Free guides for parents

Hearings & Court Day

Evaluations, testimony, evidentiary and virtual hearings, and what happens on the day of court.

Hearings & Court DayAfter the Custody Hearing: Orders, Next Steps and Appeal BasicsWhat to do after a custody hearing: getting the written order, reading it line by line, short deadlines to challenge it, and documenting from day one.8 min read

Hearings & Court DayThe Night-Before Custody Hearing Checklist: What to Print, Pack and PlanA custody hearing checklist for the last 24 hours: what to confirm, which documents to print, what to pack, what to leave home and how to spend the morning.8 min read

Hearings & Court DayWhat Is an Evidentiary Hearing in Family Court? What Happens and How to PrepareWhat is an evidentiary hearing in family court? How it differs from other hearings, what happens step by step, and how to prepare your witnesses and exhibits.7 min read

Hearings & Court DayWhat to Expect at a Child Custody Hearing, Especially Your First OneWhat to expect at a child custody hearing: the usual order of events, questions judges ask, what a first custody hearing decides, and how to prepare calmly.7 min read

Hearings & Court DayHow to Testify in Family Court: Clear, Credible Answers Under OathHow to testify in family court as a parent: giving your testimony without a lawyer, introducing exhibits, handling cross-examination and staying credible.8 min read

Hearings & Court DayMediation vs. Going to Court for Custody: An Honest Side-by-SideMediation vs. court for custody, side by side: who decides, cost, speed, privacy and safety, when mediation may not fit, and what happens if it fails.8 min read

Hearings & Court DayHow to Stay Calm in Court When You Think the Other Side Is LyingHow to stay calm in court when the other parent says something false: what to do in the moment, how to take useful notes, and when you get to respond.8 min read

Hearings & Court DayHow to Handle a Zoom Family Court Hearing: Tech, Exhibits and EtiquetteHow to handle a Zoom family court hearing: tech setup the day before, sending exhibits, what to do if you get disconnected, and how to come across on camera.8 min read

Hearings & Court DayWhat Not to Say to a Custody Evaluator, and What to Say InsteadWhat not to say to a custody evaluator: 10 common statements that hurt your credibility, why they backfire, and honest wording to use instead.8 min read