There are plenty of articles out there that tell people how to win a family law trial. They should be prepared, understand the limits of the court, etc., but how people can lose a case is just as important as how to win. So, here are things to avoid doing in family court:

Don’t show up. This is one of the surest ways to lose a family law trial. Not showing up it the same thing as having the judge rule in favour of opposing counsel from the start of the proceedings and this could very well happen. At the very least, it never looks good.

Make the kids part of the problem. Family court frequently involves issues with the kids such as custody hearings. Whether in the court or not, attempting to influence the kids towards one income over the other is not just inadvisable, it could be disastrous.

Unfortunately, this does happen all too often, especially when it comes to custody battles and it can lead to terrible repercussions. When it comes to the kids and family court, always ask your lawyer what you can and can’t do, what you can and can’t say. Some things might not surprise you at all, but the likelihood is that some will.

Ignore a court order. When a judge orders you to do something, do it! Remember that ignoring a court order is like ignoring the judge: Do so at your own peril.

Don’t seek representation. It’s the old saying here that a man who represents himself has a fool for a client. This was is as true today as when it was first said. Always get a lawyer to represent you regardless of what court it is!

Refuse to give full financial disclosure or try to hide money. Either of these is bad, and here’s why: If a person refuses to hand over all of their records it immediately arouses suspicions with opposing counsel and the judge. This can easily result in fines or even jail time. It also a great way to lose a family law trial.

If a person tries to hide money, then the same result is likely because it will become obvious pretty soon what it is that you’re trying to do. These people have been around the block a couple of times and know how to spot when someone is doing just that.

Keep calling out the other party. Family law cases can get pretty tough to get through, but making a trial into a personal vendetta will just make things a lot worse. When someone starts attacking the party at every opportunity by swearing at them, threatening them, or worse, then they’re ensuring one outcome to the trial and that is they’re going to be on the losing end of things.

These are the basics of what not to do in family law trials across North America. Heed them and ensure a good outcome for your case!

David Cury