subject: 5 Ways to Endear Yourself to Your Divorce Judge [print this page] 5 Ways to Endear Yourself to Your Divorce Judge
His / her attitude will depend on a number of factors none of us can control, like whether or not your particular jurist is constipated. These tips will give you a leg up, though, and so they are worth heeding.
1. Make sure you get to court on time. The judge may be late, at lunch, or drinking coffee in his / her office. There may be another hearing in progress when you arrive at the courthouse. Still, you better get there when the hearing is scheduled. If the judge is ready to go, he / she won't be real happy to find that you aren't there.
2. Make sure you are dressed for court. It shouldn't make any difference. What you say shouldn't be judged by what you happen to be wearing. However, if you show up after slopping your hogs or running a marathon, the judge won't be too impressed. If you and your clothes are neat and clean, you are showing that you respect the judge, and that you take your own case seriously. If you look or smell funny, it will make your testimony look less credible. Believe me, you want the judge to trust what you are saying.
3. Keep your cool. The judge isn't personally involved with you and your case. You may think your ex deserves the finger, or a cussing out, and maybe he / she does. However, the judge doesn't know him / her, and is likely to think you should treat him / her, and anyone else with courtesy and respect.
4. Make sure people who come to court with you realize that they won't help you by jeering and grumbling at the other side. Yes, it is possible that your ex will lie through his / her teeth. It is even possible for his / her witnesses to give testimony that is more interesting than factual.
