The Rising Beyond Podcast

Ep 53: Tips for Testifying in Family Court


Listen Later

Testifying in court is an extremely overwhelming and scary experience, especially when you are testifying against your abusive ex-partner.

In this episode, I share some tips on things to do before, during, and after a hearing where you will need to testify in family court.

Before you show up to court, make sure you have:

  • Organized documentation
  • Practiced with your attorney/divorce coach/therapist
  • Practiced self-regulation and grounding skills
  • Set up your support network and have them on standby
  • Planned a comfortable outfit that shows respect to the court
  • Snacks, water, money in the bag you will bring to court

The day of court

  • Show up early, 30 minutes before your scheduled time
  • Walk in with a support person
  • Double check you do not have anything that cannot go through security
  • Use the restroom

Testifying

  • Take a breath/count to 3
  • Listen carefully to what is asked and answer accordingly (ie. if a yes or no question, answer with yes or no)
  • Trust your attorney to tell the story
  • Talk about observations, not labels
  • Bring a small object as an anchor
  • Do NOT lie on the stand

After

  • Walk out with a support person or your attorney
  • Schedule a time to process with attorney and/or therapist
  • Safety plan if needed

Extra links:https://mailchi.mp/risingbeyondpc/family-court-checklist

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-7233

Text START to 88788



Please leave us a review or rating and follow/subscribe to the show. This helps the show get out to more people.

If you want to chat more about this topic I would love to continue our conversation over on Instagram! @risingbeyondpc

If you want to support the show you may do so here at, Buy Me A Coffee. Thank you! We love being able to make this information accessible to you and your community.

If you've been looking for a supportive community of women going through the topics we cover, head over to our website to learn more about the Rising Beyond Community. - https://www.risingbeyondpc.com/

Where to find more from Rising Beyond:
Rising Beyond Facebook
Rising Beyond LinkedIn
Rising Beyond Pinterest

If you're interested in guesting on the show please fill out this form - https://forms.gle/CSvLWWyZxmJ8GGQu7

Enjoy some of our freebies!

  • Choosing Your Battles Freebie
  • Canned Responses Freebie
  • Mic Drop Moments Freebie
  • ...
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Rising Beyond PodcastBy Sybil Cummin, MA, LPC, ACS

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

37 ratings


More shows like The Rising Beyond Podcast

View all
Love and Abuse by Paul Colaianni: Relationship and Emotional Abuse Expert

Love and Abuse

856 Listeners

Crime Analyst by Laura Richards

Crime Analyst

1,911 Listeners

The Covert Narcissism Podcast by Renee Swanson, Bleav

The Covert Narcissism Podcast

43 Listeners

The Best of You by Dr. Alison Cook

The Best of You

902 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,340 Listeners

What Came Next by Broken Cycle Media

What Came Next

656 Listeners

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse by Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.

Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

294 Listeners

Divorce with Sam and Leah by Sam and Leah

Divorce with Sam and Leah

65 Listeners

You Are Not Crazy by Jessica Knight

You Are Not Crazy

87 Listeners

Dateline: True Crime Weekly by NBC News

Dateline: True Crime Weekly

694 Listeners

Self-Represented in Family Court by Tracey Bee, Pro Se Family Court Strategist

Self-Represented in Family Court

6 Listeners

Why She Stayed by Grace Stuart

Why She Stayed

202 Listeners

Been There Got Out Podcast by Chris & Lisa

Been There Got Out Podcast

25 Listeners

Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast by Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola

Perfect Prey: A Coercive Control Podcast

130 Listeners