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Caution:  This page contains ONLY GENERAL LEGAL INFORMATION. 
It is NOT LEGAL ADVICE nor a replacement for talking to a lawyer
and getting legal advice about your case.    
The law can be complicated and the details of a case can be even more complicated! 
There are exceptions for every rule. 

 

What you do not know can harm you.  Do not rely on general legal information.

AT YOUR OWN RISK.

ATTENDING COURT -- DO'S & DON'TS

If you are going to attend court, then we recommend you:

  1. Bring all your court papers and any other relevant documents to every court appearance (or whenever you go to the courthouse or to see a lawyer).
     

  2. Bring someone to support you that keeps you calm.  Avoid people who escalate the situation or who want to confront the other party/parties in the case.
     

  3. Bring a pen and some paper.  Keep notes.
     

  4. Bring proof of your identity (Drivers' License, Passport, etc.)
     

  5. Be prepared to be patient.  You could be there for half a day or all day ... it is unpredictable.  (Consider bringing a book or something to keep yourself occupied.)
     

  6. Be prepared to negotiate and to try to move the case forward.
     

  7. Come early.  Usually, you will have to wait a while to be called.  But the time you are late, may be the time the court is ready to see you early.
     

  8. If you need to consult duty counsel, come earlier.  They usually are available starting at 9:00, but there is a sign in sheet posted before then.
     

  9. Avoid bringing children.  It is a stressful environment.  There are people waiting and conflicts going on that you do not want to expose your children to.  Children get bored and impatient. If a judge wants to talk to a child in person (which is very rare), they will make arrangements in advance.  Most judges do think bringing a child to court is not good parenting.  (Judges do understand there are sometimes no other options.)
     

  10. Dress in a way that shows respect for the judge and others.
     

  11. You will be searched on entry to the courthouse.  Do not bring anything that you do not want found on your person or bags.
     

  12. Be polite to everyone, whether they deserve it or not.  Judges pay attention to how people behave.  It can effect what they think of you as a parent.
     

  13. If you are concerned about your safety or are being harassed, talk to court security.  If necessary, they will sometimes walk people out to the parking lot.  For more information, talk to your lawyer, duty counsel, or a clerk.  The courthouse may be full of conflict, but it is an usually a very safe location.  People coming into the building are checked for weapons.  There are many security officers and police in the building.  They take disruptions and threats in their courthouse very seriously.
     

  14. At the end of the appearance ask the clerk for copies of the Judge's Endorsement and any Minutes of Settlement.

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