Volume I, Issue 4

From the Desk of Attorney Nicholas L. Cushing:

Not all cases go to trial, but if your case does end up in front of a judge, it's critical that you put your best foot forward. Your appearance, attitude and conduct can be just as important as your testimony. Below are some suggestions for your time in court:

1) Dress appropriately. This is #1 on the list because it's very important and often overlooked. In my opinion, it's never a bad idea to wear a suit to court. Your attorney's not going to show up in jeans and a t-shirt, so why should you? If you don't own a suit, try to appear as professional as possible. Although this should be common sense, for some reason people frequently show up in dirty clothes, baseball caps and tank tops. Dressing appropriately shows respect for the court and lets the judge know that you take your case seriously.

2) Address the judge as "your honor" or "judge."

3) Turn off your cell phone. A ringing cell phone can disrupt the proceedings. Some judges will even hold you in contempt if your phone rings, which can mean a fine or jail time. For almost everyone, court will be the most important thing you do that day. Turn your phone off before entering the courtroom and check your messages after court or during a break.

4) Don't interrupt the judge. If the judge is speaking to you or asking a question, always allow him or her to finish before you respond. Remember, the judge is the boss of the courtroom and cannot lose control.

5) Don't argue with the judge. If the judge misunderstands the facts or the issue it's important to attempt to clarify your point, but do so in a way that shows respect for the judge and his or her position.

6) Remain calm and in control of your emotions. If you're testifying and genuinely can't hold back some tears, that's ok; it happens all the time. But shouting, making threats or throwing things is never acceptable behavior in the courtroom.

7) Be on time. If you're late, the judge may dismiss your case. Be sure to allow extra time for parking and to get through security.

8) Respect the courtroom personnel. The clerk, deputy and others deal with many people every day, and their jobs are critical in making the justice system operate as smoothly as possible.

9) Use common sense.

Weekend Fun!

By Jenny Pattana

With the holiday lights stored away and the Christmas tree gone from your living room, the holidays are over. It was a successful one but your wallet took a beating. But, you want to take advantage of the weekend and your time with your family. Many places are much cheaper and less crowded after the holiday season has ended. Places such as the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC allow visitors to have access to the house, the gardens, and the winery for a cheaper admission than during the holiday season. Grandfather Mountain, located in Linville, NC, has an elevation of 5,964 ft. with a view to die for. With the Mile High Swinging Bridge, a nature museum, hiking trails, and a wildlife habitat of black bears and river otters, Grandfather Mountain is a great place to visit. The NC Zoo in Asheboro is recognized as one of the nation's finest zoos and has exhibits closely resembling the natural habitat of the animal. A visit to the NC Zoo in the winter allows you to enjoy the animals with less crowds and at a slower pace than during warmer months. If you want to get away and get away from the city, try planning a weekend trip to the beach. Even though it may be slightly too cold to go into the water, it is the best time to go because hotel fares and house rentals are cheap, plus it is not crowded. No matter how you spend your time, you should always spend it with people you love. I hope everyone has a great New Year!

Knowledge is Power

By Claire Cox Krusch

The title for this edition's newsletter popped out at me while I was searching for a book to review.

"The Truth About Children and Divorce"
By Robert E. Emery, PH. D.

No doubt about it, divorce is painful. Dr. Emery shows how our powerful emotions, and the way we handle them, shape how we divorce and whether our children will suffer or thrive in the long run.

I like that the message to the reader is hopeful. We can all use hope during painful situations. Dr. Emery is realistic however; parents can help promote their children's resilience.

With compassion, Dr. Emery explains how a new understanding can assist parents manage the potentially toxic feelings of their divorce and deal more effectively with the necessary daily tasks-from talking to children and creating a workable parenting schedule to dealing with legal issues.

The book also reveals:

• Why it is so hard to really make divorce work
• How anger and fighting can keep a parent from truly separating.

Dr. Emery states that children can survive and thrive after divorce if parents can find the right way to manage their relationship with their children and with each other.

"If you, as the parent, can remain effective and loving, your so-called child of divorce (a term that Dr. Emery does not like to use) will be a child first and foremost."

"Call it your take-home message, your mantra, your affirmation-whatever you want. Just believe it."

This well written, easy to read book can be purchased at all bookstores. The price is $24.95.

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