paternity matters.
