What Should I Expect When Going to Court for a New Jersey Divorce?

When a person is going through a divorce, it can be a difficult and overwhelming time in a person’s life. If they have never been divorced before, this can cause a sense of uncertainty and nervousness when it is time to go to court. While it is important to be prepared, there is no need to fear the inside of a courtroom. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect when going to court and retain the services of an experienced New Jersey divorce attorney for help. 

How Do to Prepare For Court?

Aside from meeting with an attorney, there are other tasks that can be completed in order to prepare yourself for court. This can include reviewing your deposition testimony, prior affidavits, and any information that you provided in your discovery. During the trial, you may be asked a variety of questions based on these documents, which is why it is important to be ready for what answers you wish to give.

Tips to Providing a Strong Testimony

Getting up in front of a courtroom to testify can be nerve-wracking, which is why it can benefit you to keep certain things in mind before you do. This can include:

• Always tell the truth. 
• Listen carefully to the entire question before thinking of your answer
• Slow down and take your time with your answers so that you can be properly heard
• Be sure to say so if you do not understand the question or do not know an answer
• If the question calls for a “yes” or “no,” be sure to respond simply with either or
• Do not argue with the judge or lawyers
• Take your time and be sure to give a thoughtful response
• Do not speak if an objection is made by one of the lawyers

What Happens on the Day of Trial?

While every trial is different from one another, there are certain steps that occur in most divorce trials. This can include the following:

• Attorneys meet with the judge in chambers to discuss procedural issues. This can include the number of witnesses, how long the case will take to present, and when breaks can be taken.
• Attorneys give opening statements.
• The plaintiff’s attorney calls their witness to testify. The defendant’s attorney may cross-examine. Re-examination may occur as well.
• The defendant’s attorney calls their witnesses to testify. The plaintiff’s attorney may cross-examine. Re-examination may occur as well.
• The plaintiff’s attorney calls any rebuttal witnesses.
• Closing arguments are made.

When is a Decision Made?

It is highly unlikely for a decision to be made on the day of trial. Instead, the judge takes time to consider the information presented to them. This can include reviewing exhibits, reviewing the law, performing calculations, reviewing their notes, and more. It is because of this that a ruling may not be made for days, weeks, or even months.

Contact our Firm

If you need an experienced legal team to guide you through your divorce, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark L.L.C today.