In North Carolina, couples are required to be separated and live apart for one year before applying for divorce. By the time the separation period is over, you have already retained your Raleigh divorce lawyer and it’s time to prepare for court. Here’s some advice for what do before your hearing.
Preparation
It is important to meet with you Raleigh divorce lawyer several weeks before the court date to ensure that all documents are prepared and that your testimony is complete. During these meetings, the attorney works to make sure that your case is strong and your testimony is strong against the opposing lawyer’s questions on cross-examination.
Relax
Court can be pretty stressful, so be sure to attempt to get a full night’s sleep before the day of the hearing. That morning, you should be sure to have a good breakfast to give yourself the energy you’ll need for the proceedings.
Be Punctual
Nothing can set a judge against you like being late for court, and your Raleigh divorce lawyer will face an uphill battle. Think about what time your hearing starts and leave the house early enough to beat traffic. The location for divorce cases is the Civil Division of the Wake County Courthouse, which is located at 316 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh. Public parking is available and can be found at 216 West Cabarrus Street.
Figure out about long it will take you to get to the courthouse and then add half of that time to account for traffic and other obstacles. You should also arrive at least half an hour before it starts to consult with your Raleigh divorce lawyer and conduct any last-minute preparations.
Look Your Best
Another thing that can turn the judge against you is to show up looking sloppy. This means that before you leave your house or apartment; make sure to pick out your best outfit.
For men, a suit is preferred, or at the least, a collared shirt and khaki pants with a belt. You should avoid sandals or tennis shoes. You should also be certain to shave that morning.
For women, the business casual look also applies, so a pantsuit or a modest blouse and skirt of conservative length with panty hose. Flat shoes or small heels are a good choice for footwear and you should also avoid sandals or open-toed shoes.
In either case, dress for success and ask yourself if you look serious and trustworthy when you look in the mirror. Any accessories should be kept to a minimum, so no hats and little jewelry. If you have any visible tattoos, cover them up first. You want to make sure that you look as close to a candidate for sainthood as possible.
The Start of the Hearing
The judge has a schedule of cases he or she will hear that day, and when it comes time, the clerk of court calls the case name. Then you and your Raleigh divorce lawyer will walk to the front of the court and position yourselves behind the table assigned to your side, either plaintiff or defendant.
You and your Raleigh divorce lawyer, as well as the other party will remain standing until the judge gives permission to sit. At that time, your attorney will announce his name to the judge and his representation of you as his client.
In Part 2, we will continue to look at once you should do after the hearing has started and what you can expect from your courtroom experience.
