At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we aim to provide valuable insights to help you prepare for Temporary Orders hearing. In our previous four articles, we covered topics such as child custody, essential documents for the hearing, and courtroom etiquette.
In this fifth installment, we delve deep into preparing you as a witness for a Temporary Orders hearing. While this blog post isn’t the ultimate authority, it draws from the experiences of our family law attorneys at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC.
If you have questions related to divorce, child custody, temporary orders, or any family-related matter after reading this article, please don’t hesitate to contact our Houston divorce attorneys for a free consultation.
Composure Is Key: Testifying as a Witness
When undergoing cross-examination by the opposing attorney, maintaining composure is crucial, regardless of the questions asked. Even if you must reveal personal or case-related truths that are painful, it’s essential to remain composed.
Answer questions respectfully and avoid responding in a disrespectful, antagonistic, or angry manner, as it can negatively influence the judge or jury’s perception. “Be the bigger person” is excellent advice in this situation. Remember that the opposing attorney is asking questions to strengthen their case, not to target you personally.
Keep in mind that your attorney is advocating for you with the same level of dedication that your spouse’s attorney is advocating for them. Therefore, respond to questions from the opposing attorney with the same respect and professionalism as you would to your own attorney.
Silence Is Golden: Conduct in the Courtroom
While another witness testifies during your Temporary Orders hearing, refrain from making comments to yourself or others. Avoid reacting strongly, making excessive gestures, or displaying noticeable body language responses to the testimony.
It’s understandable to feel upset or surprised by witnesses’ words in child custody or divorce cases, as much is at stake. However, maintaining emotional control is essential. Treat the courtroom and the judge with respect and composure.
Preparation: Testimony as Improv
Consider your testimony in a Temporary Orders hearing as an improvisational performance rather than a scripted play. Unlike actors who rehearse meticulously, improv actors create plotlines, dialogue, and themes spontaneously, adapting to cues from fellow actors.
Similarly, prepare for your testimony as if you were an improv actor. Don’t attempt to memorize responses like scripted lines. Instead, review essential case information regarding your children and finances. Focus on providing honest and credible answers rather than rehearsed responses.
Articulate and Enunciate: Responding to Questions at a Temporary Orders Hearing
When responding to questions from either divorce attorney during your hearing, speak clearly and enunciate your words. Make it easy for the judge, who may spend an hour listening to your testimony.
Covering your mouth, fidgeting in the witness chair, or mumbling responses can be distracting or raise concerns about your honesty. Approach your testimony as if you’re having a conversation with a neighbor or family member: speak up, be truthful, answer the question directly, and proceed to the next.
Lastly, if the opposing attorney cross-examines you, refrain from seeking assistance from your attorney. While your attorney won’t allow abuse, they can ask questions that make you uncomfortable, as long as they don’t cross the line. Respond honestly to their questions without turning to your attorney for help.
Ebook
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “16 Steps to Help You Plan & Prepare for Your Texas Divorce”
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Preparing for a Temporary Orders Hearing in Texas, Part Four
- Preparing for a Temporary Orders Hearing in Texas, Part Three
- Preparing for a Temporary Orders Hearing in Texas, Part One
- Preparing for a Temporary Orders Hearing in Texas, Part Two
- Do I need Temporary Orders in my Texas Divorce?
- Temporary Orders and Temporary Restraining Orders in Texas
- Getting Ready for a Hearing On Temporary Custody Orders
- The Divorce Temporary Orders Guide
- Temporary Orders and Temporary Restraining Orders in Texas
- What Wikipedia Can’t Tell you About Texas Divorce and Marital Property Division
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Houston, Texas Divorce Lawyers
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s important to speak with one of our Houston, TX Divorce Lawyers right away to protect your rights.
Our divorce lawyers in Houston TX are skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC handles Divorce cases in Houston, Texas, Cypress, Klein, Humble, Kingwood, Tomball, The Woodlands, the FM 1960 area, or surrounding areas, including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Chambers County, Galveston County, Brazoria County, Fort Bend County and Waller County.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.