If we have not been able to settle the case, we get ready for trial. As your divorce attorney, we will work with you to decide what witnesses we will call. We prepare testimony of the witnesses and cross-examination of the witnesses we anticipate from the other side. We prepare our trial exhibits. We will meet with key witnesses prior to trial. We will insist on meeting with our client prior to trial so that they will know what to expect when they walk into the courtroom.
The petitioner puts on evidence first, then the respondent puts on evidence. Usually, the judge rules at the end of trial. Occasionally, the judge will not rule right away. When that happens, the judge usually emails the court’s ruling to all counsel some time later.
The judge will order that one attorney draft the Decree of Divorce. The drafting attorney will send the Decree to the other attorney for review and comments. If the attorneys are not able to agree on the language in the Decree, they will ask the judge to decide.