what should i ask my lawyer before going to temporary hearingdivorce court

by Mr. Layne Quitzon DVM 4 min read

Your attorney may ask you to testify and cross-examine your spouse. However, temporary hearings are usually shorter and less formal than a final trial. Temporary hearings are a good opportunity for your lawyer to introduce the facts of your case to the judge and set the stage and tone for the final trial.

Full Answer

How to prepare for a divorce hearing without an attorney?

Mar 10, 2015 · Temporary hearings are similar to a final trial in that your lawyer will have an opening statement, present your case, including evidence, and present a closing statement. Your attorney may ask you to testify and cross-examine your spouse. However, temporary hearings are usually shorter and less formal than a final trial.

What happens at a temporary hearing in a divorce?

Aug 25, 2016 · Property division, who will have ownership of the family home, the vehicles and who will be responsible to pay the debts associated with them. Maintenance, will it be awarded, how much will it be and how long will it last. All these issues and more can be addressed at the Temporary Order Hearing in the divorce.

What should I know before going to my court hearing?

Sep 06, 2021 · What you bring to the courtroom will be reflected on you. If you are organized and respectful, expect the same. As part of the pre-hearing, your attorney may be asked to give the judge a time estimate on how long it will take to work through the issues in your hearing.

What are the questions to ask in a divorce hearing?

Jun 20, 2019 · Temporary court hearings are much shorter than final hearings, so you should be sure that you know exactly what you want before the hearing. Typically, these hearings are limited to one hour. Issues Addressed in Temporary Custody Hearings. There is no set list of issues that can be addressed since every situation is unique.

What happens at a temporary orders hearing in Texas?

A temporary orders hearing in Texas is a full evidentiary hearing with testimony and documentary exhibits before a family court judge. The judge will hear the supporting evidence presented by you and your spouse before deciding which temporary orders are best.

What happens at a TRO hearing Texas?

The judge listens to you, the other party, and any witnesses. If a party has a lawyer, the judge also listens to the lawyer. The judge reviews any documents that are properly offered and admitted into evidence. The Judge then decides what the temporary orders will be.Jan 11, 2022

How long does it take to get temporary orders in Texas?

Temporary Orders hearings can arise in many different family law cases in Texas Courts. Whether you are going through a divorce or child custody case a temporary orders hearing occurs typically within four weeks of the lawsuit having been filed.

What happens at a temporary divorce hearing in Georgia?

Temporary hearings are similar to a final trial in that your lawyer will have an opening statement, present your case, including evidence, and present a closing statement. Your attorney may ask you to testify and cross-examine your spouse.Mar 10, 2015

What is a temporary hearing for divorce in Texas?

What is a Temporary Orders Hearing? A Temporary Orders hearing is a hearing that is held after a petition for Texas divorce or custody is filed with the court that puts orders in place until you can have a final trial or otherwise settle your case. Not all matters are entitled to a Temporary Orders hearing.Apr 22, 2015

What proof do you need for a restraining order?

The person who requested the restraining order generally provides all of the evidence that they can to prove that the abusive or harassing behavior has taken place. They can call witnesses and submit evidence ranging from text messages and voice mail messages to medical records or police reports.

How long do temporary orders last in Texas?

for 14 days
In Texas, a TRO lasts for 14 days or until your temporary orders hearing, whichever is first. But what about after the hearing? If a set of temporary orders worked for all family members, then the court might choose to turn the temporary order into a permanent or final order to finalize the divorce.

What is a temporary injunction Texas?

Preliminary or Temporary Injunctions: A preliminary or temporary injunction can be issued when a case is in its beginning stages, typically to prevent the defendant from continuing an action that might injure the plaintiff during the time the case is in process and is generally enforced until the end of the trial ...Aug 20, 2020

What proof do you need for a restraining order in Texas?

Proof of Service must be filed with the court before your hearing date in order to get a protective order if the respondent does not show up. Bring any evidence you have, like photographs, medical records, or torn clothing. Also bring witnesses who know about the violence, like a neighbor, relative, or police.Aug 6, 2021

What happens in temporary custody hearing in Georgia?

A temporary order dictates legal and physical custody and child support throughout the litigation process or settlement process. Parents may agree on a temporary order. Otherwise, they can ask the judge to decide the details of a temporary order after listening to both sides in a hearing.

