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ARRIVE ON TIME
FOR ANY HEARING |
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If you miss the
hearing, the Judge can make orders which you may not agree with
even if you are not there. If you are late, your case
usually takes longer. |
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DRESS IN
A WAY THAT SHOWS RESPECT FOR THE COURT |
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You do not
need to dress like a lawyer or buy new clothes. Do,
however, dress in a dignified way that shows respect for the
Court. Unless it is an emergency, avoid wearing shorts,
cutoff shirts, jeans, take tops, sleeveless athletic shirts,
undershirts, or T-shirts in the courtroom. |
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FILL IN
AND CHECK EVERY LINE ON YOUR FINANCIAL STATEMENT |
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This is
often one of the most important documents in your case.
Try to get the form BEFORE the hearing so you have all the
information you need to fill it out. You can be jailed
for deliberately putting down false information.
Bringing in pay stubs is often a good way to deal with
questions about your income or the cost of health insurance. |
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SIGN AN
AGREEMENT ONLY IF YOU CAN LIVE WITH IT |
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You should
not sign an agreement (also called a stipulation) unless you
agree to do what it says. Be sure any written agreement
contains your understanding of what was agreed upon and ask
for a copy of it. Often if the Judge finds that the
agreement is fair and reasonable, the Judge will make the
agreement an order of the Court. If you do not reach an
agreement, the Judge will decide your case. |
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THINK
ABOUT AND DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR CHILDREN |
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If your case
deals with custody or visitation, think about your children's
future happiness, safety and well-being. Explain to the
Judge why the orders you want are best for your children. |
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PREPARE
TO GO IN FRONT OF THE JUDGE |
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The Judge is
called "Your honor." Listen carefully to the
Judge's questions. Try to talk to the Judge in a way
that gets to the point and is clear. Be sure to tell the
Judge what you want ordered and give the reasons for it.
The party who filed the motion or started the case usually
gets to speak first. The other party is given a chance
to reply. Wait until it is your turn to speak and do not
interrupt the other party or the Judge. |
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IF YOUR
CASE IS 'TAKEN UNDER ADVISEMENT |
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The Judge
may tell you what is ordered before you leave the
courtroom. Sometimes a case is taken under
advisement. This means the Judge wants more time to
decide the case and the Court will send you the decision once
it is made. Make sure the Court has your correct mailing
address. |
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RESTRAINING
ORDERS/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE |
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If the other
party has a history of domestic violence toward you, or if
putting your address or phone number on any court papers or
disclosing it to the other party will put you at risk, tell
the courtroom Assistant Register, the court officer, and any
Department of Revenue (DOR) staff or Family Service Officers
involved in your case about any concerns for your
safety. If you are sent to the Family Service Office or
to DOR and you tell them that you are not comfortable with a
face to face meeting with someone who abused you, you should
be interviewed separately from the person who abused you. |
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ARRANGE
FOR AN INTERPRETER IF NEEDED |
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If you or
the other party have trouble understanding or speaking
English, or are in need of a Sign Language interpreter, talk
to the Register's Office about how to arrange for an
interpreter AS SOON AS you know your hearing date.
Opposing parties are not allowed to interpret for each
other. If you do not have an interpreter at the hearing,
your case may be postponed to another day when an interpreter
is available. |
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GET
ADVICE FROM A LAWYER |
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Court orders
often have long-lasting effects. It is advisable that
you get advice and representation from an attorney. If
you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free or
reduced fee legal assistance through local or statewide bar
associations or from a legal services program serving your
community. |
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-These general suggestions were written
by the Boston Bar Association Family Law Section Pro Se Task
Force to assist "pro se" (pronounced "pro say") parties --
people who represent themselves in court without an attorney.
This information relates only to the laws and procedures in
effect as of the date of publication and does not constitute
legal advice about your particular case. This poster is
printed courtesy of "Greater Boston Legal Services. (November,
1997) |
