What happens in a divorce hearing?
Both parties and their respective lawyers will appear in court ready to present their respective testimony and evidence to the Court, which may include the presentment of witnesses as well. There are different types of hearings and ultimately the trial. A hearing may be more formal, as previously described, or it may be as simple as the lawyers making an argument to the Court, wherein you may not even have to be present.  But whether a hearing or the ultimate trial, once in the courtroom, you may be required to stand at the bench before the Judge, take the witness stand or sit at counsel tables in the courtroom while the proceedings take place.    Friends and family may come to be supportive and sit in the gallery, but if they are testifying, they must sit outside the courtroom until called in to testify.   The lawyers will do most of the talking at the hearing, whether arguing or asking questions of witnesses.  While they are asking questions of witnesses, you should be taking notes of those statements you dispute.  You may or may not be asked to testify during the trial.    At the conclusion of the proceedings, the judge may issue a ruling/decision, or he or she may take it under advisement and render a decision later or by electronic mail.  That ruling generally, but not always, stays in place until the end of your divorce.  Ultimately, you will have a Judgement for Dissolution of Marriage, Order on Remaining Issues, and Parenting Plan Order that are final, replacing any and all interim or temporary orders and are subject to appeal.