Preparing for Court

If your soon-to-be ex-spouse is fighting for full custody, then you are going to have to fight for joint custody. There is never a guarantee on how a divorce case will turn out, but you can help your case by being prepared. You should be able to tell the judge why joint custody is in the best interest of your children, by supporting your claims with information from experts clearly stated. (Take books with you.)  Be Prepared!

Getting Ready
Childcare - have your own lined up, if needed.
Take the children to church on the weekends you have them.
Take pictures of your home and the activities you do with your children.
Have your home in good order and the children’s rooms ready for them to occupy.
Complete the Personal Information table and the Children’s Personal Information table.

Organize
Three ring binders 1/2" to 1" wide.
Numbered Page Dividers or Plastic Inserts:
One for your parenting papers you will present in court.
One for court papers filed and received from both attorneys and the court.
One for information you collected to help you make up your parenting papers.
One for the "Visitation and Access Guidelines" & "Support Rules and Guidelines."

Presentation
1.  Address others with respect: A.  Judge - "Your Honor"
                                                         B.  Attorney - "Mr."; "Mrs."; "Ms."
                                                         C.  Attorney- "Sir"; "Ma’am"

2.  Wear the appropriate attire: A.  Men - No long hair, long beards or hats.
                                                       B.  Women - No excessive jewelry or make-up.
                                                       C.  Both Parties - No blue jeans, athletic shoes or gum.

3.  Presenting yourself: A.  Watch your language and tone at all times.
                                           B.  Don’t interrupt others while talking - wait your turn.
                                           C.  Always consider the best interest of the children first.
                                           D.  Don’t make faces. Don’t get emotional. Sit-up straight.
                                           E.  Make eye contact with the Judge and avoid it with the other attorney.

Wording
Use friendly words in your co-parenting plan.
1.  Friendly: A.  Joint Legal Custody; Split Custody
                      B.  Parenting Time; Reside With; Be With; Living With
                      C.  Parenting Plan; Parenting Proposal; Parenting Agreement
                      D.  X Residential Parent; Y Residential Parent; Other Parent; Parent with most or least time
 
2.  Less Friendly: A.  Sole Custody
                               B.  Visitation; Visiting
                               C.  Custody Proposal; Custody Agreement
                               D.  Non-Residential Parent; Non-Custodial Parent; Primary Parent; Secondary Parent

Reading Sources
1. Library         2. Internet          3. Book Store          4. County Extension Office
5. Court House: A.) Visitation and Access Guidelines    B.) Support Rules and Guidelines

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