Nobody loses for being calm and organized.

Common questions

What should I bring to court?

Bring your hearing notice, photo ID, three copies of every document you may show the judge, a one-page summary of your facts, dates and requests, a pen and paper, and any witness contact information. Leave anything you cannot explain at home.

What should I wear to court?

Wear clean, plain, conservative clothing — the level you would wear to a job interview. Avoid hats, slogans, and anything that will not clear a metal detector, and arrive early enough to pass security without rushing.

How do I speak to a judge?

Address the judge as "Your Honor," stand when speaking, answer the question asked, and stop when you have answered it. Never interrupt the judge or the other side; write down what you want to respond to and raise it when it is your turn.

How do I prepare for cross-examination?

Practice being questioned by someone trying to poke holes in your account. Give short factual answers, say you do not remember when that is the truth, and do not argue with the questioner — the goal is consistency, not winning the exchange.

How early should I arrive at the courthouse?

Plan to arrive at least an hour before your time so security, parking, and finding the right courtroom cannot make you late. Check the posted calendar at the courtroom door to confirm your case and department.

How do I organize my evidence so a judge will actually look at it?

Number every exhibit, keep them in the order you will use them, and prepare identical copies for the judge and the other side. A one-page index that names each exhibit and what it proves does more than a thick unsorted stack.

What if I get nervous or my mind goes blank?

Bring a written outline of your key dates and requests and read from it — that is allowed. Rehearsing out loud several times is what turns a memorized speech into an account you can deliver under pressure.

What should I not do in the courtroom?

Do not interrupt, argue with the other side, react to testimony, use your phone, or explain things the judge did not ask about. Composure is read as credibility, and every extra word invites a question you did not plan for.

Can I bring a support person or witness with me?

Hearings are generally open, so a support person can usually sit in the gallery, and witnesses attend when they have been properly notified to appear. Confirm your court's rules and tell any witness the time, department, and what they will be asked.