Kimm  0:00  
This is Conversations with Kimm and today we are going to talk about what to expect when you're going into court.

Sarah  0:09  
So going to family court may be some people's first time going to court. But can these divorce or custody cases be settled before they go to court?

Kimm  0:20  
One of the biggest questions that I get as far as the divorce process goes is, "Can you settle?" Can you agree on something without having to go to court? And the answer is yes, that is the best way to do that. Because then everybody, you know, your family, what's best for your family. And so that makes it a lot better. If it's contested, obviously, then you do have to go to court and the judge would make those decisions for you.

Sarah  0:46  
What documents need to be prepared before you go to court?

Kimm  0:52  
When you are thinking about divorcing, there's a number of different items that you're going to have to have at some point in time; your financial information, like your checking and savings accounts; information; retirement accounts; investment accounts; debts that you have; you will have to provide taxes; pay stubs; and that if you go through Front of the Court when you get a custody order. So you can get those in advance. Those are some of the documents you'll need. If something else is needed, then your attorney will ask you for them.

Sarah  1:23  
What will happen the day that you go to court?

Kimm  1:27  
When you go into court, it depends on what you're hearing is about. If it's an initial hearing, what you do is you go into court, you've already filed all your motions, everything that you want the judge to know. You go into court, and when they call your case, you will go up with your attorney. Your attorney will make the arguments out of why something shouldn't go your way, or why it shouldn't go your way, or what should happen. And then the judge would make the determination, but understand it's not like TV. So you might be behind 10 other cases that are being called, so you're gonna have to sit and wait. And unfortunately, law is a lot of waiting. I mean, you have to be dressed properly. You have no tank tops, no t-shirts, bad t-shirts, you know, ripped, bad language on it, drug paraphernalia, logos or something. You don't have to have a suit and tie. It's just look nice.

Sarah  2:22  
What should you not do to prepare for court?

Kimm  2:29  
So when you are preparing for court there, don't overthink things because you start getting in your head about what should happen, shouldn't happen again. People watch TV and they think, "Well, this is what should happen." So just as much as you can, just remain calm, relax, and let the attorneys do their job.

Sarah  2:48  
Can you bring your kids to court with you?

Kimm  2:52  
I've been asked about having your kids come to court with you when you're having a custody hearing. And the answer is absolutely not. Your kids are not getting divorced from the other parents; you are. Kids should remain out of this entire situation until the judge asks to see you. You shouldn't be talking to kids about your custody. You shouldn't be talking bad about the other parent. So leave the kids out of it.

Sarah  3:15  
And if anyone has any questions about divorce or custody, how can they get a hold of you?

Kimm  3:21  
If you have any questions about the divorce process or custody, you can call me at 517-797-6021 or you can visit my website at kburgerlaw.com.