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Home / Blog / Tips for Testifying in Court During a Divorce Trial

Tips for Testifying in Court During a Divorce Trial

If your divorce is heading to trial, you will likely need to testify in court. It is understandable to be nervous about this prospect, especially if you’ve never testified in court before.

Here are a few tips to help you get through the process as smoothly as possible.

  • Listen: You will have a hard time giving a good response to a question if you do not listen to it carefully first. Make sure you understand, and ask questions or ask for the attorney to repeat the question if you do not understand. Repeating the question in your head can also be a good way to help yourself focus.
  • Keep it simple: Make it a rule to keep your answers as short as possible. Do not elaborate when it’s not necessary to do so—only answer the exact question asked by the attorney. Volunteering information will only play into their hands.
  • Keep a steady temperament: Getting angry will reflect poorly on you and could hurt your case. Keeping calm and steady is the best way to ensure a successful testimony.
  • Tell the truth: Never lie when you’re giving testimony—lying under oath is a crime, and will also hurt your case. Even if the answer hurts you, you must tell the truth, and without justifications.
  • Be prepared for tricky questions: Attorneys may attempt to ask questions that wrongfully summarize facts, or that ask you to answer questions in two parts. Navigate these questions carefully and seek assistance from your attorney as needed.
  • Keep it boring: Do not attempt to inject character into your testimony. Stick to the facts and avoid any type of emotional embellishment.

For more tips to help you get through testifying in your divorce trial, contact an experienced Minnesota divorce attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.

By Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. | Published March 1, 2021 | Posted in Divorce | Tagged a few tips, divorce, Divorce Attorney, divorce trial, Testifying

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  • "With Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A., it is like having a family physician. They are all knowledgeable, thorough, comforting, and the only call I need to make for all my legal needs for many years to come. No matter what the matter, I totally trust their advice and commitment to me and my family." - J.N.

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  • "I chose APH after my initial consultation with Mary. I felt my best interest would be represented. The entire process went excellent, the attorneys and staff communicated effectively and efficiently with me throughout the process as they needed to. Being new to the legal process and verbiage, they walked me and talked me through the next steps and the jargon, I felt completely comfortable and represented. I hope I never have to use legal services again but if I do I will call Mary at APH Law and know that I will be taken care of." - Jeff M.

  • "Divorce is a time of emotion and stress. Mary Pfeifer , My lawyer was professional and compassionate. She was very informative through the process. Her insight helped me in my decisions. She worked hard to obtain a settlement which was fair to both parties.Though, I hope I won't need her help again. It is reassuring to know a good person that is willing to help." - Rod S.

  • "I first came to Ms. Jacquelyn Lutz of Appelhof, Pfeifer and Hart in October of 2016. It was definitely the worst time in my life and she compassionately spoke with me about my options. Ms. Lutz thoroughly explained the laws, statutes, process and what to expect going forward. What was supposed to be one case, turned into three intricate cases that took a huge toll on me and my family. Ms. Lutz represented me in court on all three cases with a vast knowledge of the laws and how to proceed accordingly. During all three cases she kept me informed, calm, gave me resources to utilize, and (most important) gave me a realistic view of what may come next. Ms. Lutz knew each case required a great deal of knowledge and creative thinking on how to legally proceed forward with each case. My family and friends are forever grateful for the amazing representation by Ms. Lutz. I highly recommend Ms. Lutz for anyone needing or considering superb representation for any kind of family law. " - M.H.

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