Divorce
Tennessee Divorce Court EtiquetteYOUR DAY IN DIVORCE COURT Your divorce, custody, or support case is about to go before the Court and you may have questions about just what will happen. This information sheet should answer all your questions and make this occasion as agreeable as possible. Court starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. and while it is important not to be late, arriving before 8:45 a.m. is not required. Your attorney will generally meet you just outside the Courtroom before court and go over any last minute questions abut your case. Also, if you have any last minute questions, your lawyer will answer them at this time. What you wear to Court is important. You should dress as if you are going to an important business appointment or church. You may NOT wear shorts of any type, shirts without collars or sleeves, sandals or open toe shoes. If the Court feels you are inappropriately dressed, you will not be allowed in the Courtroom and your matter will have to be rescheduled. When your case is called by the court clerk you will come forward and stand where directed by the court officer. You be asked to raise your right hand and then administered an oath to tell the truth. You will take the witness stand at the direction of the court officer. Your lawyer will make a brief statement to the Court regarding your case and the other lawyer will do the same. Do not talk to the judge unless asked a question. If you want something brought to the judge's attention tell your lawyer, not the judge. Do not show too much emotion, this may be hard, but is important. Listen and then answer the questions asked. ******** If your case is a non-contested divorce, your lawyer will then ask you to answer the questions similar to the following: 1. Is the information I have given to the Court accurate? Yes. 2. Have you suffered Irreconcilable Differences in your marriage? Yes. 3. Have you tried to reconcile your differences? Yes. 4. Were you successful? No. 5. Do you understand the Marital Dissolution Agreement you entered into? Yes. 6. Do you feel the Marital Dissolution Agreement is fair and equitable? Yes. 7. Do you desire an absolute divorce? Yes. The Judge will then state that you are granted the divorce at which time you may leave. On occasion, the Judge may ask you a question. Don't panic - just listen and answer her question as best you can. Also, on occasion, the Judge may require a minor change on the paperwork which you will be asked to initial. Once again, don't panic, any such changes will be minor and should cause no concern. After the divorce is granted you may leave the Courtroom. If you have any questions you may wait outside the Courtroom until I have finished my other cases and I will be glad to see you. You may want a certified copy of your divorce decree with the judge's signature. This may be obtained from the Circuit Court Clerk in Room 506 of the Metro Courthouse, 30 days after your Court date. It is suggested that you refrain from remarriage until 30 days after your Court date when your divorce decree becomes a final order of the Court. |
