It is normal to feel nervous as you are preparing to give evidence in your family law matter. Giving evidence at Court is daunting for even the most experienced experts and witnesses.
We have observed many people give their evidence at Court at interim and final hearings including our clients, their family members, Court appointed experts, and third party specialists. Most of the people that have provided evidence successfully in their cases have known their evidence, listened and answered the questions asked honestly, appropriately and calmly.
To assist you in your preparation for giving evidence, we have compiled our five top tips as follows:
1. Know your evidence. Make sure you feel comfortable with the evidence that you have sworn in your Affidavit. If you do not have a copy of your Affidavit, ask your solicitors for one so that you may read over it before you go to Court. If you become aware that there is an error in your Affidavit, or you forgot to include details, it is important that you let your legal team know before you provide you evidence to the Court. We will then be able to rectify the error.
2. Listen carefully. You will be nervous in the witness box. This is natural. Take your time to listen to the question you are being asked. If you missed it or did not understand the question, do not be afraid to ask for the question to be repeated or state that you do not understand the question so it may be rephrased.