What does rule nisi mean in Georgia?

“to show cause
Rule Nisi in Georgia

The term “Rule Nisi” means “to show cause.” Its purpose is to notify an opposing party that a hearing is going to occur. Giving the other party notice allows them to prepare for the hearing so that they can adequately respond or defend themselves, as needed.
Nov 13, 2018

What is a temporary order hearing?

Temporary Order Hearing. If you are going through a contested divorce, meaning both parties are not in agreement, the first hearing you will have is a Temporary Order Hearing. It is called a Temporary Order Hearing because the decisions made through the Temporary Order are not permanent, the purpose is to have set rules to follow until ...

Why is a temporary order not necessary?

Sometimes a Temporary Order hearing is not necessary in your divorce because the parties can come to an agreement on the major issues in the divorce. This is more likely to happen when there are no minor children involved in the case because child custody, child placement and child support are not issues. However, even without children there are still the issues of maintenance, use of the family home and other personal property and payment of bills. If an agreement can be reached, then you will file a Stipulation for Temporary Order, which lays out the temporary rules.

What are the issues in divorce?

The major issues of a divorce case can vary but typically they include child custody, child placement, child support, property division and maintenance. Child custody, who will be responsible for the major decision making when it comes to the children.

What happens if you don't agree to mediation?

If no agreement is made at mediation, the court can order a Guardian Ad Litem to represent the children’s best interest and they will perform an investigation and report to the court what they believe to be in the best interest of the child or children.

Is divorce stressful?

Divorce is never anyone’s goal but it happens every day. To make divorce less stressful, it is extremely helpful to have knowledge about what is going to happen at every step of the divorce process. At Pedersen Law Office, LLC we strive to help keep you educated on what to expect and help you through the process.

What happens after a divorce hearing?

After the hearing is over, the judge will issue rulings on the issues that were presented. These become legal and binding either temporarily, or until the end of your divorce.

What is a hearing officer?

Some courts use hearing officers to handle specific procedural issues. Other courts use judges for all matters. Regardless of who handles your case, the hearing will be scheduled, and you’ll receive a notification, either directly or through your attorney. At the court, your case is called.

What are the issues in a divorce?

Just about any issue related to separation or divorce is fair game at a divorce hearing. Some of the issues that are considered include: 1 Temporary custody 2 Temporary child support 3 Temporary spousal support 4 Protective orders/temporary restraining orders 5 Emergency “ ex parte ” orders 6 Issues related to the family home, including who gets to live in the house and who is responsible for paying the bills needed to maintain the house 7 Procedural issues or disputes related to discovery, evidence or witnesses 8 Contempt of court rulings when court orders are not followed 9 Who pays for health insurance 10 Who pays for attorney’s fees 11 Possible court-ordered mediation 12 Possible court-ordered parenting classes 13 Dividing retirement accounts through a QDRO (after the divorce) 14 Settlement updates 15 Trial setting and additional hearings scheduled

What happens at the end of a divorce?

A divorce trial is what happens at the end of your divorce. With a hearing, the judge will consider evidence and testimony on one or more aspects of your divorce, perhaps child custody or visitation or temporary alimony, for example.

What is an ex parte order?

Emergency “ ex parte ” orders. Issues related to the family home, including who gets to live in the house and who is responsible for paying the bills needed to maintain the house. Procedural issues or disputes related to discovery, evidence or witnesses. Contempt of court rulings when court orders are not followed.

Can you tell a judge you are harassed?

In cases where harassment, abuse is present, or you fear for your safety in any way, you can tell the judge that you prefer to give alternative information, which may be the contact information for a relative or a friend. Your spouse will be asked to do the same.

Can you bring your cell phone into court?

Do this before you enter the courtroom. In some jurisdictions, you may not even be able to bring your cellphone into the courtroom because cameras are not allowed. If you want to make a judge mad, make sure your cellphone goes off right in the middle of your hearing or during another case.

What is temporary hearing?

A temporary hearing occurs when one person seeks some sort of preliminary order until the matter is finally resolved. Most commonly, these hearings are part of a divorce proceeding, but may also occur when a grandparent or other figure seeks custody of a child when the parents cannot provide proper care.

Can a spouse agree to a temporary order?

