DadsDivorce.com provides essential information and resources about divorce, alimony, child support and child custody to men and fathers at any stage of divorce.

by Spencer Williams of Cordell & Cordell, PC

In any case there are opportunities that a client will be required to testify on the record.  Depositions, motions, temporary (PDL) hearings and trial to name a few.  Prior to any event that a party would be required to testify it is important to schedule a meeting in person with your attorney.   It is important not to meet too far in advance as the “rules for testifying” may be forgotten, but any closer to the event may not allow the client time to practice and prepare.  

The attorney will not provide a client with a response.  It is unethical in most jurisdictions for an attorney to give their client the response.  However, it is appropriate and expected that the attorney will help mold the response.  This can be important to work with the attorney so responses can fit within the strategy and “theme” of the case being presented.  

There are basic rules for testifying at any event.  

by Chris LaFrance of Cordell & Cordell, PC

There are two primary purposes for the opposing attorney to take your deposition.  The first is to obtain information that may lead to relevant disclosure, such as your finances, and the second, is to pin down your testimony on the issues in your case as much as possible so that any deviation from your deposition testimony at the time of trial will subject you to an impeachment of your credibility.

An affidavit is a written statement sworn to be true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath.

by the attorneys of Cordell & Cordell, PC

Although many parties wish the timeline for divorce could be reduced substantially, the reality is that the “wheels of justice” rotate quite slowly at times.  Thus, in a suit for divorce, it is imperative that you come to an agreement with the opposing party or alternatively seek the court’s assistance in determining what relief can be granted in the interim between separation and a final judgment and decree.  The issues that need to be addressed at a preliminary stage include child custody, visitation, support, and alimony. 

Matters such as equitable division of property can wait.  However, mortgage companies, childcare providers, and the like generally do not have a “pause” button, and thus many litigants cannot wait for the seemingly sloth-like “wheels of justice” to turn.
 

Having to appear in court can be one of the most harrowing experiences in a child's life. As a response to what is often an especially traumatic  episode for children brought into the courtroom, psychologist, Dr. Daniel J. Cuneo developed the Kids In Court game and the Children First Program that are used around the country to help children deal with the more difficult aspects of divorce, abuse and other  potentially disruptive challenges that may occur in children's lives.

Cordell & Cordell, PC attorney, Dan Cuneo, speaks to the game's inventor to learn how we can better soften the experience of a courtroom appearance for children when their testimony is crucial.