Almost all of us use the services of an attorney sometimes during our lives. It's usual procedure to need them if we have to go to court, perhaps for divorces and if, by bad luck, we find ourselves the target of a lawsuit. We'll only actually end up in court if all else fails and the stakes are too high if we lose.

Probably attorneys are most often used in divorce and because this isn't an everyday occurrence we have no idea when the proceedings start how much it will cost us. In addition, we don't know what's going on behind the scenes; if they're trying to get in with the judge or with other attorneys. The sad fact is that although they're working for us they rarely show us the courtesy their fees should warrant.

Either you need to find an attorney who will be prepared to look after you or you do it yourself! Finding an honest, hard working attorney who will be devoted to your case is not easy. It takes time and, very often that's a commodity we don't have at the time. We're often forced into a corner and take the first attorney that we're offered. We don't ask the most basic questions like, 'what are your fees?' or 'what are your success rates?' but we're just grateful that someone is willing to take our case. At the end of the day, we're very vulnerable. If it doesn't go well in court and we're told that it was the best possible deal we could expect from that particular judge we have no come-back. We have to pay up to the court and pay up to the attorney.

The alternative is to defend ourselves. It's not very often done, but if it's done correctly it can give a huge advantage because it will impress the judge. The first thing we need to know are the court basics: the plaintiff files the complaint and the defendant answers the complaint. The case is heard in front of a judge and, if necessary, a jury. The judge will be in charge but it is the jury who decide the verdict. When they have given their verdict to the judge the sentence is decided upon.

If the case is a disagreement the plaintiff and defendant are encouraged to settle matters out of court. Not only does this save time and tension but it also saves huge expense. On many occasions, however, the parties cannot settle their differences and it is then the job of the court to examine the evidence, hear the testimonies, and consider the arguments and to offer its judgment.

If you decide to defend yourself you need to play the 'courtroom game' and for this you must:
1~Treat the judge like a god. Never be flippant or rude to him.
2~Judges always have too many cases scheduled to them and so they want to get through everything as quickly as possible. So, don't annoy him by waffling. Be short and to the point and make your arguments logical.
3~When you speak to the judge, address him as 'your honor'. Look him in the eyes in an honest way and without any confrontation. If there is a particular point that he can't grasp say 'with all due respect'. Show him that you're sincere, rational and understanding and the chances are that you'll gain his respect.
4~Make sure that you dress carefully. Never wear anything that cause disrespect or that you feel you won't be taken seriously in.

If you can follow these simple rules the chances are that you'll get the judge on your side. He will be impressed that you feel so passionate about your case and that you're brave enough to tackle the court scene without training. As long as you are respectful and are in control of the facts of the case and the proper court procedure, you stand a good chance of succeeding.

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