Child support hearings can put you on the spot if you have never been to court before. Your life can be headed in different directions financially, emotionally, and socially. Things can get better. But if you make any of these mistakes in court you might be facing even more difficult times.
Everyone that goes to court has a basic goal in mind. We have prepared a list of dos and don’ts so that you can achieve your goal in court. All you have to do is follow this advice and you can always keep your own goals in mind.
Think of these tips as rules that are implemented for students going to school. There will be an explanation with each tip. The explanation clarifies any vague content or double meanings in the tip. Let’s get right into it.
1. Do not be rude, cocky, conceited, overconfident, or pretentious presenting yourself in front of a judge in court. Follow this advice even if you think you know what the outcome of the question or case will be.
Explanation: Be careful when you point out something extraordinarily obvious to a judge. The judge might ask you questions that might seem self-explanatory. If you reply in the wrong manner, the judge will remember it forever. The judge will remember you and your attitude about this incident even if your next hearing is months down the line. The judge might form a bad opinion of you because of that one incident. Always answer a question as if it is being asked for the first time.
2. Do visit the court website before going to court. This will give you an idea of how to dress, act, and the court decorum.
Explanation: All the people in court are there for a reason. All the people visiting the court have other things to do as well. You should look presentable in court regardless of what your schedule is for the rest of the day. Everyone will form a bad image of you if you come to court looking untidy and unkempt. Try to dress formally in an outfit that you are comfortable with. Avoid any formal outfits that are the slightest bit uncomfortable to you. Wearing anything uncomfortable means that you will be distracted or fidgeting with your attire. Both of these behaviors makes you look even more suspicious.
3. Do arrive at court at least an hour early. In some cases, it is preferable to arrive more than an hour early.
Explanation: Make sure you are aware of traffic conditions for the day you need to be in court. Leave early for the court. Arriving early will give you time to calm your nerves about the child support issues running through your mind. Arriving early will also give you a chance to factor out any unimaginable consequences you could face on the way.
4. Do inform the bailiff of your presence as soon as you get to court.
Explanation: You need to officially notify the bailiff of your presence at court. The bailiff will need to know your name and case number. Do not wait for anybody else to come, before you inform the bailiff. The bailiff makes an official notification of everybody’s attendance at court. Being late presenting yourself to a bailiff gives all sorts of wrong impressions to the court. Being early has a good impression because it shows that you are eager to present yourself at court.
5. Do take the time to politely respond to a judge when asked a question.
Explanation: The judge will expect you to respond every time you are asked a question. In a normal conversation, you might not say anything if you do not want to respond. In court, you need to politely inform the judge that you do not have anything to say. Use polite interjections such as please, thank you, and sorry every time you respond to a judge.
6. Do not interrupt a judge.
Explanation: Somebody might not listen to what you have to say when you are having a regular conversation with anybody. In a court setting, everybody is given the chance to respond to a statement made by anybody. Time is designated to make sure that everyone gets a chance to respond to the statement. This eliminates the need to interrupt anybody while they are talking. The judge will ask everybody if they want to respond, once a person is finished making their statement.
7. Do not interrupt your opposition when they are saying something.
Explanation: The court understands that you have a conflicting point of view with the opposition. The conflict is the main reason for your case being in court. You will be given the opportunity to respond to any claims made by the opposition. If for any reason you are not asked to reply, you can request the judge to say something. Try using something like,
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