Most divorcing people in Buffalo are able to settle the major issues out of court, but they still might have to appear in court at least a couple of times before their divorce is final. A few couples cannot agree on anything, and must fight in court over things like property division and child custody.

Whether you only go before the judge once or twice, or spend a year or more getting divorced in the courthouse, the last thing you need is for the judge to turn against you. Judges are supposed to be impartial, of course, but an article in the Huffington Post reminds us, they are also human. Acting obnoxiously or unprofessionally in a courtroom is not a good way of getting what you want in your divorce.

The article provides four things not to do in court if you don’t want the judge to turn against you. While the article does not quote any family court judges, this common-sense advice should apply to any time you find yourself standing before a judge.

1. Dress like a slob. Dressing professionally for a court appearance displays your credibility, while wearing casual or unclean clothes suggests to the judge that you have none.

2. Disrespect the judge –– or anyone else. Obviously, the judge will be offended if you disrespect or talk down to them. They will also notice if you act disrespectfully toward your spouse or any member of their staff.

3. Ordering the judge around. Nobody likes someone else telling them what to do or think, especially judges, who are trained in applying the law to the facts.

4. Take unreasonable stands. Spouses can disagree strongly on child custody and property division, but an extreme or unreasonable request will generally backfire, especially if your spouse is being reasonable.

Going to court can be nerve-racking, but you will feel a lot more assured with an experienced divorce attorney on your side.