If you’re in that situation, it’s likely to save you a lot of expense and trouble. If, like many couples facing separation, you and your spouse are unable to agree on these issues, you should seek a temporary order immediately. This is particularly important when it comes to custody of children.

What are the issues in family court?

There is no set list of issues that can be addressed since every situation is unique. However, in temporary court hearings, the following types of family court decisions are commonly made: 1 Possession of a marital home 2 Possession of vehicles 3 Child support, usually based on child support guidelines 4 Spousal support 5 Child custody and visitation schedule 6 Health insurance 7 Uninsured medical expenses 8 Mutual Restraining Orders

What is the purpose of a temporary custody hearing?

Some spouses can agree on the temporary issues. If you’re in that situation, it’s likely to save you a lot of expense and trouble. If, like many couples facing separation, you and your spouse are unable to agree on these issues, you should seek a temporary order immediately.

What are the types of family court decisions?

However, in temporary court hearings, the following types of family court decisions are commonly made: Possession of a marital home. Possession of vehicles. Child support, usually based on child support guidelines. Spousal support.

Applying for Temporary Spousal Support

Temporary spousal support—also referred to as temporary alimony —helps maintain the pre-divorce financial status quo. For example, let's say that before the divorce started, your spouse was paying the mortgage, utility bills, and monthly car lease, but now those payments aren't being made.

Hearing the Motion

Before a court rules on a request for temporary spousal support, it will need to review the spouses' financial information.

Deciding the Request for Temporary Spousal Support

The court will review the documents submitted and consider relevant points made during oral argument. Based on this, if the court believes that temporary alimony is appropriate, it will set a monthly payment. A temporary spousal support award is not a certainty: it depends on the facts of each case.

How Long Does a Temporary Spousal Support Order Last?

Temporary orders issued during a divorce are usually intended to remain in effect only until the case ends. Some may carry over into the final judgment of divorce, essentially becoming the permanent or long-term alimony order.

How long can you make an agreement with your spouse?

You can make an agreement with your spouse all the way up until the time the judge makes a decision on the trial date. You can even stop during the trial and agree to terms.

What documents are needed for a symlink?

Among the paperwork you should look for are: 1 Tax returns 2 Bank statements 3 Retirement account statements 4 Proof of your current income 5 Documentation for your assets, such as stocks and bond, and CDs 6 Mortgage statements 7 Property taxes 8 Loan documents 9 Proof of debts, like credit card bills 10 Utility bills 11 Childcare statements 12 Proof of paternity 13 A parenting plan 14 Arizona prenuptial agreement, if there are any. As long as the prenuptial agreement meets certain conditions, the judge will accept the terms.

What is the most significant event in your life?

Your divorce may be the single most significant event that happens in your adult life, besides natural events like births and deaths. Remember the divorce itself is just a means to an end, and that your only purpose in getting divorced is to separate from your spouse so you can move on.

Is Arizona a community property state?

Arizona is a community property state, meaning that because of Arizona divorce laws, property division and debt division will be equitably divided between the separating spouses. One of the jobs of the court, if you can’t make an agreement, will be to divide your assets and liabilities.

What do you need to know about child custody?

Child custody laws vary from state to state, 1  so one of the first things you need to do is become familiar with the laws in the state where your custody hearing will be held. Reading the fine print can be tedious, but it will help you to find out for yourself what you're up against before attending the hearing.

How to win custody of a child?

Parents who hope to win child custody must behave appropriately in court or risk losing custody. 2  Discuss proper courtroom etiquette with your lawyer to get a better understanding of what's expected, as well as any pitfalls—like emotional outbursts or accusatory statements—you need to avoid or be on the lookout for. If possible, do some roleplaying with your lawyer in advance.

Who is Emily Swaim?

Emily is a fact checker, editor, and writer who has expertise in psychology, health and lifestyle content. Learn about our editorial process. Emily Swaim. on May 19, 2020. Going to your first child-custody hearing can be scary, especially for parents who are unfamiliar with the process. However, with just a little advanced planning, ...

Does Verywell Family use peer reviewed sources?

Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources , including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Children's Bureau. Determining the Best Interests of the Child.

What is the better parent standard?

The better-parent standard comes into play when a parent requests sole custody. Essentially, the judge has to be convinced that one parent is better than the other, which can be difficult to prove. 1