Don’t Bring Your New Spouse Or Significant Other To Court

There is no “Bring Your New Spouse Or Significant Other To Court” day.  Unless they are going to be a witness, there is usually no good reason for your new spouse or significant other to be with you at family court.  Family court judges encourage the parties and their attorneys to meet and confer and try to reach agreements, even on the day of court.  There is an old saying, which has its basis in truth, that many cases settle on the courthouse steps.  Reaching settlement is almost always more difficult when a party brings their new spouse or significant other to court because doing this often stirs up emotions and spouses and ex-spouses start litigating or re-litigating their relationship and not their divorce

    Court is business, not the place to show off your new spouse or significant other. I’ve seen men bring younger girlfriends and wives to court, which basically says, “see, I got rid of you for a younger model of you.”  I’ve seen women bring their new boyfriend or husbands to court, which basically says, see, “this guy is a real man, unlike you.”    

    Having said this, there are times when having a support person with you in court may be important or even necessary.  For example, if you are the victim of domestic violence, you have the legal right to have a support person in addition to your attorney present in court and even at the counsel table.  Or, you may need to bring a translator with you. And some people are so nervous they need a relative to “hold their hand.” Otherwise, family members should stay home.  If you are getting divorced, it probably means you are an adult.  You’ve got your attorney.  You don’t need an entourage with you.