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cross-examination, if your witness can hold his or her own. During the presentation of your spouse's case, you'll probably feel miserable. |
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10. During the week or so of the trial, get plenty of rest at night. |
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11. When the trial is over, try to put it out of your mind, at least until there is a decision (if you didn't get one at the end of the trial). You might keep thinking about what you should have said differently. Try to forget it. |
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Ten No-Nos During Your Trial |
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1. Do not make faces, ever. If your wife lies like a rug, do not roll your eyes or shake your head (unless your attorney says it's okay). No matter how much you want to do that, a judge, or jury, may think you're being childish or that you're faking your reactionyou know she's told the truth, but you want to make it seem as if she hasn't. |
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2. Do not speak out in court. We know an attorney who represented the father during a custody hearing. While the lawyer was at the podium questioning the mother, her client began yelling at his wife to stop lying! When the case was over, the judge ordered the husband to attend an anger workshop. Needless to say, he did not win custody. |
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3. Follow your attorney's instincts. This is a tough one if you've been very involved in planning the strategy of your case and now your lawyer wants to do something you think is wrong. When you're at trial, it's not a good time for the camp to be divided. If you feel very strongly, and there's a sound basis to your thinking, present your idea to your attorney. However, unless you are also an attorney, or you are very certain you are right (which may be based on your knowledge of your spouse), do not give your attorney ultimatums. |
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4. Do not flirt with, excessively smile at, or in any way try to engage the judge or a juror in any kind of nonverbal communication. |
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5. If your trial is by jury, never speak to a juror while the trial is in progress. |
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6. Do not argue with your spouse's lawyer. If you're too angry to speak, wait or take a sip of water before continuing to testify. |
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7. Avoid sarcasm. |
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8. Avoid crossing your arms over your chest while you're on the witness stand. |
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9. Don't doodle while the trial is going on. The judge or jurors might notice, and it will look as though you just don't care. |
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