Tips for Surviving a Cross-Examination in a Child Custody Hearing (Part B)

The cross-examination is one of the most nerve-wracking and one of the most important aspects of a child custody hearing in Virginia. Your performance during your cross-examination could well decide the future of your child. Your Virginia divorce attorney will help you to prepare for this aspect of trial.

How to Survive a Cross-Examination

There are 3 important principles to remember during your cross-examination;

Stay calm. Do not allow yourself to lose control of your emotions, especially your temper. The opposing attorney may use harsh tones and rude phrases in an attempt to get a rise out of you. It may be your instinct to fight the attorney, to answer in an equally rude and possibly sarcastic manner. Resist. The best thing you can do for your case and your child is to calmly and concisely answer the attorney's questions. During your testimony you are not only being judged based on your answers, you are being judged based on your demeanor as a parent.
Listen carefully. The wording of the opposing attorney's questions is vastly important. Be sure to consider the question in full before confirming or denying a fact; never take a question on face value. It is of equal importance that you never give an unsure answer. If you are unsure if something is true, do not agree by saying, "yes?" Your answer should be a solid "yes" or "no" - no question mark. If you are unsure, it is perfectly fine to take a moment to think over the question or to simply say "I don't know."
Only answer the question asked. Most questions asked in a cross-examination are yes or no questions. Though some questions may seem to require more information, you are only obligated to answer the immediate question. For instance if you are asked if you know today's date, actually giving the date would be a question over-answered. You need only say, "Yes, I do."

Hiring the Right Virginia Divorce Attorney

At this vulnerable time, it's critical that you have exceptional legal representation from a Virginia divorce attorney that not only understands the specifics of your case, but is dedicated to your best interests and that of your family.

At Hofheimer/Ferrebee, we understand that the health and happiness of your children is your #1 concern. A Virginia divorce attorney will work with you to address any fears and anxieties you may have about your children's future. Our women's-only divorce attorneys will guide you every step of the way to advocate that you achieve the best possible child custody and child support arrangements for you and your children.

To learn more about your Virginia divorce, request a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.

To order your free book-www.freedivorcebook.com
information on seminars-www.monthlydivorceseminars.com
info on collaborative divorce-www.virginiacollaborativelaw.com
information-estate planning for young families-www.generationslawfirm.com
information-family law and estate planning for the LGBT community-www.FamilyEqualityLawCenter.com