Negotiating an appearance at a family court in Sydney can be an experience fraught with tension and anxiety on behalf of the client.
Whether they are in the position as applicant or recipient, these matters are rarely quick and outcomes are rarely amicable.
Given the stakes that are involved from child custody and divorce settlement hearings, it is a valuable exercise to have a trusted, experienced and skilled solicitor on hand to guide participants through the process.
We will take stock and examine what they offer local constituents in these settings, outlining why they are seen as an asset in these family court environments.
Planning and Presenting The Case
Lawyers help clients set the tone for their hearing when they attend family court in Sydney. Having undertaken all of the relevant research endeavours with their paralegal team on hand, studied the risks and opportunities presented to them, they are in a position to set the agenda. A judge during a hearing won’t be swayed on emotion or circumstances that are outside of their bounds and instead will focus on evidence and documentation to make their determination. This is where their guidance is vital, being a major asset to swing the case in their client’s favour.
How To Present a Good Personal Image
Although there is no legal rationale behind making decisions based on appearance, a poor personal presentation will do the client no good when they attend family court in Sydney. Attire should venture anywhere from formal to smart casual, ensuring there are no hats, glasses, smartphone or other distractions that could make a poor impression with those situated in the courtroom. These legal practitioners will have the right level of experience to determine which attire will be best within their client’s budgetary limits.
Understanding Time Inconsistencies and Fluctuations
Appointments might have a set time listed on the documents, but there is always the possibility that a hearing can be delayed and pushed back due to time constraints with family court in Sydney. This is where a high level of patience has to be stressed, illustrating that the minutes and hours can quickly accumulate until the case is introduced before a judge or registrar. Rather than being in a quiet state of stress and panic, this is where their presence can work as a calming influence.
How To Address The Judge
There will be applicants and recipients who can negotiate a judge’s demands within a family court in Sydney without legal aid, but there is every chance they will be surprised or unprepared for some elements of proceedings. These professionals are not addressed unless spoken to and their capacity to interject and interrupt during discussions can be off putting. However, with an experienced solicitor on hand, they will outline where the boundaries are and what the judge of the day will respond kindly to.
Understanding The Process
There is every chance that an applicant or recipient won’t have their matter dealt with and finalised within the span of one day at family court in Sydney. An experienced lawyer will verbalise this to the individual and communicate their own expectations on the matter. Adjournments are a regular occurrence in these circumstances, leaving solicitors to negotiate and mediate terms with one and other and returning to finalise any details of the dispute.
No one is forced to hire a lawyer when they have to attend a family court in Sydney, but they will be far better positioned given their experience, guidance and capacity to set the agenda for their client. This is particularly for the case of the recipient who is forced into a defensive position, although applicants are also wise to source counsel to ensure their assets are covered and demands are met.