Going to court for any legal matter is serious business. That’s why it’s vitally important to be prepared before you enter the courtroom and to behave in a proper, respectful manner once you’re there.

Perhaps the single most important thing to do beforehand is to meet with your attorney. This is the time when you can ask questions concerning any aspect of the legal process (instead of “learning as you go” in front of a judge). At this meeting, several actions can be taken:

• Review the facts of the case. Look over all the paperwork involved, particularly any documents you’ve signed up until now.
• Inform your attorney of any recent developments or relevant facts one should be aware of going into court.
• Discuss the strategy your attorney plans to take and make sure your attorney addresses concerns you have (or at least explains to you why said concerns are not to be addressed).

This pre-hearing meeting is also the time to clear up any misunderstandings or confusion about your case. Make sure the two of you are on the same wavelength. Nothing’s worse than having an attorney and client at odds while they’re in court.

First Impressions Count

As court proceedings get underway, the judge (or a jury) carefully listens to both parties concerning the issue(s) and makes a decision based on specific points of law. That’s where the attorney speaks on your behalf and why you want him or her to be fully knowledgeable about your situation.

During many court appearances, you probably won’t be asked to speak for yourself but if you are asked a question by the Judge, your attorney, or anyone else during the proceeding, always answer politely and to the point.

This is also a place where first impressions count. In most circumstances, you’re not expected to wear a suit or formal dress. But you should wear clean, presentable clothing. Don’t give others the chance to make judgments about you because you woke up that day feeling like wearing old work clothes (or that powder-blue leisure suit that’s hung in your closet since 1985). So – no shorts, no cut-offs, and, speaking from personal professional experience, definitely no showing up in court, on a charge of possession of narcotics, wearing a “Legalize Pot” t-shirt!

Are you in need of legal counseling? The Law Offices of Ian S. Topf offer free consultation in a variety of issues, ranging from bankruptcy, family law and estate planning to traffic violations and landlord/tenant disputes.