Tips for Going to Court

Here are a few tips if you are going to court. You can read more tips at WomensLaw.org How to Prepare for Court page.

• Be on time.
• Have your witnesses there and ready.
• Have your evidence ready.
• If you have subpoenaed witnesses and they are not present, you should inform the judge.
• Dress neatly.
• Speak directly to the judge; he or she will understand if you feel nervous.
• Always address the judge as “Your Honor.”
• Be prepared to spend all day in court. (There may be hearings before yours.) If you have children, try to find someone to take care of them while you are in court.
• If your abuser comes to court with a lawyer and you are not represented, ask the judge for a “continuance” so you can look for a lawyer.

Tips for Going to Court