How to Win in Court

How can you maximize your chances of doing well in your divorce or custody trial? Tell the truth. First, to your attorney, and then, when you are on the stand.

I tell my clients that I when they talk to me, I do not want them to try to make themselves look good. That's my job. I want them to tell me the very worst things their spouse might say about them. Why? Because I want to hear it from them, in my office, with plenty of time to prepare for how to respond to it, and how to present it to the court. I don't want to learn about it for the first time in the middle of trial.

Why should you tell the truth in the courtroom? First, because it is the right thing to do. You are under penalty of perjury, and our entire legal system hinges on citizens having enough respect for our courts to raise their hand, swear, and then actually tell the truth.

If that will not convince you, though, it will also help your case. I have seen a lot of cases where someone did more damage to their case by being caught lying than they ever would have by telling the truth they were trying to hide in the first place. And contrary to public opinion, no one has to "prove" you are lying. The judge or jury just have to decide they think you are. That is enough to sink your case.