If you’re involved in a family law trial in BC Supreme Court, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success. It pays to know how to go about this to ensure that the best possible outcome will be reached.
If you find yourself in this scenario, this blog post will shed light on some logical steps to take when tackling a family court trial. With these steps in mind, you’ll be in a good position to win.
1 – Serve the Filed Trial Brief to the Other Party
If you are the plaintiff, you must serve a copy of your filed trial brief to the other party. This is a document that summarizes your case and any supporting evidence. The trial brief must be filed and served to the other party before the first day of the trial. It should be filed at least two weeks before the trial date.
2 – Depose the Other Party
This is an opportunity to question the other party under oath and to have their answers recorded by a court reporter. The answers given during the deposition can be used at trial. Depositions can be conducted in person or by telephone.
3 – Subpoena Witnesses
You can subpoena witnesses to appear at trial and testify on your behalf. A subpoena is a court order that requires a person to appear in court and give testimony. Subpoenas are typically served on witnesses by a sheriff or a process server.
4 – Prepare for Cross-Examination
You should be prepared to be cross-examined by the other party. Cross-examination is a tool that can be used to challenge the credibility of a witness. It is important to be prepared for cross-examination so that you can maintain your composure and not be caught off guard by the other party’s questions.
5 – File According to the Deadline
It is important to file any and all paperwork on time. If you do not file your paperwork on time, the court may dismiss your case. If you are unfamiliar with the deadlines, or if you are unsure, it is best to consult with your lawyer to ensure that you take all the right steps and file everything in a timely manner.
6 – Document and Authorities Books
You should bring a “Document and Authorities” book with you to court. This book should contain all of the evidence that you plan to present at trial. This evidence may include documents, photographs, and other items that support your case. The book should be organized and easy to follow so that the judge can easily find the evidence that you are presenting.
7 – Be Respectful
It is important to be respectful to the judge, the other party, and their lawyer. You should always use proper language and avoid using profanity. You should also avoid making any personal attacks against the other party or their lawyer. If you are disrespectful, the judge may find that you are not credible and may not consider your evidence.
Conclusion
If you are involved in a family court case, there are several things that you can do to prepare for your day in court. Taking these tips to heart and applying them when you are processing your case and when you are in court will ensure that you get the best possible result after the trial.
If you are looking for a skilled and experienced family lawyer, contact Dreyer and Associates Law LLP. We have extensive experience in terms of family law, wills and estates, and residential conveyancing, among others. Book a consultation today!