As part of your divorce, you might need to make a few stops at court. While it’s important to know how to dress the part, you also should know what kind of courtroom behavior to avoid as well. Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure your proceeding goes over well…
Courtroom Behavior: What Not To Do
Being late
Not being late is a key part of good courtroom behavior. By showing up on time, it shows that you’re taking this seriously. Being late, even by just a couple minutes, can have you starting off on the wrong foot. In court, that’s something you don’t want to happen.
Still, don’t just aim to show up on time. Instead, make an effort to get their a bit early. This way, you give yourself a bit of a buffer in case something comes up. Plus, you’ll also have time to make sure you have everything you’re going to need ready to go.
Get distracted
Appearing distracted is also pretty bad courtroom behavior. If a judge feels like you aren’t paying attention, then they may thing all of this doesn’t matter to you. This can really shape how they view you for the remainder of the proceedings. Therefore, you want to make sure you stay attentive.
Keep your focus on the judge and whatever kind of questions they ask you. Make sure you have your phone away and on silent as well. Being caught on the phone, or even just having it go off, can be quite disrespectful. Don’t take the risk, and keep it quiet and out of sight.
Being rude
Being rude is definitely some bad courtroom behavior you’ll want to avoid. For starters, it makes you look bad to the judge. Plus, it can make them questions your motives and intentions, which can influence decisions about things like child support and custody. Rudeness just serves to do no one any good, especially for yourself.
Rather, always make sure you’re polite and respectful. Don’t insult your spouse, or backtalk to the judge. Be sure to keep your emotions under control also. You want the judge to see you as being cool, calm, and collected.