Most people who file for divorce and end up going through the court process have never been to court before in their lives. The only courtroom they have experienced is on television. Normally with the high-powered expensive lawyers standing on either side, delivering perfectly constructed sentences to the judge for about 5 minutes before their hearings are seemingly over with the main character getting the results they wanted every single time.
But that’s not how it works.
The hours are long and difficult, and you may not end up with the exact result you want.
So, as your first hearing date arrives, read our tips on how you can be well prepared and calm for your first day in court.
1) Look up the court location in advance
Make sure you know where the court is well in advance of your court hearing. Look it up on google maps. Make a note of the directions and how to get there. Decide your mode of transport and make sure it’s the most convenient way to get there. Don’t leave this to the last minute, be prepared well in advance.
2) Visit the court or ask for a tour
If you have time, go to the court and learn the route to get there so you don’t get lost on the day. You can also email or call the court and ask for a tour so you can familiarise yourself with the building and the courtroom. You have a right to ask. This may help to calm your nerves on the day and relieve anxiety.
3) Parking
Make sure you’re aware of the court’s parking facilities. If they don’t have any, then have a quick search online to find out where you can park, what type of parking is available, how long you can stay, and the cost. If the court doesn’t have parking, then public transport may be the answer for you because parking can be expensive. This is especially true if you end up with metered parking as you may overrun and end up with a fine.
You can try calling up the court for advice on where to park or check on their website, but it might be difficult to get through to them, so stick to trying to find your way using transport maps online. If you’re in London, TFL’s journey planner online can be very helpful.
4) Choose a comfortable outfit from your wardrobe a few days before
There’s no need to go out and buy a new outfit. Choose something plain and simple from your wardrobe. Considering the potentially long hours you could be at court, you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible. Smart casual is usually the best way to go as you’ll look clean and tidy whilst staying comfortable (for example – a blouse or smart top with trousers or a skirt). If you don’t have anything plain and simple, choose the least flashy outfit you have available.
5) Prepare your bag a few days in advance
Place your statements, forms, court papers, plain paper, pencils, and notes in your bag a few days before your hearing. As you remember things, add them straight to your bag. This will prevent any last-minute panics or you forgetting to pack everything you need.
6) Take a water bottle and some food
There are no canteens or coffee shops inside the court. And you can’t really rely on there being any shops nearby since it depends on wherever the court is. The period of time you may have to stay in the court is random. Sometimes you could be waiting all day for your hearing to start, or you may be allocated a full day hearing, in which case, you will definitely get hungry at some point during the day. It’s wise to bring food with you and a drink to make life easier, so you’re not rushing around trying to find food. Whip up a sandwich or pack some tasty snacks into your bag with a bottle of water.
7) Go over your case beforehand
It’s best to refresh your memory a few days before your court hearing and read your court paperwork. Nowadays, the time between each hearing is long and you most likely would have forgotten a few details in your statement. So, make sure you read your case a few times during the week and the evening before the hearing.
8) Get a good night's sleep
Doing all the above will definitely help to reduce your anxiety about attending court, but another thing you should definitely try and get is a good night’s sleep before the hearing. This can be difficult so go and read our article on how to get a better night’s sleep.
Here are some other things you can do to get a good night’s sleep –
- Drink a cup of hot chocolate or milk before bed.
- Listen to some soothing music.
- Meditate.
- Read a book to divert your mind.
- Have a soothing bath surrounded by candles and music.
- Light an incense stick before bedtime.
- Massage yourself with some warm scented oil
- Do some yoga.
9) Meditate before you leave for court
Make time for a small meditation session, or calming prayer if you’re religious, before you leave home for the court. Giving your mind a chance to be peaceful or reassured can make a huge difference to your mindset for the rest of the day.
Give it a go, it will keep you calm and peaceful.
10) On the way to the court listen to calm music in the car or on your phone
To continue with the peaceful vibes, listen to some calm music in your car or on your phone so your mind stays clear and peaceful. The effect music has on the brain is massive. It’s something that can greatly influence your mood, bringing relief to your stress and giving your body that much needed boost of dopamine before entering the court.
Share some tips you have for getting ready to go to court on our forum and social media to help others out. Tell us about your court experiences.
