How do you prepare for a court hearing for an order of protection?

Question

I have a hearing in family court tomorrow morning for an order of protection. I have an attorney and I'm sure he's going to show up with one too. I'm guessing he's going to try and make me look like a liar and I'm just very nervous and scared. Anyone been through this and have any advice? Any advice from attorneys would be helpful too. This has been going on for 8 years and this is the first one out of 12 that he'll be present for...thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Unless visitation with a child that you want to protect is at steak and can prove he is a danger to that child, it is emotionally time to grow up and at least think about supervised visitation or moving on with your life if no child is involved.

Just because you have a bad relationship with the child's father does not mean his a danger to the child and you need to emotionally detach yourself from the decision.

If you truly feel his is a threat to your child, then testify and be honest and complete in your testimony and remember the reason why you are testifying, which should calm you and make your resolve strong...that is all you can do.

Answer 2

I assume you are the one seeking to have a protective ordered against your ex?  Don't worry.  In these cases, the complainant usually has already signed an affidavit setting out facts why protection is necessary.  He and his attorney have probably seen it already.   If it goes to a hearing, then yes, his attorney is going to try to make you look like a liar, drug addict, con, mentally ill---ANYTHING he can to persuade the judge that the protective order should not be issued.  However my experience is that most judges rule in favor the party seeking protection out of an abundance of caution.  Good luck to you.